Dishwasher Not Draining: Clear the Water Fast

Standing water at the bottom points to the filter, drain hose, or air gap. Here is the order to check them.

By Colton ReyesDecember 26, 20253 min read read

Written by Wade Holbrook, Lead Technician — True Fix Dallas. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 9 years servicing Dallas–Fort Worth.

A dishwasher that will not drain leaves a pool in the tub. The blockage is usually easy to reach.

Clean the Filter and Sump

Food debris collects in the sump and blocks the drain path.

Fix: Scoop out debris and rinse the filter under the lower spray arm.

A kinked hose or a new garbage disposal with the knockout plug still in place stops drainage.

Fix: Straighten the hose and, on a recent disposal install, remove the knockout plug.

The cylinder on the sink can clog and back water up into the tub.

Fix: Pop the cap and clean out any debris inside.

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