Is it normal for water to stay in the bottom of the dishwasher?

Author: Mr. Marlon Nolan  |  Last update: Thursday, January 29, 2026

It is typical for a small amount of standing water to remain in the filter area of your dishwasher as it helps to keep the seals in that area from drying up. Occasionally, a dishwasher may have standing water remaining if the cycle has been interrupted before the draining process has been completed.

Why is water sitting in the bottom of my dishwasher?

The most likely cause of dishwasher drainage concerns is a dirty filter. Tough food particles like popcorn kernels or wet chunks of paper from container labels can get caught in the filter and keep water from draining out of your dishwasher. Make sure the overflowing isn't caused by using dish soap in the dishwasher.

Should water sit in the bottom of a dishwasher filter?

Dishwashers all leave a little bit of water behind in their filter sump. It generally is the little bit that the machine just can't fully empty or pump out. It completely normal and is only a problem if it's anything more than just whatever is in that bottom sump area.

Why is my dishwasher still wet inside after cycle?

This is completely normal. The reservoir is vented to relieve pressure. It's only designed to hold water in when the dishwasher is standing straight up and down. You're going to get leaking if you tip the machine on it's back, side, or front.

Why is my dishwasher not draining completely?

Check your dishwasher drain hose.

Your drain hose is probably connected to your garbage disposal, which means you could be experiencing issues with the disposal or the drain hose. Check to see if: The drain hose is kinked, preventing drainage. The drain hose is clogged.

Dishwasher Fills Up with Water When Not in Use

How to get rid of standing water in the dishwasher?

Try vinegar and baking soda

Mix together about one cup each of baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture into the standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Leave for about 20 minutes. If the water is draining or starting to drain at that time, rinse with hot water and then run the dishwasher's rinse cycle.

How to force a dishwasher to drain?

Press and hold the cancel button for at least three seconds—or the amount indicated—to activate the draining mechanism. Once the drainage sound completes, and your dishwasher shuts off, check the inside of the unit for standing water.

Should water sit in bottom of dishwasher during cycle?

While it's normal for there to be a bit of standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher from time to time, if you're seeing an inch or more, it's highly possible you have a clogged dishwasher.

Why does water remains in dishwasher after cycle?

If the amount of water left in your dishwasher after a cycle is no more than two cups, then this is normal. Usually the appliance remains wet after a cycle due to the condensation drying principle which causes water droplets in the tub – they are indeed desirable here.

Why is there water on the floor after running my dishwasher?

Cause 1: Faulty gasket. Cause 2: Broken water pump system. Cause 3: Clogged filter. Cause 4: Damaged water inlet valve.

What to do if water is left in the dishwasher?

5 Ways to Fix Standing Water in the Bottom of Your Dishwasher
  1. Check the Filter. Even self-cleaning filters will need to be checked every so often to ensure the hoses are intact and the drain basket is empty. ...
  2. Remove the Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug. ...
  3. Unclog the Air Gap. ...
  4. Straighten the Drain Hose. ...
  5. Clean Your Spray Arm.

Why is my GE dishwasher holding water in the bottom?

Clean the dishwasher filter to remove any food particles or debris. If your GE dishwasher is not draining correctly and is causing you a problem, it may be debris in the filter. To ensure your GE dishwasher operates at peak performance, take the time to check and clean the filter regularly.

How to unclog a dishwasher drain?

A mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar may unclog dishwasher drains. Pour the solution into the basket at the bottom and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, pour hot water down the basket and run the rinse cycle.

Is water supposed to stay in the bottom of a washer?

But if your washing machine is full of water or you can see water trapped in the bottom of your washer after a cycle, you may have a drainage problem.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain hose is clogged?

Signs Of A Clogged Dishwasher Drain Hose
  1. Odd Gurgling Sounds.
  2. Water Is Backed Up.
  3. Slow Drainage.
  4. Dishes Are Dirty.
  5. Standing Water.
  6. Preventing Dishwasher Clogs.
  7. First Class Plumbing With Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric.

What is the most common thing to break on a dishwasher?

Door Latch and Handle:

The door latch and handle are among the most frequently used components of a dishwasher. Frequent opening and closing can lead to wear and tear, causing these parts to break. Additionally, if the door isn't properly aligned or closed forcefully, it can strain the latch mechanism.

Is it normal for a dishwasher to have water in the bottom?

Some water (standing water), usually one to two cups, remaining in the bottom of the Dishwasher tub is normal. If dirty water is building up over time in the bottom of the Dishwasher and your installation does not have an air gap, make sure you have a high drain loop.

Why are my dishes still wet after the dishwasher is done?

You chose the wrong drying cycle setting. You didn't add rinse aid. There is a faulty or burned-out heating element. There is a closed or broken vent.

Should there be water in the bottom of the dishwasher filter?

It is normal for there to be a small amount of standing water in the dishwasher filter area (about half way up to the top of the filter area). You may notice this water when you remove your dishwasher filters for regular cleaning. The water is there to keep the seals in that area from drying up.

Why is there water left in the bottom of my Samsung dishwasher?

If your dishwasher isn't draining, you will need to check the sink's drain for clogs and blockage caused by food, debris and waste, and that the drain hose connection to the sink is straight, not pinched shut, kinked, bent or damaged.

Where to drain a dishwasher?

The drain hose is the tube that links the dishwasher with your garbage disposal. This is located either under your sink or behind the dishwasher itself. For the latter, you'll need to first pull your dishwasher away from the wall to access the hose. Once you've located the hose, disconnect it from the machine.

Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher not draining at the end of the cycle?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher won't drain, it is most likely due to a blocked filter. Other common causes include blockages in the drain pump, drain hose, and garbage disposal, a faulty check valve or drain valve, or an improperly installed air gap.

Why won't my dishwasher finish the cycle?

Perform basic troubleshooting by cleaning the filter and spray arm. Also, ensure your dishwasher is getting sufficient water pressure. If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

What button do you push to drain a dishwasher?

Put the drain hose in a bucket and set your dishwasher to drain by pressing the drain/cancel/start button for three seconds.

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