8 Easy Steps To Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Most dishwasher clogs are easy to fix. In many cases, you can get your dishwasher draining again with a simple cleaning or reset — no special skills required.

Most dishwasher drainage issues stem from clogged filters, jammed garbage disposals, or blocked drain hoses. These are all quick fixes that take about an hour and cost little to nothing. However, if the problem goes deeper — such as a failing drain pump or faulty valve — you may need professional repair.

This guide will walk you through eight easy steps to troubleshoot and fix your dishwasher. If DIY solutions don’t work, you should consider calling in a pro.

What Are Some Issues That Cause Dishwashers Not To Drain?

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, don’t panic — most issues have simple fixes. Before assuming the worst, check for these common problems:

Interrupted Cycle

If your dishwasher stopped mid-cycle, it may not have had a chance to drain. This can happen if someone accidentally turned it off, the door didn’t latch properly, or the GFCI outlet tripped. Try restarting the cycle or pressing the cancel/drain button to see if the water clears.

Dirty Filter

A dirty filter is one of the most common reasons for standing water. Food debris and grease can build up, blocking drainage and leaving dishes dirty. Most dishwashers have an easy-to-remove filter at the bottom of the tub, and cleaning it regularly can prevent clogs. If you’re unsure how to remove yours, check the owner’s manual.

Garbage Disposal Blockage

If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, a jammed or clogged disposal can cause water to back up. Fibrous foods, such as celery, potato peels, or coffee grounds, block the shredder plate, preventing proper drainage. Running the disposal for 30 seconds may clear the obstruction.

Air Gap Issue

The air gap, a small cylinder near the sink faucet, prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If it’s clogged with debris, water won’t drain properly. Cleaning it out with a tube brush or tweezers can often solve the issue. Check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions. 

Blocked Drain Line Hose

The hose going from the appliance to the sink drain can get clogged and cause standing water to remain in the tub. This typically only happens if your filter is missing or broken, allowing food debris to enter the hose.   

What Steps Can You Take To Get Your Dishwasher To Drain?

When your dishwasher won’t drain, you can likely find and fix the cause within eight steps. For this DIY project, you’ll only need a few hand tools and a little bit of know-how to complete each step, too. Remember that if you’re not comfortable completing any step, a plumber is only a phone call away and always willing to help. All told, the project should take around three hours.

You should gather:

• Rubber gloves
• Allen wrench set
• Multi-bit screwdriver
• Non-contact voltage meter
• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Tube brush
• Tweezers
• Wet/dry shop vacuum
• Small cup  
• Towels
• Bucket

Step 1: Confirm the Cycle Wasn’t Interrupted

If your dishwasher stopped mid-cycle, it may not have had a chance to drain. First, check the control panel to see if the cycle is complete. If it was interrupted, try restarting or pressing the cancel/drain button to trigger the draining process.

Next, inspect the GFCI outlet near your sink — dishwashers are often plugged into these safety outlets, which can trip unexpectedly. If the outlet’s reset button is popped out or there’s a yellow light, press the button to restore power. Then, run the wash cycle again to see if the issue is resolved.

If the dishwasher still won’t drain, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Step 2: Activate the Cancel Feature

Most dishwashers have a cancel/drain function that forces the machine to drain any remaining water. The exact method depends on your dishwasher’s brand and model, so check the owner’s manual if needed.

For most models, try one of these methods:

• Hold the cancel button for three seconds.
• Press and hold the start button for three seconds.
• Press both labeled reset buttons at the same time.

If this works, the dishwasher should immediately start draining. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Step 3: Cut Power to the Dishwasher

Before removing any parts, turn off the power to avoid electrical hazards. If your dishwasher is plugged in, carefully pull it out to access the outlet and unplug it. If it’s hardwired, switch off the kitchen circuit breaker and use a non-contact voltage meter to test a nearby outlet and the dishwasher’s power wire to ensure the electricity is off.

You typically don’t need to shut off the water unless you’re fully removing the dishwasher from its space. Once the power is off, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Suction Out the Standing Water

Before checking the filter, clear out any standing water. If there’s only a small amount, use a cup to scoop it out and dry the remainder with towels.

For larger amounts, a wet/dry vacuum is the quickest solution. Attach the wet filter to the vacuum, plug it into a GFCI outlet, and use the hose to remove the water. If the kitchen power is off, you’ll likely need to run an extension cord from another room.

Step 5: Clean the Dishwasher Filter

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and grease, preventing them from clogging the drain. When it gets too dirty, water can’t flow through properly, leaving standing water in the tub. Cleaning the filter once a month helps prevent drainage issues.

To clean it, locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, turn it counterclockwise, and lift it out. If there’s a filter plate, remove that as well. Press the tabs on both sides to release the inner filter compartment. Rinse all parts thoroughly in the sink, scrubbing the screen with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

For heavy buildup, add a small amount of dish soap and scrub again before rinsing. Once clean, reinstall the filter and run a rinse cycle to see if the issue is resolved. If water still won’t drain, continue troubleshooting.

Step 6: Check the Garbage Disposal

If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, a clog or jam in the disposal can cause water to back up into the dishwasher. You may also notice slow or standing water in the sink.

To clear the blockage, manually rotate the shredder plate inside the disposal. Most models have an Allen key socket on the bottom — insert the correct-sized Allen wrench and turn it back and forth until it moves freely. If the disposal’s overload protector button has tripped, press the reset button to restore power.

Run the disposal to check if the dishwasher drains properly. If not, continue troubleshooting.

Step 7: Clean the Air Gap

The air gap, located near your sink faucet, prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If it gets clogged with debris, water won’t drain properly.

To clean it, remove the cover and cap from the air gap. Check for visible blockages and use tweezers to remove any obstructions. Then, use a tube brush to scrub inside the hose as far as you can reach. Once clean, reassemble the air gap and run a rinse cycle to see if the dishwasher drains properly. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 8: Clear the Drain Line Hose

If the drain line hose is clogged, water will remain in the dishwasher instead of draining. This hose connects the dishwasher to either the garbage disposal or the sink drain, and food debris buildup can cause blockages.

To clear the hose, turn the dishwasher’s power back on. Locate where the hose connects to the drain or disposal, and use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp. Place the hose’s open end in a bucket and start the rinse cycle — water should flow out when the drain pump activates. If you see a clog, shake the hose gently to dislodge debris. Repeat this process until the water flows steadily.

Once clear, turn off the dishwasher, reconnect the hose, and tighten the clamp. Slide the dishwasher back into place and run a full cycle with the racks empty. If it still won’t drain, you likely need a professional.

How To Prevent Dishwasher Clogs

Preventing clogs is easier than fixing them, and regular maintenance can extend the life of your dishwasher. Simple habits like cleaning the filter and using the right detergent can keep water flowing freely.

To prevent blockages:

• Rinse off the filter at least once every few months.
• Put the detergent in the dispenser, not the bottom of the tub, to avoid residue buildup.
• Lightly scrub your dishes to remove food crumbs before loading them into the machine (this also helps keep ants out of your dishwasher).
• Use the hot water cycle to help break down particles and clean out the lines
• Clean the bottom of your dishwasher tub with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve grime and odors.
• Only use dishwasher detergent in the proper amounts as indicated by the manufacturer.
• Avoid overloading the dishwasher racks, as they can block water flow.

When Should You Call a Plumber About a Dishwasher Clog?

If you’ve worked through all the troubleshooting steps and your dishwasher still won’t drain, it may be time to call a professional. A home appliance repair expert can diagnose issues like a failing drain pump, faulty valve, or electronic malfunction, while a plumber can address clogs deeper in the drain line or a problematic garbage disposal.

If you suspect the problem links back to a faulty garbage disposal, clogged drain lines, or other plumbing matters, hiring a qualified plumber is the way to go. Need help finding the best expert for the job? Use the tool below to find a highly rated plumber in your area.