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Is your dishwasher not draining water? Learn 7 easy fixes for clogs, pump failures & more.
Dishwasher not draining properly
Common reasons your dishwasher not draining properly
The most common reasons your dishwasher is not draining properly are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a faulty pump and motor assembly.
35% of the time it's the Drain Pump
24% of the time it's the Drain Hose
10% of the time it's the Pump and Motor Assembly
31% of the time it's the Something else
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Common dishwasher repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dishwasher parts may fix your problem.
Drain Pump Replacement
When a dishwasher doesn't drain correctly, it's often due to a faulty drain pump. This can be caused by a defective motor or a damaged impeller within the pump. If the impeller is damaged, the pump may produce a loud noise. Likewise, if the motor fails to spin the impeller during the drain cycle, it may emit a buzzing sound or remain silent. Since the drain pump is challenging to reach, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and replace it if necessary.
Drain Hose Replacement
If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, a blocked or damaged drain hose may be the culprit. The drain hose links to the drain pump and directs wastewater to the sink drain. Equipped with a check valve, the hose prevents drain water from flowing back into the dishwasher once the drain cycle is complete. However, if the hose or check valve is cracked, water may flow back into the tub when the drain pump ceases operation. Since accessing the drain hose is challenging, it's best to enlist the help of a Sears Home Services Repair Expert to address any cracks or damages.
Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement
If your dishwasher isn't draining correctly, the culprit is often a malfunctioning pump and motor assembly responsible for draining the water. The motor drives a pump impeller, which in turn moves the water through the drain hose. If the impeller is damaged or if the motor isn't spinning it properly, you may notice grinding or whining noises. When faced with these issues, it's best to have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect and repair the dishwasher to address the faulty pump and ensure proper drainage.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher not draining properly issue
How can I get the dishwasher not draining properly problem fixed?
Addressing most drainage issues typically requires replacing either the drain pump, drain hose, or the pump and motor assembly. However, since various factors could be at play, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem accurately. This precise diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services provides these recommendations for a dishwasher that is not draining properly
If your dishwasher isn't draining properly, there could be several underlying causes. To prevent replacing unnecessary parts, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact issue. Our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing various types of dishwasher malfunctions.
What to look out for when your dishwasher is not draining properly
Identifying issues with modern appliances can be challenging without the right expertise and training. Attempting repairs without proper diagnostic methods often results in guesswork when replacing parts. Appliances, especially those made in the last decade, feature intricate electronic components that are tricky to evaluate. DIY fixes for these advanced models are getting more complicated.
Slow or partial drainage keeps water lingering, causing musty odors and poor cleaning next time. Instead of ignoring it, call dishwasher repair near me.
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Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my dishwasher draining properly?
A clogged drain hose, faulty drain pump, or blocked filter could prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. Inspect these components for blockages or damage.
Could a clogged drain hose cause my dishwasher to drain improperly?
Yes, if the drain hose is clogged, water won’t drain out. Cleaning or replacing the hose should restore proper drainage.
How can I fix my dishwasher if it’s not draining properly?
Check the drain hose, pump, and filter for blockages. Replacing any faulty parts should restore proper drainage.
What should I do if my dishwasher continues to not drain after cleaning the hose?
If the issue persists, the drain pump or control board may need professional inspection and repair.
Repair Dishwasher Resources
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If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.
A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.
A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.