Finding a pool of water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is frustrating, but it’s also one of the most fixable appliance problems. A dishwasher that won’t drain is almost always caused by a clog or a blocked drain path. Here’s how to find the cause and fix it, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Serving Grand Rapids & all of West Michigan
The quick answer
A dishwasher usually will not drain because of a clog — in the filter, the drain hose, or the garbage disposal it empties into — or, less often, a failed drain pump. Clean the filter, run the disposal, and check the hose for kinks first; those three fixes solve most cases. If water still sits after that, the drain pump likely needs a pro.
Why Your Dishwasher Won’t Drain: Top Causes
1. Clogged Filter
The most common culprit. Food debris collects in the filter at the bottom of the tub. Remove the bottom rack, twist out the filter, and rinse it under warm water. Do this monthly to prevent drainage problems.
2. Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. Check it for kinks and clogs, a common trap point is where it connects to the disposal.
3. Clogged Garbage Disposal or Air Gap
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a clog there (or a disposal plug that was never removed after installation) will back water up. If you have an air gap on the counter, clean it out, it can clog with debris.
4. Failed Drain Pump
If the filter, hose, and disposal are all clear but water still sits, the drain pump may have failed or be jammed by glass or debris. This typically calls for a professional repair.
5. Garbage Disposal Plug Still In Place
On a newly installed disposal, the knockout plug must be removed for the dishwasher to drain. If your dishwasher never drained after a new disposal was installed, this is often why.
Quick DIY Fix Checklist
- Run the disposal (if connected) to clear its side of the drain.
- Clean the dishwasher filter at the bottom of the tub.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and clogs.
- Clean the air gap on the counter, if present.
- Run a rinse cycle to test.
If water still won’t drain after these steps, the drain pump or control likely needs professional attention.
How Much Does Dishwasher Repair Cost?
A drain-related dishwasher repair usually runs $120 to $300 depending on the cause. A simple hose or clog fix is on the low end; a drain pump replacement is higher. A technician can confirm the cause quickly and get it draining again. See our full dishwasher repair cost guide for a breakdown by part.
Dishwasher Repair in Grand Rapids & West Michigan
If your dishwasher still won’t drain, our experienced local technicians can help. We repair all major brands, Bosch, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Samsung, LG, GE, and more, with same-day and next-day appointments. Book our dishwasher repair in Grand Rapids, or see our garbage disposal repair guide (a common cause of drainage issues). We also serve Kentwood and Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
Almost always a clog, in the filter, the drain hose, or the garbage disposal it drains into. Less often it is a failed or jammed drain pump. Clean the filter and run the disposal first.
How do I get my dishwasher to drain?
Run the garbage disposal, clean the dishwasher filter at the bottom of the tub, check the drain hose for kinks, clean the counter air gap if you have one, then run a rinse cycle to test.
Why won't my dishwasher drain the water out?
The water has nowhere to go because something in the drain path is blocked, usually the filter, hose, or disposal. If all three are clear and water still sits, the drain pump has likely failed.
Why is there standing water in my dishwasher?
A clog in the filter, drain hose, or connected garbage disposal. Clean the filter and clear the disposal first, then run a rinse cycle.
Can I run my dishwasher if it will not drain?
It is best not to. Running it can overflow and strain the pump. Clear the drain path first, or call us and we will get it draining again.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that will not drain?
Usually $150 to $300 for a drain pump, or less if it is just a blocked filter or a clog you can clear yourself. It is one of the more affordable dishwasher repairs.