A dishwasher that won’t drain can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem to have.
Not only can it cause dirty dishes to pile up, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and potential water damage.
In this article, we will discuss the common causes of a dishwasher not draining and provide solutions for each.
Table of Contents
Causes of a Dishwasher Not Draining
Clogged Drain
One of the most common causes of a dishwasher not draining is a clogged drain. Food particles, grease, and other debris can accumulate in the drain over time, blocking the water from flowing out of the dishwasher. To fix this problem, you can try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to remove the blockage. Another cause of clogged drain is overloading the dishwasher, this can be fixed by loading the dishwasher properly in future.
Faulty Drain Pump
Another common cause of a dishwasher not draining is a faulty drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If the pump is not working properly, it can cause water to build up in the dishwasher and not drain out. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the drain pump.
Faulty Drain Hose
The drain hose is responsible for transporting water out of the dishwasher. If the hose is damaged or clogged, it can cause water to build up in the dishwasher and not drain out. To fix this problem, you will need to inspect and replace the drain hose if it is damaged or clogged.
Obstruction in the Garbage Disposal
If there is an obstruction in the garbage disposal, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the obstruction by using a plunger or a plumbing snake.
Faulty Air Gap
An air gap is a device that is installed between the dishwasher and the sink drain. It prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged or not working properly, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to clean or replace the air gap.
Tripped Overflow Switch
An overflow switch is a device that is installed in the dishwasher to prevent water from overflowing. If the switch is tripped, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to reset the overflow switch.
Solutions for a Dishwasher Not Draining
Clear Clogged Drain
As mentioned earlier, a clogged drain is a common cause of a dishwasher not draining. To fix this problem, you can try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to remove the blockage. This will likely solve the problem and prevent further water from building up in the dishwasher.
Replace Faulty Drain Pump
If the drain pump is faulty, you will need to replace it. This can be a more complex and expensive solution, but it is necessary to prevent water from building up in the dishwasher.
Inspect and Replace Faulty Drain Hose
If the drain hose is damaged or clogged, you will need to inspect and replace it. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution that can prevent water from building up in the dishwasher.
Remove Obstruction in the Garbage Disposal
If there is an obstruction in the garbage disposal, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to remove the obstruction by using a plunger or a plumbing snake.
Clean or Replace Faulty Air Gap
An air gap is a device that is installed between the dishwasher and the sink drain. It prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged or not working properly, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly.
To fix this problem, you will need to clean or replace the air gap. Cleaning the air gap can be done by removing it and using a small brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the holes. If it is not working properly, you will need to replace it with a new one.
Reset the Overflow Switch
An overflow switch is a device that is installed in the dishwasher to prevent water from overflowing. If the switch is tripped, it can cause the dishwasher not to drain properly. To fix this problem, you will need to reset the overflow switch. This can usually be done by pressing a button or flipping a switch located on the dishwasher.
Call a Professional
If none of these solutions work, it is best to call a professional. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Some of the issues that may require professional help are a malfunctioning control board or a complex issue with the dishwasher’s plumbing.
Prevention of dishwasher not draining properly
To prevent the dishwasher not draining problem from happening, it is important to:
- Clean the dishwasher regularly, this will help to prevent clogs from forming
- Run hot water in the sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher, this will help to clear any debris in the drain
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher, this will help to prevent clogs from forming and also ensure that the dishes are cleaned properly.
Call Us
A dishwasher that won’t drain can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem to have.
By understanding the common causes of a dishwasher not draining, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. If your dishwasher is already not draining, there are solutions available to fix the problem.
Whether it’s clearing a clogged drain, replacing a faulty drain pump, inspecting and replacing a faulty drain hose, cleaning or replacing a faulty air gap, resetting the overflow switch, or removing an obstruction in the garbage disposal, there are steps you can take to prevent a dishwasher from not draining.
In addition, it is important to make sure to clean the dishwasher regularly to avoid clogs and other issues. If none of these solutions work, it is best to call our professional dishwasher technicians.
