A dishwasher that won't drain is usually caused by a clogged filter, a blocked or kinked drain hose, an obstructed garbage disposal, or a failed drain pump.
To fix a dishwasher that won't drain, remove any standing water and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. Next, check the drain hose under your sink for kinks or clogs, and clear the garbage disposal or sink air gap if your appliance connects there.
To get standing water out of your dishwasher, bail it out manually using a shallow container, sponge, or Shop-Vac. Place towels under the unit to prevent spills. Once empty, clean the Appliance Filter at the bottom.
You can force a dishwasher to drain by pressing and holding the Cancel, Drain, or Reset button (often marked with a drain icon) on the control panel for 3 to 5 seconds. This activates the internal pump to clear standing water without running a wash cycle.
Most dishwashers do not have a dedicated, standalone "Reset" button. Instead, you can usually reset the appliance by pressing and holding the Start/Reset or Cancel/Drain button for 3 to 5 seconds, or by performing a power cycle (shutting off the power).
Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.
Try the Simple Fixes First
Next, run the drain pump on the dishwasher by pressing the Cancel/Drain button. You may need to hold that button down for a few seconds on some dishwasher models to get the drain pump to run.
CALL THE PROS. A dishwasher that won't drain can leave standing water in the bottom of the appliance, create foul odors, and lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
A dishwasher air gap is intended to only permit air through the drainage system, so it may not be necessary to clean it consistently. However, if you notice buildup in the air gap, clean any buildup that may have accumulated by removing the air gap cover and rinsing out the cap, ensuring the air gap isn't clogged.
People put crumpled aluminum foil in the dishwasher primarily as a hack to make silver or stainless steel utensils and cutlery look shinier.
Quick Checks You Can Do (Easiest First)
No, you should never put Dawn (or any hand dish soap) in a dishwasher. Hand soaps are formulated to create thick suds, which inside a violently spinning dishwasher will cause a massive foam explosion, flooding your kitchen floors. Always use dishwasher detergent specifically made for the appliance.
To get standing water out of your dishwasher, bail it out manually using a shallow container, sponge, or Shop-Vac. Place towels under the unit to prevent spills. Once empty, clean the Appliance Filter at the bottom.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won't drain? Fixing a dishwasher not draining can cost $50–$150 while replacing a drain pump typically ranges from $150–$400, including parts and labor.
If your machine is still slow to drain, pour vinegar and baking soda into the basket at the bottom of the dishwasher. After 15 minutes, flush with hot water.
To manually drain a dishwasher, first cut the power for safety. Use a shallow cup or turkey baster to scoop the water into a bucket, then soak up the remainder with a towel. Next, remove and clean the drain filter to check for clogs.
Whether a dishwasher needs an air gap to drain depends entirely on your local plumbing code. While manufacturers require either an air gap or a "high loop" to prevent dirty water from siphoning back into the machine, many municipalities legally require the physical air gap device.
The average dishwasher lasts 9 to 12 years. With meticulous maintenance and light usage, some high-end or European models (like Bosch) can stretch up to 15 years, while cheaper models or those run daily may wear out in 7 to 9 years.
Most dishwashers stop draining because of simple clogs, usually in the filter, drain hose, or disposal connection. You can safely clear standing water and troubleshoot common causes yourself, including by cleaning the filter and running a drain or reset cycle.
Yes, a 5-year-old dishwasher is usually worth repairing. The average lifespan of a dishwasher is 8 to 12 years, and a 5-year-old unit is generally past its initial manufacturer warranty but still has plenty of life left to justify the cost of minor fixes.
No. A high loop involves routing the dishwasher drain hose higher under the sink to reduce the chance of backflow. While it can help in some situations, it does not provide the same level of protection as an air gap and may not meet plumbing code requirements in all areas.
Most dishwashers do not have a dedicated physical "reset" button. Instead, you can usually reset them by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button for 3 to 5 seconds, or by performing a hard power reset (turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for one to five minutes).
Running a drain cycle on a dishwasher is usually a quick, one-button process. If your dishwasher has standing water or a cycle was interrupted, simply press and hold the "Cancel," "Drain," or "Reset" button for about 3 to 5 seconds. Close the door, and the pump will expel the water in about two minutes.