Standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher is a common problem. It usually means the drain path is blocked or the drain pump is not working. Most causes are simple and can be fixed without special tools, but always put safety first.

What is happening

The dishwasher drains water through a filter, a drain hose, and often an air gap or garbage disposal connection. If any of these are clogged or kinked, water cannot exit. Less often, the drain pump or check valve may be faulty.

Emergency warning

If you see water leaking onto the floor near electrical outlets or the dishwasher's power cord, do not touch anything. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker if it is safe to do so, and call a qualified technician or an electrician. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

What to do first

Turn off the power. Switch off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or unplug it from the wall. Never work on a dishwasher with the power on.
Remove standing water. Use a cup, sponge, or towels to scoop out as much water as possible. This makes it easier to inspect and prevents spills.
Clean the filter. Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. Twist and lift it out, rinse it under warm water, and use a soft brush to remove food particles. Check the sump area for debris.
Check the drain hose. Look behind the dishwasher for a kinked or crushed hose. If accessible, disconnect the hose from the disposal or sink drain and check for blockages. Have a bucket ready for residual water.
Check the air gap and garbage disposal. If your sink has an air gap (a small cylinder on the counter), remove its cap and clear any debris. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it, and check that the knockout plug was removed during installation (common in new installations).
Test the drain pump. If water still remains, the drain pump may be clogged or broken. This requires accessing the pump, often from inside the dishwasher or by removing the unit. If you are not comfortable doing this, call a professional.

What NOT to do

Do not use a plunger or drain snake in the dishwasher drain line; it can damage components.
Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into the dishwasher; it can damage parts and create hazards.
Do not ignore repeated draining problems; they may indicate a failing pump or a deeper clog.
Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified.

When to call a professional

Call a qualified appliance technician if:

You have cleaned the filter and checked the hose and disposal, but water still stands.
You hear unusual noises from the pump or the dishwasher does not drain at all.
You are not comfortable or able to safely access the drain pump or electrical components.
There is any sign of electrical damage or burning smell.

How to prevent it

Scrape large food particles off dishes before loading.
Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher if they share a drain.
Clean the dishwasher filter regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Periodically check the drain hose for kinks or clogs.

By following these steps, you can often resolve a draining issue quickly. If the problem persists, professional help is the safest next step.

Dishwasher not draining: what to do?

Immediate actions

What not to do / warning