Things to Check When Your Dishwasher Won’t Drain

1: Verify the Cycle

If the dishwasher cycle was interrupted, it may not have drained. Look for a cancel/drain button or a way to reset the dishwasher. If you don’t see a labeled button on the control panel, go online and google your dishwasher’s make and model to see if you need to press a combination of buttons to make it drain.

2: Inspect the Pump Seal

If there’s just a small amount of water in the bottom of your dishwasher, you don’t need to worry. You need a little bit of water to remain in the bottom to make sure the pump seal doesn’t dry out.

3: Inspect the Door Seal

If it’s not closed and latched, the dishwasher won’t finish draining. Try closing the door, latching it, and starting the cycle again.

4: Make Sure the Switch is On

Many dishwashers are plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a switch at counter top level. Make sure you didn’t accidentally hit the switch mid-cycle. The switch is often next to your garbage disposal switch and can be easily switched off without you realizing you’ve cut the power.

5: Inspect the Sink Disposal and Sink Drain

If your garbage disposal is stopped up or your drain system is blocked, your dishwasher won’t drain properly until it’s cleared or the garbage disposal cleared. Also check your sink drain, since many dishwashers drain through the sink drain. Try running hot water down the drain or disposal and running the disposal. If this doesn’t work, call us and we’ll clear the clog for you.

6: Inspect the Drain Hose

In most houses your drain hose from the dishwasher is connected to your garbage disposal, which means you could be experiencing issues with the disposal or the drain hose. Inspect for:

• • Drain Hose Being Kinked
  • Hose Clogged
  • The drain hose is hanging down with a low spot.

Perform regular maintenance on your dishwasher.

Each year, you can perform these steps to keep your dishwasher lasting longer:

• Clean the debris filter and trap with a stiff brush and hot soapy water (you can find the filter and trap at the bottom of your dishwasher).
• Look for leaks or cracks in the door seal.
• Check the drain hose clamps to ensure they are properly attached.
• Clean the spray arm jets with a stiff brush.
• Check the dish racks for cracks or for peeling off of the rubber around them.
• Make sure the pre-heating mechanism is working properly (use the manufacturer’s directions to do this – dishwashers vary by make and model in this regard).

And if you ever need a Plumber in Charlotte NC, give us a call 704-919-1722