Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s never a pleasant sight to open your dishwasher and discover it hasn’t emptied properly, try not to overreact just yet. You might manage fix the problem before you have to call a plumber or buy a new dishwasher.

Your machine failing to empty could be bought about by multiple components a few of which can be simple to solve. Therefore, in advance of calling a dishwasher repair service try this selection of possible components you may identify yourself. A proportion of which aren’t even caused by the dishwasher itself.

Check the dishwasher wasn’t stopped mid-cycle

It is probable that there is nothing preventing your dishwasher from draining. Alternatively, the cycle could have been cut short.

The program might have been interrupted for multiple of reasons. Kids pressing buttons, accidentally pushing on the controls, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-program could all prevent the program from completing and mean your dishwasher doesn’t empty.

If you suspect this may be the circumstance, or you think it might be a good idea to check start your machine again on a quick program.

Some appliances may have a drain cycle meaning it’s well worth having a look at your instruction manual or checking online to make sure.

Inspect the garbage disposal

If your dishwasher is attached to a disposal inspect this first as an obstructed garbage disposal will block the machine from draining. Turn on the waste disposal with fast running water to check there are no issues.

If you do uncover an issue drain un-blocker or a plunger can be sought after to remove the obstruction and so this could deal with the issue.

Check the sink for clogs

If you sink is emptying inefficiently this might signify an issue with the plumbing as opposed to an issue with your dishwasher.

In the case that the sink is draining reluctantly you may attempt putting some bicarbonate of soda and vinegar down the plughole, leaving it for a few minutes, then flushing it away with boiling water.

A sink plunger might also be employed to try and shift the blockage.

This could be sufficient to permit the appliance to drain so run a short program now. If this hasn’t sorted the issue you may remove the dirty water by hand using a cup as well as a sponge and troubleshoot the next few possible issues.

Make sure you unplug the machine to stay safe.

If while you are carrying out one of these checks you think you have discovered and solved the error there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just complete an empty program to make sure the machine is repaired.

Examine and rinse the filters

Corn Kernels, labels from food jars, film covers and smashed glass, plus scraps of food, could all obstruct the machine filter. Clear glass could also be difficult to spot if you don’t look closely.

Take out the filter and give it a thorough scrub before replacing it. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you may need to consult the instructions for this.

Is the drain hose obstructed?

The next place to inspect is the waste water pipe. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose may all impede your dishwasher from draining.

Subject to the position of the waste pipe (usually the ribbed one) you may be able to look at it simply by removing the kick plate alternatively you could need to pull the machine out from under the counter.

Look at the hose first to discover if it has been squashed or kinked. You could be able to manually fix any kinks which should solve the issue, but it’s worth noting that when this has happened the chance of it occurring again is massively increased so you could wish to purchase a replacement hose.

If you can’t find any obvious kinks or obstructions you may remove the waste water hose from the dishwasher and blow into it to discover any blockages. Be sure to put down newspaper or towels before you remove the hose as even if you have emptied the machine there may still be waste water in the hose.

If you can’t blow through the waste pipe this may be the reason your dishwasher isn’t emptying.

Disconnect the other end of the hose and then give it a thorough clean to get rid of the obstruction. If you can’t shift the blockage or the waste hose is cracked or damaged invest in a brand-new one. If you could remove the blockage then re-attach the hose and run a short cycle to make sure you have solved the problem.

You may also check where the hose connects to the waste disposal as well. This is a common spot for debris to build up so if you do take off the waste hose give this connection a good scrub as well.

Examine the drain valve

You could examine the drain valve by hand to ensure it hasn’t stopped working. The drain valve will often be found at the base of the machine on the valve bracket. Examine your instruction manual if you can’t see it.

Depressing the valve or giving it a wiggle will likely be sufficient to find out if it’s stuck. If you are able to see any debris stopping it from moving remove this. If you are unable to, this may be when you should ring a plumber unless you are confident in ordering and replacing the part on your own.

Inspect your pump is not blocked

Your water pump uses impellers that can become blocked by broken glass or other objects. Check your impellers aren’t broken by taking off the safety cover and ensuring that the impellers are free to move.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual noises

If your dishwasher is making funny noises your dishwasher pump or motor may be broken and need replacing.

Call a repair person

If none of the above examinations has solved the error, or you think the pump, pump valve or motor are damaged, it might be time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least have the means to give them more information and have managed to avoid having to pay a hefty call-out fee for a blocked hose.