Dishwasher Not Draining
Finding standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle is frustrating, but it's usually a simple fix. The most common cause — a clogged filter — costs nothing to fix and takes five minutes. Even a failed drain pump is a straightforward DIY repair with a $25–70 part. Work through these steps before scheduling a service call.
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Common Symptoms
- Standing water remains at the bottom after the cycle completes
- Error code on the display (E24, 7E, OE, or similar)
- Food particles and debris floating in the bottom water
- Dishwasher cycle ends early without completing
- Gurgling sounds from the drain during operation
Most Likely Causes
- 1
Clogged Filter or Drain Basket (Most Common)
Modern dishwashers have a cylindrical filter assembly at the bottom of the tub that traps food debris. When it's clogged, water cannot drain. This filter should be cleaned monthly — most homeowners don't know it exists.
- 2
Blocked Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher pump to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Kinks, clogs, or improper installation (hose not looped high enough under the sink) will prevent draining.
- 3
Failed Drain Pump
If the filter is clean and the hose is clear, the drain pump motor may have failed. You'll often hear the motor humming without moving water. The pump is accessible from under the dishwasher after removing the lower spray arm and filter assembly.
- 4
Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug (New Installs Only)
If a new garbage disposal was recently installed and the dishwasher suddenly won't drain, the knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher inlet was likely never removed. This is a common installation oversight — the plug must be punched out with a screwdriver.
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Quick DIY Checks
Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from power before accessing any internal components. Scoop or sponge out standing water before working on the filter or pump.
- 1Remove the bottom rack. Twist out the cylindrical filter (usually counter-clockwise) and lift out the flat filter beneath it. Rinse both under hot water, scrubbing with a soft brush to remove grease and food debris.
- 2Run a short wash cycle after reinstalling the filter. If it drains, you're done — set a reminder to clean the filter monthly.
- 3Check under the sink: trace the drain hose from the dishwasher to where it connects to the garbage disposal or drain. Look for kinks and confirm the hose makes a high loop (at or near cabinet top) before connecting.
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Try Pro — $7.99/mo- 4If you have a garbage disposal, run it for 30 seconds to clear any blockage at the dishwasher inlet. If the disposal was recently installed, check inside it for the knockout plug.
- 5Check whether your dishwasher has an air gap on the sink — a small chrome dome near the faucet. Unscrew the cap and clear any debris packed inside; a clogged air gap blocks drainage.
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Repair vs Replace
Dishwashers under 10 years old are almost always worth repairing for drain issues. Drain pumps are inexpensive ($25–70) and straightforward to replace. Only consider replacing if the door latch, control board, and pump are all failing simultaneously, or if the unit is over 12 years old.
Est. Repair Cost
$30–$80 in parts (DIY)
Est. Replacement Cost
$500–$1,200 for a new dishwasher
Recommended Tools & Parts
- Buy on Amazon →
Dishwasher Drain Pump
Motor and pump assembly for draining water. Check your dishwasher brand and model number for the correct part.
$25–$70
- Buy on Amazon →
Dishwasher Drain Hose
Replacement hose from the dishwasher to the drain connection. Universal sizes available for most brands.
$10–$18
- Buy on Amazon →
Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets
Monthly cleaning tablets dissolve grease and food buildup, keeping the filter and drain clear.
$10–$15
Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.
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Related Repairs
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining
Samsung showing 5E, OC, or water standing in the bottom? Usually the 3-part filter — a 5-minute fix.
Read guide →GE Dishwasher Not Draining: Step-by-Step Fix
GE dishwasher leaving standing water? Check the drain hose, pump, and garbage disposal knockout plug before calling a tech.
Read guide →LG Dishwasher Not Draining — Fix Standing Water Fast
LG dishwasher showing OE error or water pooling at the bottom? Clean the twist-off filter basket and check the drain hose before calling a tech — usually a free fix.
Read guide →Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining: Hose, Pump, Filter & Disposal Fix
Kenmore dishwasher leaving standing water? Check drain hose routing (high loop or air gap), sump filter, drain pump impeller (W11084656), door latch interlock, and garbage disposal knockout. Models 665.13743K605, 587.14579.
Read guide →Save $150+ on a single service call
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- ✓ Full tool list & cost estimate before you spend a dime
$150+ service call vs. $7.99/mo · Cancel anytime
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the filter on a Bosch dishwasher?
- Bosch dishwasher filters are at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm. Remove the lower rack, then twist the cylindrical fine filter counter-clockwise and lift it out. Beneath it is a flat mesh pre-filter — remove that too. Rinse both under running water with a soft brush. Bosch recommends cleaning these monthly, and many drain problems are caused by neglected filters.
- Where is the filter on an LG dishwasher?
- LG dishwashers have a filter assembly in the center of the tub floor. Twist the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and pull it up, then remove the flat mesh screen beneath it. Rinse both under warm water — a soft toothbrush works well for the mesh. LG also has a small sump screen inside the tub at the back; check that too if the filter looks clean.
- Where is the filter on a Samsung dishwasher?
- Samsung dishwasher filters are located at the bottom-center of the tub. Remove the lower rack and twist the upper cylindrical filter counter-clockwise to remove it, then lift out the coarse lower mesh filter. Samsung filters tend to accumulate grease faster than some brands — monthly cleaning is important. If drainage is slow even after cleaning, check the drain hose for a proper high loop under the sink.
- Where is the filter on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
- Whirlpool dishwashers use a two-part filter at the bottom of the tub: a cylindrical upper filter that twists out, and a flat lower filter that lifts out. Some older Whirlpool models use a self-cleaning grinder system with no manual filter — if yours has a round, slightly raised plastic grid at the bottom and no obvious removable filter, it's likely the self-cleaning type. In that case, a drain blockage is usually in the pump or drain hose.
- What is the garbage disposal knockout plug and why does it block my dishwasher?
- New garbage disposals are manufactured with a plastic plug inside the dishwasher inlet port (the nipple on the side of the disposal). This plug must be knocked out before connecting the dishwasher drain hose — it's there because not every kitchen has a dishwasher. If a new disposal was just installed and the dishwasher suddenly stopped draining, this plug was never removed. Remove the dishwasher drain hose from the disposal, then use a screwdriver and hammer to knock the plug out from inside the disposal. Retrieve the plug fragment from inside the disposal before reassembling.