Dishwasher Not Draining

About This Problem

Standing water in your dishwasher after a cycle indicates a drainage problem that needs attention.

Common Symptoms

• Water standing in bottom after cycle
• Dishes come out wet and dirty
• Gurgling sounds during drain
• Bad odor from standing water

Possible Causes

• Clogged drain filter
• Blocked drain hose
• Garbage disposal connection issues
• Faulty drain pump
• Check valve stuck
• Air gap clogged

What You Can Try

• Clean drain filter thoroughly
• Check and clear drain hose
• Clear garbage disposal knockout
• Clean air gap if present
• Test and replace drain pump

What a Technician Should Check

Direct answer: A professional diagnosis for dishwasher not draining should confirm the symptom, reproduce the failure when possible, inspect the most likely causes, and explain whether the issue is urgent. The quote should separate labor, parts, and any safety-related recommendations before work starts.

• Confirm when the dishwasher problem started
• Check power, controls, airflow, water, gas, or drainage as relevant
• Test the most common failure points before replacing parts
• Explain repair urgency and whether continued use is risky

Repair or Replace?

Repair usually makes sense when the equipment is otherwise reliable, parts are available, and the fix addresses a clear failure. Replacement becomes more reasonable when the same issue repeats, the unit is near end of life, or the repair cost approaches a meaningful share of replacement cost. We explain both paths before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions