Dishwasher Not Draining?
Why is my dishwasher not draining? Common causes, what you can check, and when to call our licensed and insured technicians.
Licensed & Insured
6-Month Warranty
Mon–Fri 8am–10pm · Sat 8am–4pm · Sun 8am–10pm (EDT)
Equipment We Service
Ovens & Cooking
Refrigerators & Freezers
Ice Makers
Dishwashers
Washers & Dryers
2018
Serving Since
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Upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We never perform repairs without the customer’s approval.
Service-call pricing
FREE with repair — every tier goes toward your repair, $0 extra.
Standard Most appliances + brands | $115 |
Luxury High-end (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, BlueStar, Thermador, etc.) | $170 |
Commercial Walk-in coolers, commercial laundry, restaurant equipment | $150 |
Warranty: 6-month parts, 1-month labor. Technician quotes the repair on-site before any work.
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It's frustrating when your dishwasher leaves you with a puddle at the bottom instead of sparkling clean dishes. A dishwasher that's not draining can be a real inconvenience, especially here in Philadelphia. There are several common reasons this might be happening, from simple clogs to more complex issues with the pump or hoses. On this page, we'll walk you through some of the most frequent culprits, explain what you might be able to safely check yourself, and help you decide when it's time to call in a professional to get your appliance back in working order.
Common causes of dishwasher not draining
Clogged Drain Filter or Pump
importantCan DIY checkFood debris, labels, or other gunk can accumulate in the dishwasher's drain filter or the drain pump itself, preventing water from exiting.
Blocked Drain Hose
importantCan DIY checkThe flexible hose connecting the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal can become kinked or clogged with food particles and grease.
Faulty Drain Pump Motor
criticalPro recommendedThe motor that powers the drain pump may have failed, meaning it can no longer push water out of the dishwasher.
Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug Issue
importantCan DIY checkIf a new garbage disposal was recently installed, the knockout plug inside the dishwasher drain connection might not have been removed, blocking the drain.
Problem with the Air Gap (if applicable)
minorCan DIY checkThe air gap, a small fixture on the sink or countertop, can become clogged, preventing proper drainage.
Control Board Malfunction
criticalPro recommendedLess commonly, the electronic control board that manages the dishwasher's cycles may not be signaling the drain pump to activate.
Quick checks you can run safely
- 1
Check the Drain Filter
Locate and remove the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Clean out any food particles or debris. Rinse it thoroughly under running water.
Safety: Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged before reaching into the tub. - 2
Inspect the Drain Hose for Kinks
Carefully pull the dishwasher out slightly (if possible) to check if the drain hose is bent or kinked. Straighten any kinks.
Safety: Be cautious when pulling the appliance; ensure it is stable and won't tip. Water may spill when the hose is disconnected or straightened. - 3
Verify Garbage Disposal Connection
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, ensure the knockout plug was removed when the disposal was installed. You may need to disconnect the hose from the disposal to check.
Safety: Disconnect the dishwasher from power before disconnecting hoses. Water may spill. - 4
Clean the Air Gap (if present)
Remove the decorative cover of the air gap on your sink. Unscrew the cap and clean out any debris inside the air gap body and hoses connected to it.
- 5
Check the Drain Pump Impeller
After removing the filter, you may be able to see the drain pump's impeller. Check if it's blocked by debris and try to gently rotate it to ensure it's not seized.
Safety: Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged. Be careful of sharp objects or debris.
When to call a pro right away
Water is not draining after multiple cleaning attempts.
Persistent standing water can indicate a more serious internal issue like a failed pump or a blockage deep within the system that requires professional tools and expertise.
You suspect a faulty drain pump motor.
Replacing a drain pump motor involves working with electrical components and potentially disassembling parts of the dishwasher, which is best left to trained technicians.
The dishwasher is making unusual noises during the drain cycle.
Strange grinding, humming, or buzzing sounds can signal a failing motor or a pump obstruction that could lead to further damage if not addressed promptly.
You are uncomfortable performing any of the diagnostic steps.
Safety is paramount. If any step involves electrical connections, water spillage, or requires specialized tools, it's safer to call a professional.
Saw a red flag above? Don't wait.
Same-day service. transparent service-call pricing (applied to repair) — applied to your repair.
Related issues we fix
Error code on your display?
Look up your brand's error codes for dishwasher not draining — we cover the most common codes for each brand we service.
This page provides general diagnostic guidance for dishwasher not draining. Specific causes and repairs vary by appliance brand, model, and condition. For accurate diagnosis, contact a licensed appliance repair technician. Repairs involving refrigerant systems, gas lines, or high-voltage circuits require certified professionals — DIY attempts on these systems may be illegal and dangerous.
How our repair process works
Five steps from your first call to the warranty receipt. No surprises.
- 1
Inspection
Your technician examines the appliance, listens to your description, and notes the model + serial for parts lookup. Visual + audio-based diagnostics first — non-invasive.
- 2
Diagnostics
Targeted tests on the failing subsystem (compressor, control board, heating element, motor, etc.) to identify the exact root cause. You get a clear explanation, not jargon.
- 3
Fix decision
Up-front estimate before any work begins: cost, parts, and the realistic likelihood of success vs. recommending replacement on an old or uneconomical unit. You decide.
- 4
Operational test
After the repair we run the appliance through its normal cycle on-site — never "it should work now, call us if it doesn't." You sign off when it's actually working.
- 5
Warranty + consultation
Receipt with warranty terms in writing. Plus a quick walkthrough of how to extend the appliance's life (filter cleaning, drain maintenance, etc.) — included free.
Hours of Operation(all times EDT)
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