Why isn’t my dishwasher draining?

In modern homes, the dishwasher is often, the most important machine as it greatly reduces the time that goes into washing the dishes. A majority of times, the machine works great, however, in some instances when the dishwasher is not draining the accumulated water, it can become a nuisance. A dishwasher that has a lot of water in it will have dirty dishes, and any potential sign of having surfaced bacteria. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Below, we will examine why your dishwasher is not draining along with possible solutions to the problem.

Dirty Filter

The most common and plausible reason for this could be a clogged or a dirty filter. Food, grease and debris can stay stuck in the filter ultimately reducing the performance of the machine.

How to Identify the Problem:

The following are ways to identify the problem:

  • Inspect the bottom of your dishwasher to check if any standing water is present.
  • Take out the lower dish rack, and you will see a filter that is usually placed at at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Look for visible blocking in the filter which can be grease or dirt.

Solution:

  • The solution in such a case is pretty straightforward. You can try and remove the filter by twisting it out or pulling it off, depending on the model of your dishwasher.
  • After that, you can rinse the filter under hot water while keeping the water on.
  • Employ the use of a gentle brush or even a toothbrush to remove the stubborn food particles or grease as needed.
  • Re-attach filter and check if the dishwasher is functioning properly.

Jammed drain hose

The drain hose is the component that ensures water from the dishwasher is drained to the sink or the garbage disposal. However, if this hose is kinked or blocked, proper outflow of water is not possible.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Examine if there is any standing water in the dishwasher.
  • Look at the drain line that is located on the back of the appliances for any kinks or signs of damage.
  • Remove the hose and examine if it has been clogged by food residue or grease.

Solution:

  • Firstly turn off the power supply to the dishwasher and unplug it.
  • Remove the drain hose which is located at the dishwasher and sink/garbage disposal.
  • Make use of a plumbing snake or a long and flexible bristle brush to clear the blockage.
  • Reconnect the drain hose and make it sure that it is not overly bent.
  • In the end, check the dishwasher ability to drain the water.

Issues with Garbage Disposal

Whenever the dishwasher disposal is disconnected while installing, this can cause drainage of the dishwasher to become faulty because of clogging in the disposal.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Take a look at the dishwasher disposal and verify if there are any clogs.
  • Check the link between the drain hose of the dishwasher and the disposal unit.

Solution:

  • If there are any blockages in the sink, turn the garbage disposal on to drain them out.
  • If this is so, then unplug the dishwasher drain hose on the disposal and see if there is a blockage.
  • If the knockout plug did not come out then gently drive it out with using a screwdriver.
  • Connect the hose back and run the dishwasher again.

Malfunctioning Drain Pump

Drain pump is a part of your dishwasher which is used to pump out the water from your dishwasher. If the pump is defective in any way it will hinder proper drainage from the house.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Look out for any strange sound that the washing machine will make at this point, something like grinding or even humming.
  • However, standing water in the dishwasher remains after clearing other blockages according to the model 665 RMCD JTC00-00.

Solution:

  • Switch off the dishwasher and also pull the plug.
  • Remove the main access panel, you’ll often find the drain pump at the bottom of the appliance.
  • Check the area in and around the pump to see if there’s anything wrong with it or if there are some items, such as foods, stuck between the pump and the wall.
  • If any of these is the case, the pump must be replaced, it goes without saying that only compatible components must be used here.
  • Dismantle the dishwasher and assemble the dish washer in an upside down manner and try to wash plates in it.

Faulty Check Valve

Check valve helps in preventing the backward flow of water in the dishwasher. If this valve is sticking or broken it may get in the way of proper drainage occurring through the drain.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Draining takes place after which water flows back into the dishwasher.
  • Presence of standing water that continues to occur even after having troubleshooting other parts.

Solution:

  • It is usually situated close to the drain pump or in the hose particularly the check valve.
  • The valve should be taken off, looked for signs of debris or for any signs of damage.
  • If the valve is maybe dirty or rotten, wash it or replace the valve if needed.
  • Replace the valve and then run the dishwasher.

Clogged Air Gap

The air gap is a small fixture used on the sink or mind the counter that ensures that water does not flow back to the dishwasher. Still, if the air gap is chocked it hampers the drainage process.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Air gap leakage occurs through the water drainage cycle.
  • Slow or incomplete drainage.

Solution:

  • Take off the air gap cover and the cap.
  • There should also be a check for any obstruction within the air gap.
  • You can, with a brush or a pipe cleaner, blow away any residue left.
  • Put all the pieces of the air gap back together and run the dishwasher.

Improper Dishwasher Installation

Any improper installation of the dishwasher or any of its parts results in drain problems. For instance, where the drain hose does not possess a perfect high loop or air gap, the water may backflow to the dishwasher.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • Symptoms that may recur and remain symptomatic even if other related causes have been treated.
  • Piecemeal installation of the drain hose.

Solution:

  • Make sure the drain hose sits well with the high loop that should be typically positioned at least 20 inches high from the floor level.
  • Or, it is possible to put in an air gap, in order to stop back flowing water to enter the tank.
  • Check the user manual of the dishwasher or hire a professional to do it.

Software or Electrical Issues

Current dishwashers are built with electronic control and sense to control functions such as drainage. The process of draining could also be hindered because of a software malfunction or electric break down.

How to Identify the Problem:

  • These are the common signs known to occur on the control panel: Error Code(s) or flashing lights.
  • The dishwasher doesn’t go to the draining cycle.

Solution:

  • Try to turn the dishwasher off by removing the plug from its socket and then plug it back after 5-10mins.
  • Error codes should be handled according the user manual.
  • If the situation continues further, one should consult a technician to resolve electrical problems.

Preventative Measures

To avoid future drainage problems, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Clean the filter regularly: Maintenance of the air frying basket, remove all food residues and fats.
  • Scrape plates before loading: Minimize on the sizes of food particles that can be channeled through the system.
  • Run hot water before starting a cycle: Aids the dishwasher in the course of draining.
  • Check the drain hose periodically: We guarantee that it is free from such things as kinks and blockages.
  • Inspect the garbage disposal: To enhance efficient flow of water, let it remain clean and free from any forms of blockage.

When to Call a Professional

Still, it may be possible to solve most of the problems on your own, but some situations will call for a professional’s intervention. Consider calling a technician if some of the problems include:

  • The drain pump requires change.
  • Continuity of electrical problems or software problems.

Conclusion – Why isn’t my dishwasher draining?

A dishwasher that doesn’t drain is a headache when using it, but most problems can easily be addressed in the shortest time. That is why it is recommended to determine the origin of the problem; it may be a filter, hose or pump, and perform appropriate actions accordingly. The performance of your appliance will also and therefore it will not require any special attention from you since it will always be in good condition. If the end of these ways is reached, do not hesitate to find a professional to help you restore the dishwasher.

Need expert assistance with your plumbing or dishwasher issues? Contact Lifetime Plumbing today!