Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? Top 7 Causes and How to Fix Them

There are many things that can go wrong with a dishwasher. The most common issue is when it doesn’t drain. If this happens, you need to address the problem as soon as possible because it will result in other more difficult problems if left untreated. To troubleshoot your dishwasher not draining, we have given some steps to help you fix them.

Plumbing problems often seem like they are more trouble than they are worth. You can fix the issue on your own if you know what you are doing.

What Causes Dishwasher Not Draining? Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

Is your dishwasher not draining properly? Have you noticed an unusual grinding noise coming from your dishwasher? Is it vibrating more than usual, or seem to be running on the spin cycle longer than usual? If so, the problem might not be as simple as replacing the filter.

The drain pump and motor could also need to be replaced. Most people don’t realize that their dishwasher can have this issue until they’ve already had several problems with water pooling in their kitchen sink or coming up through the floor. It’s important to listen to any sound to know if the problem is simple or complex.

Let’s look at the possible causes and solutions for it.

Clogged Drain Hose

There is a drain hose that runs from the dishwasher to the main sink water line. It’s usually made of plastic and has ridges on it.

You will need to look at the drain hose with a flashlight and inspect for clogs or blockages before you can get the dishwasher working again.

You may also want to use a long wire coat hanger to inspect the drain hose, especially if it is blocked up or kinked.

Using a pair of pliers or needlenose pliers, twist the drain hose tightly to seal off any potential leaks. It helps to temporarily secure the drain hose wrap with a rubber band or tie it securely in a knot. If the hose is too loose, it will be more prone to kinks and punctures. Carefully reattach the drain hose after checking the actual connection between the valve and pipe.

Reset the cycle

Go ahead and try again. If your dishwasher is interrupted in the middle of a cycle, it probably can’t differentiate between an empty load and a full one. The number of dishes that can fit in a dishwasher varies depending on the size of the basket. Once that initial confusion passes, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to clean up. However, if you are having difficulties, this manual may have instructions for you.

If there isn’t a cancel button on your machine, some may have an audible alarm system for interruptions. Depending on the model of appliance, you should be able to find the “reset” button to reset your dishwasher.

A reset button is an important tool in every dishwasher. The reset button is present on most modern appliances, and you should use it if you accidentally stop the dishwasher mid-cycle.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

The dishwasher is not draining; then the possible culprit maybe is the garbage disposal. Your dishwasher is most likely having a problem with the connection to your garbage disposal, which is why it’s not draining at the end of a cycle. A clogged or faulty disposer can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher not to drain residual water. It could also be that your disposer is clogged because, inside its drain tube, there’s usually a solid plug that blocks drainage.

If you have been noticing an issue with your dishwasher draining, the problem likely has something to do with your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals and dishwashers are connected in some way, so problems with one will often affect the other.

Be sure to follow proper garbage disposal guidelines in order to avoid future problems. By following these guidelines, you can stop a clogged drain from backing up into your dishwasher and eventually solve it altogether.

Put aside some time each week to take care of your garbage disposal. Keeping it clean and free of debris can keep it from backing up, which can cause problems with your dishwasher.

Cleaning the disposal once every week is a good idea as well.

Faulty Drain Valves

If you are looking for your Kenmore dishwasher source not draining properly, you should check out the drain valves. If they have a fault, it is possible that water will back up into the dishwasher and cause problems like bad smells.

The valve is near your dishwasher motor, and they help to allow wastewater to drain out of your dishwasher. Faulty valves cause backflow, which causes dirty water to flow back into the dishwasher and create a bad smell. To fix this issue, just clean up any food debris that may be clogging the drain valve or replace it with a new one.

This article will show you how to fix faulty valves! 

1. First, remove the drain hose from your sink and put it on top of a bucket or container (to catch any overflow). 
2. Fill up with water and turn on the tap.
3. Start the drain cycle.

If the valve does not close, then the valve may be faulty.

Fixing a faulty valve is easy if you know what to do. First, remove the valve to check what it needs. Clean off the dirt in it. But if the valve is bad, try to replace it as a faulty valve cannot be fixed.

Clogged Drain Pump

The pump assembly is comprised of a pump (whatever type), wash impeller, and drain impeller. The wash impeller pushes water through the spray arm, and the drain impeller directs water to the drain port. Clean out any debris that may be blocking the pump assembly. Replace any parts that are worn or defective.

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, the motor is probably running in the wrong direction. Check the direction of the rotor with a finger to make sure. Also, check for corrosion on the bottom of the appliance and its connections.

If the drain pump is not working, be sure to check your machine’s circuit for any leaks or broken cables. If you check the winding and motor thoroughly, the longer-term fix may be replacing the motor. If your drain pump does not seem to fit correctly with your machine, then it may be time to replace it.

Clean the Air Gap

The air gap also known as the trap, is located at the back of a sink in most kitchens. It allows water to flow from your sink into your garbage disposal. The trap needs regular cleaning to remove debris and waste that can build up over time as hard water deposits and mineral build-up. Clear out the drain air gap regularly with a wire brush to improve drainage.

We hope that now you are not facing the Dishwasher Not Draining problem. Please do comment with your questions, and we will be happy to answer them