Help! My Dishwasher Will Not Drain

When using a dishwasher, the water normally drains quickly, even before you open the door. If you find some water in it after running a cycle, you should know that there is a problem. You might ask yourself, “Why my dishwasher won’t drain.” However, do not despair.

Four reasons why your dishwasher won’t drain

A dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances ever invented. However, you could end up with a pile of dirty dishes or, worse, a flooded kitchen floor if it has a problem draining water. What could be wrong with your dishwasher?

Clogged drain hose

If the drain hose is blocked with dirt or other particles, it could result in your dishwasher not draining.

Dirty filter basket

Normally, a filter basket covers the drain to prevent large particles from obstructing the drain, causing a blockage. The particles may, however, block the basket itself.

Broken drain valve

Once the washing cycle is complete, the drain valve opens. In case it is spoilt, the dishwasher will remain with water.

Blocked air gap

An air gap is designed to prevent dirty water from going back to your dishwasher. Your dishwasher won’t drain properly if it is blocked.

Understanding the specific cause of your dishwasher drainage problems is not easy. In addition, the main cause could not be what you are thinking.

How to know the root cause of your dishwasher drainage issues

The problem could be with the dishwasher itself, or it may be a plumbing issue. You can start by cleaning the filter and the basket. In case your dishwasher drains properly afterward, you will have identified where the problem was.

Other plumbing issues, such as a blocked main sewer, could be the root cause of your non-draining dishwasher. If your bathtubs and other sinks drain well without any issues, your dishwasher could be the problem.

Your dishwasher cannot function without power. Confirm if the outlet contains power and also check if any circuits have tripped.

How to drain a dishwasher with standing water

Once you have identified the root cause of your problem, you need to take the appropriate action. Begin with the easy fixes as you move to the harder ones.

•  Clean the garbage disposal and ensure no food is stuck. This is because the drain hose empties into the garbage disposal drain.

•  Clear any blockages. A clog in any part of your dishwasher will lead to drainage problems. Confirm if the air gap has any blockages and remove any food particles from the filter basket to ensure it is clear. Clean the interior of the filter to remove any particles that you may have missed.

•  Ensure that the drain hose is in good condition. It should be free from clogs, kinks and should be sealed tight.

•  Locate the drain valve, which is usually found under the dishwasher, and clean it.

Once you have completed the following steps, you can rerun your dishwasher to see if it drains.

Clear Clogged Drains Quick with Santa Fe Plumbers

If your dishwasher does not drain water, it is time to call a professional plumbing service. For the best plumbing services, you can count on Santa Fe Plumbers. To schedule an expert dishwasher repair, you can contact us at (505) 439-9060 or connect with us online.