Why Dishwasher Not Draining?
When a dishwasher doesn’t drain, it’s often because the filter is clogged, the drain hose is blocked, or the pump isn’t working properly. Sometimes, issues with the water inlet valve or improper installation also prevent water from draining. Fixing the problem early helps avoid leaks and costly repairs.
How to Fix Dishwasher Not Draining (Quick Steps):
- Clean the dishwasher filter.
- Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks.
- Run the garbage disposal (if connected).
- Reset the dishwasher.
- Call a certified technician if the dishwasher does not fully drain.
It can be really frustrating to open your dishwasher and see dirty water sitting at the bottom instead of draining away. Many Toronto and GTA homeowners often ask: “Why is my dishwasher not draining properly?”, “Why Dishwasher Not Draining” The truth is, this issue can come from several causes, ranging from clogs to faulty parts. Let’s look at the most common reasons and what you can do about them.
Top Causes of a Dishwasher Not Draining
Clogged Filter or Drain
One of the most frequent reasons dishwasher is not draining completely is a clogged filter. Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum build up, preventing dishwasher water from draining fully.
Blocked Drain Hose
If the water is not draining in dishwasher, the hose that connects to your sink or your garbage disposal may be blocked or kinked. This can stop water flow, leading to pooling.
Faulty Drain Pump
When the dishwasher did not drain, the pump might have failed. For instance, a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining or LG dishwasher not draining is often linked to a malfunctioning pump.
Stuck Air Gap
Some homes in Toronto and Mississauga have air gaps near the sink. If blocked, they can cause water not draining from dishwasher.
Defective Check Valve
A bad check valve allows dirty water to flow back into the dishwasher. This can cause cases where dishwasher does not fully drain even after a cycle ends.
Brand-Specific Dishwasher Drainage Issues
Different brands may experience unique drainage problems:
- Samsung dishwasher not draining – Often due to a clogged filter or drain hose.
- Bosch dishwasher not draining – May involve a faulty pump; Bosch dishwasher troubleshooting not draining often points to the water inlet system.
- If your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining, the most common cause is a clogged filter from food or debris. This problem often shows up in Frigidaire Gallery models as well.
- Kenmore dishwasher not draining – Can result from a blocked drain hose; some users report Kenmore dishwasher does not drain even when no visible clog is present.
- GE dishwasher not draining – A failing motor or pump is usually the cause.
- KitchenAid dishwasher not draining – Improper installation or a jammed drain pump may be the issue.
- Maytag dishwasher not draining – Worn-out pump impellers often cause this.
- Miele dishwasher not draining or Blomberg dishwasher not draining – These premium brands may face electronic or sensor issues.
- Amana dishwasher not draining – Usually tied to a simple clog or valve problem.
Quick Fixes You Can Try
If my dishwasher is not draining, here are a few safe steps before calling for service:
- Clean the filter at the bottom of your unit.
- Inspect the drain hose for clogs or kinks.
- Run the garbage disposal (if connected) to clear blockages.
- Reset your dishwasher — some models like Bosch dishwasher does not drain may need a hard reset.
If your dishwasher will not drain completely even after these steps, it’s best to contact a certified technician.
Professional Dishwasher Repair in Your Area GTA, Toronto
At Neighborhood Appliance Repairs, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all major dishwasher brands, including Bosch, Whirlpool, Samsung, KitchenAid, LG, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Maytag, GE, Amana, Miele, and Blomberg. Whether your dishwasher is not draining fully, dishwasher water not draining, or dishwasher not draining but no blockage, our experienced technicians can provide fast and reliable solutions.
We proudly serve Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Whitby, Oakville, Burlington, Aurora and other surrounding areas, offering same-day appliance repair services.
FAQs About Dishwashers Not Draining
Most often, clogs in the filter or hose are the cause. Sometimes, the pump or motor fails and requires repair.
Start by cleaning the filter, checking the drain hose, and making sure your garbage disposal is clear. If the dishwasher will not drain water even after these steps, call a pro.
Improper installation or air gap issues can cause water not draining dishwasher problems right from the start.
This often indicates a faulty pump or electronic sensor issue. It’s best to schedule a service call.
No. Running your unit when dishwasher not draining water can damage the pump and lead to leaks.
Need fast dishwasher repair service in GTA Toronto or surrounding areas
Call Neighborhood Appliance Repairs today or book online at Neighborhood Appliance Repairs. Our certified team is ready to fix your dishwasher the same day.
If you’d like to learn about common LG error codes, check out our blog on LG Dishwasher Error Codes & How to Repair Them at Home