Dishwasher Drain Problems

Drainage Hose

The most common reason for your dishwasher not draining is the drainage hose, which siphons water out of the washing machine. If your drainage hose is kinked, straighten it. Examine the hose, and remove any debris or lime-scale buildup if present. Verify that the hose is not split or extremely kinked. If it is, you must replace it. If clogged, clean the air gap, located near the sink. Always check and see if the cycle is complete and has not paused for a few seconds. If you have opened the dishwasher door, press the "Start/Resume" button to restart the cycle.

Drain Valve/Belt

Your dishwasher may come with a drain valve that has an internal electric solenoid. This solenoid can get stuck in place, stopping your water from draining. Oil the lever, and remove any debris stuck in it. Certain brands of dishwashers feature a pump belt, which moves the pump. If this belt is broken, your pump won't move. Replace the belt if it is no longer attached to the pump or if it is split.

Pump

The pump is responsible for removing water from your tub. It is located on the base of your dishwasher. Your pump can become clogged with food or debris. Clean it with a toothpick. If the pump still won't move, remove it from the dishwasher, and examine the internal components. The pump has an impeller, which moves water through the dishwasher spray arm. If the impeller is broken, you must replace the entire pump.

Additional Components

If your dishwasher is attached to a food waste disposer, remove the knockout plug. If you smell a burning electrical odor, check the motor. Try turning the motor. If it does not freely turn, or if it is burned out, you must replace it. If you haven't run your dishwasher for a while, your motor may be stuck. Unplug the dishwasher and spin the motor to unfreeze it. Restart your cycle. Your dishwasher usually also has a timer, which runs both the drain valve and motor. If the timer is corroded, rusted or burned out, you must get a new one.