How to Fix a Dishwasher with Drainage Issues: Troubleshooting & Solutions

Co-authored by Gevorg Grigorian and Amber Crain

Last Updated: April 26, 2024 Fact Checked

You open your dishwasher to put away your sparkling clean dishes only to find a massive puddle at the bottom of the machine. Don’t panic! Troubleshooting and fixing most dishwasher drainage issues is a quick and easy process. In this article we’ll explain how to check the different components of your dishwasher, pinpoint the problem, and take care of it yourself. If you're ready to get your dishwasher back to full functionality, scroll down!

Things You Should Know

Take out the dishes and disconnect the power. Then, soak up the standing water inside the dishwasher with towels so you can access the parts.
Remove and clean the filter with warm, soapy water to get rid of food debris and buildup.
Check the drain hose for kinks and blockages. If the drain hose looks damaged, you may need to replace it.

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1

Remove any dishes and cut the power.

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Just place the dishes in the sink for now. It's also important to turn off the power before you start troubleshooting to avoid electrical shock. Just unplug the dishwasher or shut off the circuit its connected to and you're ready to go.^{[1]
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2

Soak up standing water with towels.

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Spread towels on the ground around the dishwasher to catch spills. If the standing water is pretty deep, it'll be faster to scoop it out with a cup and then soak the last of it up with towels. If you have a wet/dry vac, you can use that instead and get the job done a little faster.^{[2]
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- If you'd like, spread towels on the floor around the dishwasher to catch splashes or spills.

3

Clean the drain filter and drain.

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The circular filter is in the bottom center of the dishwasher. The filter may be covered with fine mash. Every filter is a little different, but the removal process is basically the same—lift it straight up out of the dishwasher. Then, scrub the filter thoroughly with hot, soapy water and put it back in place.^{[3]
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Gevorg Grigorian
Appliance Repair Expert

Expert Interview. 30 July 2020.}
- The drain (also known as the sump) is the hole beneath the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher. Put on a pair of gloves and clean out the drain with your fingers. Remove solid chunks of food and any other debris inside it.
- If you’re having trouble identifying the dishwasher parts, check online for your model number and download the user manual.

4

Clean out the air gap cylinder.

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Air gap buildup is common with Bosch and Whirlpool dishwashers. You can find the air gap mounted right next to your sink faucet. It looks like a raised cylinder or knob. Remove the small cylindrical covering to access the air gap (which is usually white). Remove any built-up grime you see with tweezers or an old toothbrush, then pop the cylinder back into place.^{[4]
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- Your plumbing may not feature an air gap, so don't panic if you don't see one.^{[5]
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5

Run the garbage disposal.

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A garbage disposal clog may be causing your drainage issue. Most dishwashers are connected to the garbage disposal. To see if your garbage disposal is causing the problem, just turn it on like you normally would for about 60 seconds to clear away any leftover food.^{[6]
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- If the garbage disposal makes unusually loud sounds and struggles to function normally, try cleaning out your drains.

6

Check the drain hose for kinks.

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The drain hose connects the sink drain to the dishwasher. You’ll see the hose underneath the sink running between it and the dishwasher. Use a flashlight to follow the hose to the drainage area. If you see any bends or kinks in the hose, straighten them out with your fingers.^{[7]
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Gevorg Grigorian
Appliance Repair Expert

Expert Interview. 30 July 2020.}
- You may need to remove the kick plate on the front of the dishwasher to access the drain hose.

7

Remove the drain hose and clean it.

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A drain hose blockage can cause standing water in your dishwasher. Disconnect the hose and scrub the inside with a long, flexible brush to clear away any clogs. Reconnect the hose when you’re done.^{[8]
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- If the drain hose or connection points look damaged, you may need to replace the drain hose altogether.
- Be sure to put the drain hose back in place when you’re done! Otherwise, water will go all over the place when you turn the dishwasher on.
- Also, make sure you install a high loop in the drain hose under the sink to ensure proper draining of the dishwasher. If you aren't comfortable with this, call a professional plumber or appliance technician to install this for you.

8

Run the dishwasher on a short cycle.

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Test out the dishwasher to see if you’ve fixed the issue. Once you’ve troubleshooted everything, run a new wash cycle without any dishes inside. Pick the shortest cycle so you won't have to wait long. Then, open the dishwasher and check for standing water.^{[9]
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- If your dishwasher is pretty dirty after having standing water in it, pour 3 cups (710 ml) of white vinegar in the bottom before you run the dishwasher using the hottest cycle.^{[10]
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- A very small amount of water in the bottom of a dishwasher is normal.
- If the water is still deep and won’t drain, a faulty drain valve may be to blame. Working on the drain valve is best left to a professional, so call a plumber for assistance.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What's an air gap?

Gevorg Grigorian
Appliance Repair Expert
Gevorg Grigorian is an Appliance Repair Specialist and the Owner of G and R Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Gevorg specializes in residential and commercial appliance repairs as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services. Gevorg holds a BS in Business Administration and Management from California State University-Northridge.

Gevorg Grigorian

Appliance Repair Expert

Expert Answer

An air gap is what your dishwasher's drain hose connects to. It can sometimes become clogged and prevent your dishwasher from draining.

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While the dishwasher was running, the counter top above flooded with water. What would cause that?

Justin Evatt
Home Appliance Technician
Justin Evatt is a Home Appliance Technician based in Clemson, South Carolina. Justin owns Appliance Tech, providing professional service and repair to the surrounding Upstate South Carolina area. The technicians at Appliance Tech are CFC certified, factory trained to service many major appliance brands and specialize in Washer, Dryer, Oven, and Refrigerator repair.

Justin Evatt

Home Appliance Technician

Expert Answer

That's probably due to water being forced out of the air gap at the top of the dishwasher. Check the filters, drain hose, and drain valve for clogs, which are the most common cause. If you can't find any clogs, your dishwasher's motherboard might have an issue or a part might need to be replaced.

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Question

My dishwasher has no lights and will not turn on. It stopped in the middle of a cycle. What can I do?

Justin Evatt
Home Appliance Technician
Justin Evatt is a Home Appliance Technician based in Clemson, South Carolina. Justin owns Appliance Tech, providing professional service and repair to the surrounding Upstate South Carolina area. The technicians at Appliance Tech are CFC certified, factory trained to service many major appliance brands and specialize in Washer, Dryer, Oven, and Refrigerator repair.

Justin Evatt

Home Appliance Technician

Expert Answer

Replace your thermal fuse. This is more than likely the issue. They run about $20 - use the internet to search for your part number based on your dishwasher's model number.

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Tips

Sometimes, if the dishwasher is not leveled properly, it can result in improper draining. If you’ve recently done any major kitchen remodeling, this could be the issue.

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Many times a dishwasher will not drain properly if a high loop is not installed under the sink with the drain hose. If you need to, call a professional plumber or appliance technician to install this for you.

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