What to Do When Your Dishwasher Won't Drain

If your dishwasher won’t drain, it can be a huge inconvenience. Not only will you have to clean your dishes by hand, but you may also have to deal with water damage if the problem is not fixed quickly. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some basic things that you can do yourself to try and fix the dishwasher. If these steps don’t work, we’ll give you some tips on when to call a plumber.

Get rid of the standing water.

You probably discovered a problem with your dishwasher when you found a pool of standing water in the bottom. You’ll want to clear that water out so you can start to address the issue. Otherwise, you may end up with large debris in your drain that can worsen the problem.

You will want to use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water. If you don’t have one, lay down some towels near the base of your dishwasher and use a cup to scoop the water into a bowl. When the water becomes too shallow to scoop, use towels to soak up the remaining water. Clear out any debris you see sitting on the bottom of your dishwasher.

Check the dishwasher’s filters.

There are a few things that you can do yourself to try and fix a dishwasher that won’t drain. The first thing is to check the dishwasher’s filters. The filters may be clogged, causing the dishwasher not to drain correctly.

You can find most filters on the bottom of the inside of the dishwasher. Follow your dishwasher’s owner’s manual to locate and properly clean your dishwasher’s filters and ensure you don’t do anything that could void your warranty. If you don’t have a physical copy of your owner’s manual, you can usually find a copy of it online.

Clear the garbage disposal.

Most dishwashers don’t have a dedicated plumbing system and instead drain through your sink. That means if your garbage disposal is backed up, it may be preventing your dishwasher from draining. Check your disposal to make sure there isn’t a blockage causing the standing water in your dishwasher.

Check the drain hose.

Next, take a look at the dishwasher’s drain hose. The drain hose connects the dishwasher’s drain pump to the garbage disposal. If the drain hose is kinked or blocked, it will prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. You can try to straighten out the drainage hose or clear any blockages. Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find your drain hose.

What should I do if my dishwasher still won’t drain?

If the dishwasher still won’t drain properly, you should call a plumber. There could be a blockage in the dishwasher’s drainage pipe preventing it from draining. The plumber will be able to clear the blockage and get your dishwasher up and running again.

What other dishwasher problems require a plumber’s help?

It is important to note that dishwashers can also have other problems unrelated to the dishwasher’s drainage. If you are experiencing other issues with your dishwasher, such as not washing the dishes properly or leaving water spots on them, it is best to call a plumber. There could be a problem with the dishwasher’s motor or pump.

If you are experiencing problems with your dishwasher, it is always best to call a plumber. Plumbers have the experience and expertise to fix any dishwasher problem. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution quickly and efficiently. So if your dishwasher won’t drain, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We will be happy to help!