Dishwasher Not Draining? Causes, Checks & Fixes

Switch off, unplug and close the water supply before dismantling the appliance

Dishwashers combine mains electricity, hot water and hidden pumps. Stop using the machine if it leaks, trips the electrics, smells burnt or contains sharp broken glass.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Blocked filters Food debris can stop water reaching the pump.

Jammed drain pump Glass, labels and fragments may obstruct the impeller.

Kinked drain hose A trapped or crushed hose restricts discharge.

Blocked sink waste connection The spigot or trap connection may be clogged.

◫ Symptom variations Match the exact point in the wash cycle. ⌄

Water remains in base
Machine stops before cycle ends
Pump hums but water stays
Drain error appears
Sink fills when dishwasher drains

✓ Quick checks Simple checks before removing panels. ⌄

Note the exact cycle stage when the fault appears.
Record any error code before switching off.
Check filters, spray arms, hoses and visible water connections.
Confirm the appliance is level and correctly loaded.
Unplug before touching filters, hoses or internal parts.

If the cause is external: correct the hose, filter, loading or supply fault and test carefully.

If electrical, pump or internal leaks are suspected: stop and call an appliance engineer.

1 Step 1 — Remove standing water safely Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Switch off and unplug, then bail out or follow the model drain procedure.

Success looks like: The base is clear enough to inspect.

Escalate when: If water cannot be contained, stop and call an engineer.

2 Step 2 — Clean filters and sump area Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Remove filters and clear accessible debris.

Success looks like: Water reaches the pump freely.

Escalate when: Sharp glass may be hidden, so use care.

3 Step 3 — Inspect hose and sink connection Switch off and unplug before removing filters, hoses or panels. ⌄

Process

Check for kinks, blockages and a capped or restricted waste spigot.

Success looks like: The drain path clears.

Escalate when: A clear path with no pump action suggests an internal fault.

⌁ Common causes explained Why dishwasher faults develop. ⌄

A dishwasher that will not drain usually has a blocked filter, jammed pump, kinked drain hose, blocked sink connection or a pump or control fault.

The stage of the cycle is the main clue. Fill faults happen at the start, circulation faults during washing, heater faults once the wash is underway, and pump faults during draining.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Appliance-engineer checks and repair work. ⌄

Test drain-pump operation.
Inspect pump impeller and wiring.
Check non-return valve.
Inspect pressure or water-level sensing.
Verify control-board drain command.

▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄

Filter assembly
Drain pump
Drain hose
Non-return valve
Hose clamp

! When to call an appliance engineer Conditions that should end basic troubleshooting. ⌄

The dishwasher trips the electrics.
Water leaks from inside the cabinet.
The circulation or drain pump is grinding or seized.
Internal electrical testing is required.
The appliance must be dismantled to reach the fault.
The same fault returns after basic checks.

? Frequently asked questions Common dishwasher questions. ⌄

Why is there a small amount of water below the filter?

A small amount can be normal on some models. Standing dirty water above the filter usually indicates a drainage fault.

Why are plastics still wet after the cycle?

Plastic retains less heat than glass or ceramic, so some moisture is normal even when the drying system works.

Should I keep resetting the electrics if the dishwasher trips?

No. Unplug it and arrange electrical fault testing.