Free homeowner guide · 5 min
Dishwasher won’t drain: causes and safe checks
Standing water often starts with a dirty filter, kinked hose, disposal connection, or interrupted cycle.
- 1
Turn off power at the breaker before reaching into the filter or sump area. Remove standing water with a cup and towels.
- 2
Clean the removable filter and inspect the visible sump for food, labels, or glass. Wear cut-resistant gloves and follow the owner’s manual.
- 3
Check the drain hose under the sink for a kink. If a disposal was recently installed, confirm its dishwasher inlet plug was removed by the installer.
- 4
Run the disposal briefly with water, then try the dishwasher’s cancel-and-drain program once. Do not repeatedly run a humming pump.
- 5
Call for service if the pump hums without moving water, the breaker trips, water leaks below the unit, or the same drain code returns.
Related guides and tools
This date changes only when the guide is reviewed or revised. Cost decisions use national ranges and may differ by location, brand, access, permits, and parts availability.
Need professional help?
Find an appliance technician near you.
Enter your ZIP code to open a local Google Maps search. No account or personal contact information is required here.
This opens an independent Google Maps search in a new tab.