Dishwasher Not Draining? When to Call a Technician
Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher? Here’s what usually causes it.
Finding standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle finishes is a common and, fortunately, usually fixable problem. Here’s how to work through the most likely causes.
A Clogged Filter or Drain Basket
This is the single most common cause. Food particles, labels, and small debris collect in the filter or drain basket at the bottom of the tub and, once clogged enough, block water from draining out.
A Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
The hose that carries wastewater to your garbage disposal or drain line can get kinked behind the dishwasher, or partially clogged, especially if it hasn’t been checked in a while.
A Garbage Disposal Connection Issue
If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, a clogged disposal, or one that was recently installed without removing the knockout plug for the dishwasher connection, will block drainage completely.
A Failing Drain Pump
If the filter, hose, and disposal connection all check out, the drain pump itself may have failed or be obstructed by a small object, like a piece of broken glass or a bottle cap.
A Faulty Check Valve
Some dishwashers use a small check valve to prevent water from flowing back in after draining. If it sticks closed, water won’t drain even though the pump is working.
What to Check First
- Remove and thoroughly clean the bottom filter and drain basket
- Run the garbage disposal to clear anything blocking that connection
- Check the drain hose behind the unit for kinks
- If you recently installed a new garbage disposal, confirm the dishwasher knockout plug was removed
Typical Repair Cost Ranges
| Issue | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Filter or drain basket cleaning | $0 – $100 |
| Drain hose repair | $80 – $150 |
| Drain pump replacement | $150 – $300 |
These are general estimates based on typical industry pricing for this type of repair — your exact cost depends on the appliance’s make, model, and what’s actually wrong with it. Call for a free, no-obligation quote before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dishwasher Not Draining Properly?
We’ll clear the clog or replace the failed part so your dishwasher drains like new.
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