How to Drain a Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn't draining water, you might have a clog on your hands. In addition to drainage problems, a clog and leftover water can cause nasty odors. Fortunately, fixing drainage issues is usually quick and easy. Cleaning your dishwasher's filters is the first and simplest troubleshooting step. If that doesn't help, try checking the drain hose and valve for clogs. If you can't track down the cause on your own, get in touch with an appliance repair specialist.

EditSteps

EditServicing Your Dishwasher Safely

1. Remove the dishes from the dishwasher and place them in the kitchen sink.
   
   • You won't be able to take apart certain parts of the dishwasher to see if there are any problems if there are dishes in the way.
   • Make sure you store any sharp knives where they are easily seen, so someone doesn't reach into the sink and cut themselves.
2. Turn off the power and water line to the dishwasher. You don't want to work on any appliance with the power connected.^[1]
   
   • You can turn off the power by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the circuit that the dishwasher is connected to.
   • Check under your sink to find the water line that connects to the dishwasher, then turn it off. The water supply is usually a flexible copper line or braided stainless steel.
   • Under the sink, you should see valves above that control the sink's water supply, and a lower valve with the line that leads to the dishwasher. Turn off the lower valve that controls the dishwasher.^[2]
3. Remove the water with containers and towels. Moving a dishwasher full of water can be messy.
   
   • Protect the floor under, and in front of, the dishwasher with old towels.
   • Use cups or other containers to scoop out the water and transfer it to the sink drain.
   • Use a couple of towels to soak up the last portion of the water. Put these towels in the sink until you are completely finished mopping up the leftover water.

EditCleaning the Filter

1. Remove the cylindrical filter from the bottom of the dishwasher. Look for a circular filter under the spray arms on the bottom of the dishwasher’s interior. Turn it counterclockwise and lift it straight up to remove it from its housing.^[3]
   
   • Most modern dishwashers have filters. Every brand and model is a little different, but the removal process is basically the same.
   • If you’re not sure if you have filters, try searching online for your model number. You’ll be able to download your user manual, which will let you know if your dishwasher has filters.^[4]
2. Remove the coarse filter. Many models have a separate coarse filter, which is a metal plate held in place by the cylindrical filter. Once you've pulled out the cylinder, you can simply slide out the coarse filter.^[5]
   
   • On other models, these filter components aren't separate parts. Check your user manual for information about your specific model.^[6]
3. Check the sump for debris. The sump is the hole where the cylindrical filter slides into that leads to the drain hose. Feel around inside for solid chunks of food, bones, or other debris that might be the causing a clog.^[7]
   
4. Clean the filters with hot, soapy water. Take the filters to the sink, and scrub them thoroughly with a sponge and dish detergent. Rinse them well after you've loosened all the caked-up food and grime.^[8]
   
5. Reinstall the filters. First, replace the coarse filter. It’ll fit into an impression on the bottom of the dishwasher. Once that’s in place, insert the cylindrical filter and give it a clockwise twist to secure it.^[9]
   
   • Spin the spray arms when you’ve replaced the filters just to make sure everything is properly aligned.
6. Run the dishwasher to see if you solved the problem. Whenever you have an issue with your dishwasher, cleaning the filters should be your first troubleshooting step. After you’ve cleaned and reinstalled them, run the dishwasher on a short cycle to see if there’s any improvement.
   
   • A very small amount of water in the bottom of a dishwasher is normal.
   • If the dishwasher is still not draining, you will have to check other parts for malfunction.
   • Make sure the dishwasher is cool before checking anything else.

EditChecking the Drain Hose

1. Pull out the dishwasher from its cabinet area. Use caution when doing this as dishwashers are heavy.^[10]
   
   • You can lower the dishwasher using the feet on the front to get more clearance.
   • Slide the dishwasher out slowly to prevent gouging your floors.
   • Pull it out far enough so you can see and reach behind it.
2. Check the drain hose. See if there is a major kink preventing drainage.^[11]
   
   • You can access the drain hose by removing the kick plate on the front of the dishwasher. If you disconnected the power and water supply to the dishwasher, you have likely already removed this.
   • The drain hose runs from the drain pump on the bottom of the dishwasher to the sink drain or air gap on the sink.
   • Use a flashlight to follow the hose to the drainage area. Look for any bends or kinks constraining the line.
   • Correct any kinks in the line.
3. Take the drain hose off the dishwasher. Examine it to determine whether there are any clogs.^[12]
   
   • Place a pan or rag underneath the hose to prevent spills and for easy cleanup.
   • A clog of food or other fragments will prevent proper drainage of the machine.
   • Clear any blockage you encounter in the hose by running a long flexible brush through it.
   • You can also run water from a high powered hose through the drain line to clear any debris.
   • After you are done, reconnect the hose.
4. Run the dishwasher on a short cycle. This will allow you to see if there is any improvement in draining the water. Running a short cycle will help minimize your water usage.^[13]
   

EditChecking The Drain Valve

1. Make sure the dishwasher is cooled before attempting to check the drain valve. Parts can become hot during the heating and rinsing cycles.
   
   • This can help you avoid burns from hot parts or steam.
   • It will be easier to work on the dishwasher if the parts are cool.
2. Locate the drain valve. It may have become stuck closed, preventing water from draining from the dishwasher.^[14]
   
   • The drain valve is located underneath the dishwasher behind the front kick panel.
   • It is usually by the motor, so you can use that to find its location.
   • The valve consists of a gate arm and solenoid (also called a coil)
3. Check the gate arm. This is one component of the drain valve. ^[15]
   
   • The gate arm allows water to drain out of the dishwasher through the valve.
   • You should be able to move it freely.
   • The gate arm has two springs attached to it. If either spring is damaged or missing, it must be replaced.
4. Check the solenoid.The gate arm is engaged by the solenoid. ^[16]
   
   • The solenoid is connected by two wires.
   • Disconnect the solenoid from the wires.
   • Test the solenoid for resistance using a multi-tester. Set the tester to the ohms setting X1.
   • Place the tester probes on the terminals of the solenoid. A normal reading is 40 ohms. If the reading is significantly different, the solenoid will need to be replaced.
5. Give the motor a spin. This is the rotating blade inside the dishwasher.
   
   • Inactivity sometimes causes a dishwasher motor to stick.
   • Turning it by hand may take care of this problem and allow water to drain.
   • This is something that should be tried before testing the dishwasher again.
6. Try the dishwasher to see if it is draining. Run a short cycle so you aren't wasting water.
   
   • If you're still having problems after trying to resolve the issue on your own, call an appliance repair person.

EditTips

• Dishwasher drain hoses are reasonably priced and available at your average hardware or homeowner's  supply store.
• You can order other dishwasher parts from homeowner's supply stores or repair places.

EditWarnings

• Make sure you put the drain hose back in place after checking for clogs or water will go all over the place when you turn the dishwasher on.

EditThings You'll Need

• Long, thin flexible brush
• Flashlight
• Lubricating oil
• Dishwasher drain hose

EditRelated wikiHows

• Get Cleaner Dishes from Your Dishwasher
• Clean Cut Glass Tumblers
• Clean Hollow Stemmed Glasses
• Clean and Maintain a Dishwasher

EditSources and Citations

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