Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Although it’s always annoying to open the machine and discover the machine hasn’t emptied properly, don’t panic just yet. You may have the means to deal with the error before you have to call a repair person or purchase a new machine.

Standing water in your machine may be bought about by any number of things some of which can be simple to rectify. So, before you call a dishwasher repair service try this selection of possible components you may troubleshoot yourself. A number of which are not even a fault of the machine itself.

Check the program wasn’t interrupted

If you’re fortunate the standing water you have discovered may not be a problem at all. Rather, the cycle may have been stopped mid-way.

The program may have been stopped mid-way for a number of of reasons. Kids pressing buttons, inadvertently pressing against the buttons, a power cut or opening the dishwasher mid-program might all prevent the program from completing and mean your dishwasher doesn’t drain.

If you believe this might be the case, or you think it might be worthwhile checking start your dishwasher again on a short cycle.

A proportion machines might have an empty capacity meaning it’s worthwhile having a look at your owners manual or consulting google to check.

Inspect the disposal

If you have a waste disposal inspect this first as a blocked waste disposal will block the machine from emptying. Turn on the waste disposal using lots of water to make sure there are no blockages.

If you do uncover a blockage drain unclogger or a natural alternative can be sought after to remove the blockage and so this might solve the fault.

Inspect the sink for clogs

If you sink is draining inefficiently this could signify an issue with the plumbing instead of a fault with your machine.

If the kitchen sink is draining inefficiently you could try putting a little bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down the drain, leaving it for a few minutes and then washing it through with hot water.

A sink plunger might also be utilized to attempt to remove the obstruction.

This might be all you need to do to permit the dishwasher to empty so run a quick rinse and empty program to check. If not you could manually drain the dishwasher using a jug and also a sponge and check a few more likely causes.

At this point make sure you disconnect the dishwasher to stay safe.

If in the process of one of these examinations you suspect you have detected and fixed the error there is no need to continue to the next issue. Just run an empty program to check your machine is now draining as it used to.

Inspect and wash the filters

Any number of things could block the filters including corn kernels, labels from tupperware, plastic covers and smashed glass. Clear film could also be hard to see if you don’t look closely.

Take out the filter and give it a good scrub before putting it back in place. Not all machines have their filter in the same place so you could need to look at the instructions for this.

Is the waste water pipe blocked?

The next component to check is the waste hose. Stuck food, a kink in the hose or a crushed hose can all prevent your machine from emptying.

Subject to the location of the waste pipe (usually the corrugated one) you may have the means to view it by means of lifting away the kick plate alternatively you could be required to pull the machine out from the wall.

Have a look at the pipe in the first instance to see if there are any kinks or it’s been squashed. You may be able to manually fix any kinks which will most likely solve the issue, however, it’s worth noting that once this has occurred the chance of it happening again is greatly increased so you may need to purchase a replacement hose.

If you are unable to see anything you can disconnect the waste water hose from the dishwasher and blow into it to discover any blockages. Be sure to line the floor with newspaper or towels first as there might still be water in the hose.

If you are unable to blow through the waste hose this might be the issue.

Disconnect the other end of the hose in order to give it a good clean to clear the blockage. If you are unable to dislodge the blockage or the waste hose is slit or degraded purchase a brand-new one. If you may remove the blockage then replace the hose and start a short cycle to check that you have solved the issue.

You may also inspect where the hose connects under your sink as well. This is a common spot for a build-up of gunk so if you do take off the waste hose give this point a good scrub as well.

Examine the drain valve

You may inspect the drain valve by hand to ensure it hasn’t got stuck. The drain valve will usually be found at the base of the dishwasher on the valve bracket. Consult your owners manual if you can’t see it.

Pressing down on the valve or wiggling it a bit should be enough to find out if it’s stuck. If you can see something blocking it get rid of this. If you are unable to, this could be the right time to ring a repair person unless you are happy in ordering and replacing the valve on your own.

Examine your pump is not blocked

Your appliance pump makes use of impellers that could become blocked by broken glass or other debris. Check your pump isn’t obstructed by removing the safety cover and making sure the impellers are free to move.

Run your dishwasher and listen for any unusual noises

If it doesn’t sound normal your dishwasher pump or motor could be faulty and need replacing.

Call a repair person

If you have been through the above list and the issue persists, or you suspect the pump, pump valve or motor are broken, it may be time to get the professionals.

This way though you will at least be able to give them more information and have avoided having to pay a hefty call-out charge for a clogged filter.

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