Quick Answer
Okay, so your dishwasher's leaving standing water because it's clogged up somewhere. Nine times out of ten, it’s just food gunk in the filter at the bottom of the tub. Easy fix – just twist it out and clean it. Could also be the drain hose or your garbage disposal got plugged up (or the knockout plug was never removed). You can usually clear these yourself in under an hour for free. If it's humming but not draining, the pump might be jammed or dead. A replacement pump part will run you maybe $50-150, but calling a pro to install it will be more like $250-500, including parts and labor.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Check and thoroughly clean the dishwasher filter and the sump area it sits in.
Step 2
Run the kitchen sink's garbage disposal for 30 seconds with cold water to ensure the drain path is clear.
Step 3
Inspect and clean the air gap on the countertop if one is installed.
Step 4
Pull the dishwasher out slightly to inspect the drain hose for any visible kinks or pinches.
Step 5
Ensure the drain hose is installed with a 'high loop'—it should go up to the underside of the countertop before connecting to the drain.
Step 6
Perform a 'bucket test' by disconnecting the drain hose from the sink/disposal and draining into a bucket to isolate the problem to the dishwasher or the house plumbing.
Step 7
Cancel a cycle to initiate draining and listen for the drain pump. A hum with no drain indicates a jam/failure; silence indicates a possible electrical issue.
Step 8
If comfortable, disconnect power and remove the drain pump to physically inspect the impeller for obstructions like glass or bones.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Clean Filter, Air Gap, & Run Disposal | $0 | $100 - $175 | 15 minutes |
Clear Clogged Drain Hose / Fix High Loop | $0 - $20 | $175 - $275 | 1-2 hours |
Replace Drain Pump | $50 - $150 (part) | $250 - $500 | 2-4 hours |
When to Call a Professional Appliance
- You have cleaned the filter, air gap, and checked the hose for kinks, but the water still won't drain.
- The drain pump is making no noise at all, suggesting an electrical problem you can't test with a multimeter.
- You hear loud grinding or crunching noises, which indicates a more serious mechanical failure.
- You are not comfortable with pulling the appliance out, taking hoses off, and potentially dealing with water spills.
- The problem is intermittent and you can't reliably diagnose the cause after checking the basics.
Prevention Tips
- Scrape food waste and debris off plates before loading them into the dishwasher. It's not a second garbage disposal.
- Clean the dishwasher filter at least once a month. Set a reminder on your phone.
- Always run your garbage disposal for 15-20 seconds immediately before starting a dishwasher cycle.
- Run an empty cleaning cycle every 1-2 months using a commercial cleaner or a bowl of white vinegar to dissolve grease and scale.
- Visually check that your drain hose has a proper high loop secured under the sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
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