Dishwasher not draining properly? You’ll want to get that sorted sharpish. It doesn’t just leave you with a pool of dirty water at the bottom of your appliance. It can also lead to smelly odours and potentially even water damage. And none of that’s much fun for anyone.
The good news is that with a bit of TLC, you can fix this yourself. In our handy guide, we’ll show you how to drain your dishwasher and get it back in tip top shape in no time. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
Dishwashers are a bit more complicated than you might expect. So, it could really be all manner of things that are stopping your dishwasher from draining. But here’s some of the most common causes out there…
Clogged filters – This is usually your number one culprit. Food particles and other bits of debris can accumulate over time, blocking the flow of water.
Blocked drain hose – This can become kinked or clogged up with gunk and grime, which will stop water from draining properly.
Garbage disposal issues – If your dishwasher is connected to garbage disposal, a blockage in here can do a number on the drainage.
Faulty drain pump – The drain pump does exactly what it sounds like and helps to remove water from the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, the water won’t drain like it should.
Air gap blockages – An air gap prevents backflow from the sink leaking into the dishwasher. If it’s blocked, it can create a drainage issue.
If you want to nip things in the bud early doors, here’s how to prevent future drainage problems…
Regular cleaning – Clean the dishwasher filter and drain hose every so often to prevent clogs.
Proper loading – Don’t overload the dishwasher. And make sure you’ve scrubbed any bits of food off your plates before putting them in.
Maintenance – Check and clean the garbage disposal and air gap. It might be a bit messy, but it’s worth it in the long run.
How to manually drain a dishwasher
Right, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Here’s how to drain a dishwasher…
Turn off the power – Safety first! Unplug the dishwasher before you do anything. You don’t want to give yourself an electric shock.
Remove any standing water – Grab a cup and scoop out as much water as you can. Then use paper towels to soak up any that’s left over.
Check the drain filter – Remove the bottom rack and find the drain filter. Twist it counterclockwise to take it out, then clean it under some running water.
Inspect the drain hose – Check the drain hose for any kinks or blockages. If necessary, disconnect it and use a long brush or wire to clear any obstructions.
Reassemble and test – Put the filter and hose back together, then run a short cycle to make sure the water drains properly.
Troubleshooting common dishwasher drainage issues
For a quick fix, it’s worth trying one of these…
Reset the dishwasher – Sometimes, a quick reset of the dishwasher can solve your drainage problem. Check your manual for the full reset instructions.
Run the garbage disposal – Is the dishwasher connected to garbage disposal? Running it can help clear any blockages.
Clean the air gap – If your dishwasher has an air gap, take the cover off and clean any debris inside.
Check the drain pump – Keep an ear out for unusual noises coming from the drain pump. If it’s not working correctly, it might need to be replaced.
Checking the drain hose for blockages
How to inspect and clear the drain hose:
Locate the drain hose – It’s usually connected to the sink or garbage disposal. You might need to pull the dishwasher out to access it.
Disconnect the hose – Use some pliers to loosen the clamp and unhook the hose from the dishwasher and sink.
Clear blockages – Get a brush or some wire to clear out any debris inside the hose. You can also flush it with hot water to remove grease.
Reconnect and test – Reattach the hose – making sure there’s no kinks – and run a cycle to check that it’s draining like it should be.
Cleaning the dishwasher filter
How to find, remove and clean the filter:
Find the filter – It’ll typically be at the bottom of the dishwasher, right under the rack.
Remove the filter – Twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Some models might have extra filters that also need to be popped out too.
Clean the filter – Rinse it under some running water, using a soft brush to get rid of any stuck-on debris.
Reassemble and check – Put the filter back in and run a short cycle to see that it’s properly seated and that the dishwasher is draining right.
Unclogging the garbage disposal connection
How to clean out the garbage disposal:
Turn off the power – Unplug the garbage disposal or switch off the circuit breaker.
Inspect the disposal – Use a torch (or the one on your phone) to look inside the disposal for any visible blockages.
Clear the clog – Take some tongs or pliers and start to remove any debris. You can also use a disposal spanner/wrench to manually turn the blades and dislodge the blockages.
Reconnect and try it out – Hook the disposal back up, turn the power on and run the dishwasher to check the drainage.
When to call a professional plumber
Tried all of our DIY solutions? Not having any luck? It might be time to call the professionals – especially if you’re noticing any of these:
Constant leaks – If your dishwasher is still leaking – despite your best efforts – it’s time to ring a plumber.
Unusual noises – Loud or strange noises coming from your machine might be a sign of a more serious problem.
Electrical issues – You’re probably not a trained sparky. If the dishwasher won’t start or trips the circuit breaker, a pro should be able to diagnose and fix it.
Complex repairs – Faulty drain pumps and severe blockages are going to require a bit more expertise to tackle properly. If you’ve got either of those, you’re going to need some help.
How to prevent standing water in your dishwasher
If you’ve got a dishwasher full of water, here are a few of our top maintenance tips to keep it draining properly:
Clean, clean, clean – Clean the filter and drain hose every month to stop blockages.
Run hot water – Before you start the dishwasher, run some hot water in the sink so that the water entering the dishwasher is warm enough to dissolve grease.
Use dishwasher cleaner – Every so often, run a cycle with some dishwasher cleaner. It’ll remove any debris piling up and will keep the machine running smoothly.
Check for kinks – If the drain hose is bent or kinked, water won’t be able to flow through it properly.
So, that’s everything you need to know about how to drain a dishwasher. Want to learn a bit more about all thing’s maintenance? Well take you through how to clean a dishwasher from start to finish. And if you’re looking for the best way to clean your dishes, pots and pans, have a read of how to load a dishwasher. You might have been doing it wrong all this time!
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