When you have a dishwasher that’s not draining, post-meal cleanup can start to get a little frustrating. Fortunately, troubleshooting this issue is actually something you can do yourself!

In this blog post, All Brands Appliance Repair will walk you through the steps of troubleshooting a dishwasher that won’t drain. Run through this checklist and see if your problem is solved!

Troubleshooting Checklist for a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Here’s what to do:

1. Locate your dishwasher’s filter. It’ll be at the bottom of the tub, either underneath the spray arm or in the back. 
2. Clear any debris out of the filter. Large pieces of food or shreds of paper or plastic may not have broken down properly and could be blocking the filter. You can remove this debris by simply wiping it away. If your unit has a cage around your filter, though, you’ll need to unscrew that first. 
3. Access your dishwasher’s drain hose. First, disconnect your dishwasher’s power by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Then, unscrew your dishwasher’s toe-kick, a.k.a. the panel near the floor, which is where you’ll find the drain hose. (The drain hose is usually the only hose with ridges, but check your owner’s manual if there’s any doubt.)
4. Check your drain hose’s airflow. Do this by loosening the clamp around the drain hose, disconnecting the drain hose from the pump, and blowing through the drain hose with your mouth. If there are any blockages or kinks in the hose preventing airflow, remove them. 
5. Check your dishwasher’s inlet pipe. This is where your dishwasher connects to the water source under your sink. If there’s any corrosion or buildup, clear it out using a sharp tool like a screwdriver.
6. See if your dishwasher has a drain valve. Hint: If it has a valve bracket, it has a drain valve. Most dishwasher models have one. This valve is what prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it’s been drained.
7. Test the drain valve by pushing on the bracket. Does it move freely, or is it stuck in place? If it’s stuck, then the electrical component that controls it is probably burnt out and needs to be replaced.

If you run through this whole checklist and your dishwasher starts draining again, great! Your work is done. However, if your dishwasher still isn’t draining after you clear out blockages, or if you discover that a component needs replacing, you’ll need to call in a technician.

At All Brands Appliance Repair, we’re your source for professional, affordable dishwasher repairs in Wilmington and beyond. Call today to schedule an appointment!