Dishwasher Not Draining: Causes and What to Do
Standing water in a dishwasher usually comes from a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, an unremoved knockout plug on a new garbage disposal, or a failed drain pump. Clean the filter and run the disposal first. If water still sits in the tub, the pump or drain path needs a technician.
Free referral service. Have your ZIP code ready so your call reaches a provider near you.
Last updated October 2026A little water in the sump after a cycle is normal on many models. A pool of dirty water above the filter is not. These checks start with the simplest causes.
Quick checks to try first
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Remove the bottom rack and scoop out standing water.
- Twist out and clean the filter.
- Run the garbage disposal if the dishwasher drains into it.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks.
- If the disposal is new, confirm the knockout plug was removed.
Safety first
Call a pro when
- The filter is clean but water stays
- You hear humming with no draining
- Water leaks under the cabinet
- An error code returns
What is causing it?
Match what you see to the likely cause.
| Symptom | Likely cause | DIY or pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty water above filter | Clogged filter | DIY |
| Drains after running disposal | Disposal or sink drain clog | DIY |
| New disposal, never drained | Knockout plug still in | DIY or plumber |
| Humming, no draining | Blocked or failed drain pump | Pro |
| Silent at drain time | Pump motor or control board | Pro |
| Water and a smell | Food buildup in hose or air gap | DIY or pro |
Checks did not fix it?
Call 1-833-563-1092. Have your ZIP code ready.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Remove standing water.
- Clean the filter.
- Run the disposal.
- Check the hose and air gap.
- Run a rinse cycle and listen.
- If water remains, call a technician.
What is going on inside?
After each wash, the dishwasher's drain pump pushes dirty water through the drain hose, often through an air gap or a high loop, into the garbage disposal or sink drain. A filter at the bottom of the tub catches food so it does not clog the pump. When the filter, hose, disposal or pump is blocked, water stays behind.
How do I stop it happening again?
- Scrape plates before loading.
- Clean the filter monthly.
- Run the disposal before starting the dishwasher.
- Run hot water at the sink before a cycle.
- Check the drain hose after any work under the sink.
How much does it cost to fix?
Fixr and This Old House both put most dishwasher repairs between $100 and $300. A service call fee of about $50 to $100 is common, and many providers apply it to the repair. See the full cost guide.
What should I tell the technician?
- Whether it hums at the end of a cycle
- If the disposal is new
- Any error code
- Whether water leaks under the cabinet
- The dishwasher's brand, age and model number
Then call 1-833-563-1092 and give your ZIP code so your call reaches a provider near you.
Common questions
Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Usually a clogged filter or drain hose. A new garbage disposal with the knockout plug still in place is another common cause.
Is some water in the dishwasher normal?
A small amount in the sump below the filter is normal on many models. Water above the filter after a cycle is not.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that will not drain?
Fixr and This Old House both put most dishwasher repairs at $100 to $300.
Can I use a dishwasher that will not drain?
No. Standing water can grow bacteria and leak. Fix the drain first.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Food trapped in the filter or drain hose causes most odors. Clean the filter and run a hot empty cycle.
Can a garbage disposal stop a dishwasher from draining?
Yes. A clogged disposal or an unremoved knockout plug on a new disposal blocks the dishwasher's drain.
Get it fixed
Call 1-833-563-1092 to speak with a local appliance repair pro.
1-833-563-1092Free referral service. Have your ZIP code ready.