Why is there standing water in my dishwasher filter area?

Author: Mrs. Maybell Mayer PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

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.

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

On models without an Ultra Fine filter at the bottom of the tub, 1 to 2 cups of clean water covering the bottom of the tub is normal. On models with an Ultra Fine filter, water in the sump (filter area) is normal but the water should not cover the bottom of the tub.

Why is there standing water in my dishwasher pump?

So, if you have too much standing water accumulating in your dishwasher, take these steps:
  1. Check the Filter. ...
  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 dishwasher not draining under the filter?

There are a few reasons why your dishwasher won't drain. The most common source of clogs comes from a blockage in the dishwasher's filter. Or, you may have an issue with your dishwasher's air gap, drain valve, drain hose or even your garbage disposal, causing your dishwasher to clog.

Why is my filter full of water?

Improperly seated or clogged filter: One common reason could be that the filter is not properly seated or is clogged, preventing the water from flowing through properly (1).

How To Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain

Why is there standing water in my 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 my washing machine filter full of water after every wash?

Your washing machine filter is full of water: washing machine not draining is the main culprit and this is because the filter is blocked due to fluff, paper, clothes, or any other object or piece of debris.

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 do I know if my dishwasher filter is clogged?

Signs you should be cleaning your filter more

Visible build-up of food in the filter. Water not draining properly. Nasty and unpleasant odours.

Why is my dishwasher not filling with water after cleaning filter?

There could be a few reasons why your dishwasher won't fill with water. It could be an improperly positioned drain hose, a door that's not fully closed, a water supply that's turned off or an overfill protection float that's got something stuck in it.

Should I run the dishwasher if there is standing water?

You can manually remove excess standing water by removing the bottom rack and placing absorbent towels on the bottom of your dishwasher to soak up the remaining water. If your dishwasher has standing water due to an interrupted wash cycle, simply run another cycle without interruption.

How do you clean the filter on a dishwasher?

To clean, run water over your dishwasher filter to remove most soils. As you wash the dishwasher filter, you may need to use a soft brush and dish soap on calcium deposits and other hard-to-remove food debris.

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

About five seconds after you start running a dishwasher cycle, the drain pump will start making a low humming noise. This will be due to a piece of glass blocking the impeller from turning, resulting in the dishwasher pump not working properly. When this happens, you'll need to remove the blockage.

Can I run my dishwasher without the filter?

reduce the performance level of the appliance and damage dishes and utensils. Note: Never run the dishwasher without the filters in place.

Why is my GE dishwasher not draining under the filter?

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 line?

Check if any areas may have clogged up or are not draining well. If so, you can take a baking soda and vinegar mixture and pour it down the drain. Run water through the drain to ensure it's fully clean before adding a rinse aid to prevent clogs from occurring.

Is it normal to have water in dishwasher filter?

It's normal to see some water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a wash cycle is completed. If you notice water covering the filter screen, try these tips: Check that the drainage system is free and clear of debris. If your dishwasher is hooked up to a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear the drain system.

How often should I change a dishwasher filter?

In terms of replacing your filter, most dishwasher filters will last a solid 5 years with regular maintenance. You don't need to start thinking about replacing a filter until you can see noticeable wear and tear, or until cleaning the filter alone doesn't get the dishwasher efficiency back to normal.

Why is my dishwasher filter not draining?

One reason for your dishwasher not draining completely could be a blocked filter or or blocked pump. Foreign objects, such as slivers of glass, food or dirt, can clog the dishwasher's filters and/or pump resulting in the dishwasher not draining.

Why is there water stuck in my dishwasher?

One of the most common reasons for water at the bottom of your dishwasher is because food particles or other debris have clogged the drainage system. Check the dishwasher drain and clean the drain basket around the lower sprayer arm, unclogging debris with a wire hanger.

How do I force my 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.

Why is water coming out of my filter?

Clogged Filters:

If the water filter is clogged, it can create pressure build-up in the system. This can cause water to escape from joints and connections. Regularly changing your filter according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule can help prevent this issue.

How do you clean a washer filter that won't drain?

Use a small brush or toothbrush to remove any debris or lint that may be blocking the filter. If the filter is severely clogged, you may need to use a pair of pliers to remove the debris. Rinse the filter thoroughly with water and replace it in the washing machine. Make sure it is securely in place.

How often should you empty water from washing machine filter?

We recommend cleaning your washing machine filter every month to ensure your machine continues to operate at maximum efficiency. If you have pets or frequently wash heavily soiled items, you may need to clean the filter more often.

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