Dishwasher Not Draining
If your dishwasher is not draining, water is left sitting in the bottom of the appliance at the end of the cycle. This is one of the most common dishwasher faults and in many cases it can be resolved at home without the need for an engineer.
View all dishwasher error codes
Find Your Brand
Select your dishwasher brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?
When a dishwasher fails to drain, water remains in the bottom of the appliance at the end of the cycle. The most common cause is a blocked filter, which is why cleaning the dishwasher filter regularly is so important. Most modern dishwashers will display an error code when a drainage fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Blocked dishwasher filter
The most common cause. The filter sits at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and collects food debris during each cycle. If it becomes clogged, water cannot drain away properly. The filter should be removed and cleaned at least once a month.
Kinked or blocked drain hose
If the drain hose is kinked, crushed or blocked, water cannot exit the machine. The hose should run without any sharp bends from the appliance to the household drain or waste pipe.
Blocked household drain or waste pipe connection
A blockage in the sink waste pipe or the connection point where the dishwasher drain hose connects can prevent water from draining away even if the machine itself is working correctly.
Blocked drain pump
If food debris or a foreign object has reached the drain pump it can block the impeller and prevent the pump from operating. The pump is located beneath the filter housing.
Faulty drain pump
If the drain pump motor has failed it will not be able to remove water from the machine regardless of whether the filter and hose are clear.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Clean the dishwasher filter
Remove the filter assembly from the bottom of the dishwasher tub — it usually twists out anticlockwise. Rinse it thoroughly under running water, using a soft brush to clear any stubborn debris. Refit securely before running the next cycle.
Check the drain hose
Inspect the drain hose at the back of the machine for any kinks or blockages. Ensure it is not pushed too far into the standpipe, which can cause siphoning.
Check the sink waste connection
Run the kitchen sink to check the household drain is flowing freely. If the sink is also draining slowly, the blockage is in the household plumbing rather than the dishwasher.
Check the pump area
With the machine empty, check the area around the filter and pump housing for any debris or foreign objects that may be obstructing the pump.
Reset the machine
Switch the dishwasher off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and run a short cycle to see if drainage has been restored.
When To Contact A Professional
If the dishwasher still fails to drain after cleaning the filter and checking the hose, the drain pump is likely faulty and will need to be tested and replaced by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Dishwasher Fault Guides
Dishwasher Not Washing Properly
Dishwasher Not Filling With Water
Related Guides
Dishwasher error codes — all brands
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