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Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

If water remains in the base after a cycle, the likely causes are a blocked filter system, blocked drain hose or sink waste, a pump blockage, or a failed drain pump.

Get a Confirmed Fit spare part

At Spares2Repair, when a spare part is matched to your exact model number we call that Confirmed Fit. Because spare parts can vary across production runs, sizes, and revisions, Confirmed Fit is the safest route to reduce wrong-part orders and buy with more confidence.

Start with the search box whenever you have the full model number. Use Fixit Fox Finder if the rating plate is hard to read or you want guided help before ordering. Ordering by appearance alone is more likely to lead to the wrong part.

Before you order, use Confirmed Fit

For advice and repair topics like this one, the biggest buying mistake is ordering on appearance alone. Search by the exact model number wherever possible, because small appliance revisions can use different seals, filters, motors, pumps, lamps, shelves, or trims.

At a Glance

  • This guide covers the most likely causes of this dishwasher problem and how to diagnose them.
  • Start with the simple checks before moving on to part-related faults.
  • Estimated time: 20-60 minutes depending on access and fault.

Safety First

Disconnect the appliance from the mains before removing panels or testing parts. Shut off water where relevant, and stop if you see damaged wiring, smell burning, or suspect a gas or sealed-system refrigeration fault.

Common Causes

  • Blocked filter and sump area
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose
  • Sink spigot or waste blockage
  • Foreign object in pump area
  • Faulty drain pump

Quick Checks First

  1. Cancel the programme and see whether the dishwasher attempts to drain.
  2. Clean the filter assembly and sump area thoroughly.
  3. Check the drain hose routing and whether the sink waste connection is blocked.
  4. Listen for the pump humming or grinding.
  5. Inspect for glass shards or food debris in the pump area where safe to do so.

Diagnosis and Fix by Cause

Filter and hose blockage

  • Most dishwasher drain faults start with restricted filters, a blocked sump cover, or a hose issue.
  • Clear restrictions first before suspecting the pump.

Pump fault

  • If the pump is powered but cannot move water, or the impeller is damaged, replace the pump.
  • If the machine leaks from the pump body, replace it rather than trying to seal it.

House plumbing issue

  • A blocked sink trap or spigot can mimic a dishwasher fault.
  • Always separate appliance drainage problems from plumbing problems before ordering parts.

Related checks and repair routes

FAQ

Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

If water remains in the base after a cycle, the likely causes are a blocked filter system, blocked drain hose or sink waste, a pump blockage, or a failed drain pump.

How do I get a Confirmed Fit dishwasher spare part for this fault?

Use the full model number exactly as shown on the rating plate. When Spares2Repair matches that model to a compatible part we call it Confirmed Fit. Similar-looking parts can differ across revisions, production runs, and variants, so model matching is the safest route before ordering.

When should I stop and get professional help?

Stop and seek qualified help if the work involves unsafe live electrics, sealed systems, gas-related risks, or damage that goes beyond straightforward model-matched part replacement.