Dishwasher Not Draining: Causes and Fixes for Any Brand
Sources checked: October 21, 2026. This guide summarizes the manufacturer pages linked at the end. CodeFix Home is independent of all appliance brands, and this guide has not been reviewed by a licensed appliance technician.
Quick answer
Water left in the bottom of a dishwasher is most often caused by a clogged filter or sump, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a clogged air gap, or — right after a new garbage disposal is installed — a knockout plug that was never removed. Make the dishwasher safe first, remove the standing water, then check the filter and the drain path in that order. If draining doesn’t improve, or you see electrical warning signs, it’s time for service.
Safety first (per Whirlpool): switch the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker — not just the control panel — and confirm the display is dark. Close the water supply valve under the sink. Lay towels down. Don’t pour chemical drain openers into the dishwasher, and don’t use sharp tools that could puncture the drain hose. Stop and call a qualified technician if you notice a burning smell, damaged wiring, or the breaker trips repeatedly. Safety disclaimer
Step by step
- Remove the standing water. With power and water off, bail out the water with a cup, then clear the sump with a turkey baster or small hand pump and towels.
- Clean the filters and sump. Remove the lower rack and take out the filter assembly (many models have an upper and a lower filter). Rinse away food and debris, check the sump underneath for anything blocking it (glass, bones, seeds), reseat the filters and run a short rinse cycle. Full steps: how to clean a dishwasher filter.
- Check the drain hose and sink connection. Under the sink, look for kinks or sagging. The hose should have a high loop or connect to a working air gap so dirty water can’t flow back. If a garbage disposal was just installed, make sure its knockout plug was removed. A clogged hose may need to be disconnected and flushed, and the sink tailpiece and trap checked. Reattach the hose and run a short cycle.
- Clean the air gap. If there’s a small cylinder on the sink or countertop, lift off its cap and remove debris.
- Still not draining? If the steps above are clear and water remains, or you notice electrical problems, schedule service. A drain pump or motor fault is a repair for a technician.
Quick symptom guide
| What you notice | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| Dirty water and food bits in the bottom | Clogged filter or sump |
| Problem started right after a new disposal was installed | Knockout plug not removed |
| Water comes out of the countertop air gap | Clogged air gap or drain hose |
| Kitchen sink is also slow | Clog in the sink trap or household drain — a plumbing issue rather than the dishwasher |
| Filter, hose and air gap are clear but water remains | Possible drain pump problem — schedule service |
This table is our summary for quick orientation, not a diagnosis.
Preventing it next time
- Scrape food off plates before loading.
- Clean the filter on a regular schedule — see the frequency table in our filter-cleaning guide.
- Make sure the drain hose keeps its high loop if anything under the sink is moved.
When to call a professional
- Water remains after the filter, hose and air gap have been checked.
- The household drain line itself is clogged.
- You smell burning, see damaged wiring, or the breaker trips.
- Water leaks onto the floor or toward electrical connections.
Related guides
Official sources
- Whirlpool — Dishwasher not draining (checked Oct 21, 2026)
General information only; follow your owner’s manual. Featured image: illustration, not a photograph.
