What to Do When Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining Well

One of the common problems which might happen to your dishwasher is that it stops draining properly. A bunch of different factors can cause this issue, and it is important to determine the exact reason. In some cases, it is possible to independently identify the issue preventing the dishwasher from draining, although your appliance still might need to be checked by a professional.

Dishwasher Not Draining

How Do I Fix My Dishwasher When It Does Not Drain Properly?

First and foremost, you need to identify the problem causing insufficient draining. There are several parts and things you can check to see whether they are functioning properly or not.

What to Check

In this simple guide, we have collected a number of parts you can check by yourself. Go through these steps one after another until you find a malfunctioning part of your dishwasher.

Check the Drain Hose

If the drain hose is twisted or stuffed, it will not carry the water away adequately. If you spot a kink somewhere in the hose, it needs to be replaced to avoid new kinks. In most cases, they appear around a pump outlet or a valve. It could be also obstructed by debris. Check the food chopper and see whether it is getting rid of the particles properly.

Hose Clamps

Check the Filter

Depending on a dishwasher model, the filter design can differ. Check your manual to understand how to remove your filter. In most cases, it is easily removable. Clean the filters from debris. It is advised to wash the filters regularly. Try cleaning them every week to prevent stuffing. You can clean them easily by washing under a tap.

inlet screen

Examine the Piston and Nut Assembly

In some dishwashers, there is a check valve you can find in the bottom part of the appliance. You should look for the sump cover because the assembly can be found under it. Unscrew and remove the sump. A piston and nut assembly inside the check valve might be exactly the part causing the trouble. These elements should be able to jog easily and fit tightly when at the lowest point. If not, the water will not flow away properly.

Nut Assembly

Inspect the Drain Pump and Motor

For pushing water through the drain hose, the pump uses an impeller. If the engine is malfunctioning, the draining will be impossible. You should check the motor for its integrity to determine whether it is working or not. Also, make sure that the impeller is not obstructed by anything and can turn freely. If it does not work, you might have to replace the drain pump.

Water pump repair

Check Valve Flapper

The check valve is necessary for releasing the water without letting it back inside the machine. Usually, it is a rubber part on the drain pump. If you think that dirty water finds its way inside the appliance after the cycle is finished, then the problem is most likely to be in the check valve. Check if there are any objects stuck in there. If not, you should buy a replacement.

dishwasher Valve Flapper

Inspect the Belt

In some older models of dishwashers, the pump includes a belt. You can find it at the bottom of a motor. Check if the belt is in place. If it is not or it slips off when the pump is running, the water will not drain. Inspect the belt to see the signs of stretching or ripping. Replace this part if necessary.

Check the Timer

In specific dishwasher models, a built-in timer will operate the cycles. This timer regulates the motor of the pump. You can usually find it on the control panel of your dishwasher door. This is a tricky part to inspect because it includes wiring. You will have to locate exactly the contacts which are in charge of draining. The manual will be helpful to see the scheme. Check the contacts for their integrity and replace the timer if it has defects.
If these steps did not help you to identify or solve the problem, it is advised to call a repair service.

timer
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