Dishwasher Not Draining? Common Fixes

A dishwasher that leaves an inch of cloudy water in the bottom after a full cycle is one of the most common calls we get. The cause is almost always a blockage somewhere between the tub and the drain line, and several spots are worth checking before assuming the pump has failed.

Work Through These Checks in Order

1. Check the filter basket. Most dishwashers built in the last decade have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub. Food particles, glass shards, or a stuck label can clog it completely. Pull it out and rinse it under running water.
2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks. If you've moved the dishwasher or the cabinet below the sink was recently worked on, the drain hose underneath may have been bent or crushed.
3. Check the air gap or garbage disposal connection. Many dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal. If the disposal hasn't been run in a while, food debris inside it can block the connected dishwasher line.
4. Listen for the drain pump during the drain cycle. Run a cycle and listen near the base of the machine as it reaches the drain phase. A pump that hums loudly but doesn't clear water, or stays completely silent, has likely failed.

When It's the Drain Pump

If the filter is clean, the hose isn't kinked, and the disposal line is clear, the drain pump itself is the most likely remaining cause. A failed pump motor, a stuck check valve, or a cracked impeller all prevent water from being pushed out, even though the rest of the wash cycle runs normally — a pattern we see often on Bosch dishwashers and similar models. This repair involves disassembling part of the dishwasher and isn't usually a simple DIY fix.

How to Prevent It From Happening Again

Scraping large food scraps into the trash before loading dishes, rinsing the filter basket monthly, and running the garbage disposal regularly all go a long way toward keeping the drain path clear. See our guide on extending appliance lifespan for more habits like this across your whole kitchen.