Dishwashers · troubleshooting
Dishwasher not draining: diagnose the drain path safely
Standing water does not automatically mean the drain pump has failed. First confirm the cycle completed, distinguish normal water in the filter area from water covering the tub floor, and inspect the accessible drain path before considering a part.
Safety boundary
- Switch off the dishwasher circuit or unplug the unit before reaching into the sump or pump area.
- Standing water may be hot and may contain sharp debris; use gloves and remove it carefully.
- Follow the model-specific owner or service instructions before removing covers.
Symptoms this path covers
- Water covers the tub floor after a completed cycle
- The unit hums but does not evacuate water
- Water returns after draining
- A drain-related error code appears
Diagnostic sequence
- Confirm the cycle finished
Resume or cancel/drain an interrupted cycle. A door opening, outage, or control interruption can leave water without a component failure.
Stop when: The unit drains normally after the cycle completes. - Identify whether the water level is abnormal
A small amount in the filter or sump area can be normal on some models. Water spread across the tub floor or rising over time needs investigation.
- Inspect the filter and sump
Remove racks and the user-serviceable filter as the owner manual directs. Clear food, labels, glass, or other debris without forcing the pump impeller.
- Check the downstream connection
Inspect the accessible drain hose for a kink, verify the air gap if fitted, and confirm a disposal connection is open and not obstructed.
- Escalate by model and evidence
If the path is clear and the pump will not run or only hums, record the full model number and test results before selecting a pump or requesting service.
What the result tells you
- Drains after clearing the filter: the restriction was upstream of the pump.
- Drains into a bucket but not the sink connection: inspect the air gap, disposal, or sink branch.
- Pump receives power but does not move water: a jam, damaged impeller, or failed pump is possible; model-specific testing is required.
- No pump command: do not assume the pump itself is faulty; door, float, wiring, or control faults can interrupt the drain sequence.
Information to capture before ordering
- Complete model and serial number from the appliance label
- Exact error code and when it appears
- Whether the pump runs, hums, or stays silent
- What was checked and whether the drain path is clear
- Existing pump label and connector details only after safe access