A dishwasher not draining is usually caused by a minor blockage or installation issue—and in many cases, it’s something you can safely check yourself.
There’s nothing more frustrating than opening the door and finding standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher. An appliance meant to make cleaning easier has suddenly left you with more to clean than ever.
This is your complete guide to why your dishwasher won’t drain, including how to remove standing water safely, what to check first, and when it’s time to bring in a Pro.
A little water left after a cycle can be normal, but a dishwasher that won’t drain fully usually points to a blockage somewhere in the drain system. Before you worry about a major repair, check for one of these common causes of a dishwasher not draining properly.
If you’re dealing with water not emptying from the dishwasher, these are the first places to look. If you’re still unsure, let’s explore how to unclog a dishwasher or how to drain a dishwasher with standing water with a little more depth.
Before you try any fixes, you’ll want to remove the standing water so you can see what’s going on inside the appliance. If your dishwasher won’t drain at all, follow these steps to clear it safely:
This simple method for how to drain a dishwasher with standing water works for most machines and gives you a clear starting point before troubleshooting.
Not sure what you’re seeing? Members with select plans can use video chat* in the AHS app for real-time guidance from a repair Expert.
*Video chat available as a member benefit with select AHS plans. Video chat hours are from 8AM - 9PM CST, 7 days/week. Subject to change.
Once the water is cleared, you can troubleshoot the most common reasons a dishwasher won’t drain. Most of these steps work even if you’re dealing with a major clog or water not emptying from the dishwasher after multiple cycles.
Most dishwashers have a Cancel, Drain, or Reset mode. Running this cycle forces the pump to try clearing remaining water and can solve the problem if it’s a temporary blockage.
If your dishwasher connects to the disposal, a clog there can send water back into the dishwasher. Run the disposal for 30 seconds to clear food waste from the shared drain path.
Look for items that may have fallen from the racks, like utensils, glass, labels, or chunks of food. Even small pieces can block the drain area and leave a dishwasher not draining.
A dirty filter is one of the most common answers to “why is my dishwasher not draining?” Remove the filter (usually located at the bottom of the tub) and rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush if needed. If the filter is damaged or overly worn, replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked, clogged, or loose at the connection point.
A blocked or kinked hose can easily stop water from emptying from the dishwasher.
Many dishwashers have a drain valve near the bottom of the appliance. Gently push the valve arm to make sure it moves freely. If it’s stuck, the dishwasher can’t release water properly and may need a repair.
If you’re learning how to unclog a dishwasher and want a gentle cleaning solution, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the drain area. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes, then run hot water or a rinse cycle. This can help dissolve grease or soap buildup.
A humming, clicking, or unusually quiet dishwasher may indicate an issue with the drain pump or motor. If the machine doesn’t sound like it normally does in addition to not draining, it may be time to make a service request.
Most drainage issues come down to buildup or blockages that form slowly over time. A few simple maintenance habits can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and reduce the chances of standing water returning.
Here are some ways to prevent clogs and drainage issues:
These small steps keep your dishwasher clean, can help extend the lifespan of the appliance, and reduce how often you’ll experience issues like the water not emptying from the dishwasher after a cycle.
Make sure dishwasher filters are reinstalled correctly, or debris can bypass them and end up in the drain system.
If you’ve tried the steps above and your dishwasher still won’t drain, the problem may be deeper in the system, like a faulty drain pump, a stuck valve assembly, or electrical issues that require a trained professional for a repair.
You should consider calling a repair Pro when:
With an American Home Shield® home warranty plan, you can request service from qualified, independent Pros who diagnose and repair covered dishwasher issues. When drainage problems turn into repeat headaches, having experienced help can save both time and stress.
When your dishwasher won’t drain, you don’t have to tackle it alone. With the American Home Shield app, you can request service* in just a few taps and, as a benefit to select plans, you can video chat** with a live repair Expert at no extra cost to help assess or even fix the issue in real time.
And if you’re troubleshooting other household hiccups, the Home Matters blog has you covered, from figuring out what to do when you find standing water in your washing machine and beyond. Don’t Worry. Be Warranty.
*See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.
**Video chat available as a member benefit with select AHS plans. Video chat hours are from 8AM-9PM CST, 7 days/week. Subject to change.
AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.
