How to fix a dishwasher that is not draining

The most common reasons for a dishwasher not draining or emptying are:

• Blocked filters
• Blocked drain Hose
• Kinked drain hose
• Fault drain pump

In this video article we will help you diagnose and fix this fault.

1. Blocked or Damaged Filters

Firstly you should make sure that the filters inside the dishwasher are clear from food waste and other debris that could prevent water from draining away.  At the same time check that there is no damage to your fine mesh filter, if there is you will need to replace it.  This won't be the cause of your dishwasher not emptying but the filter is designed to stop any food waste and the like from entering the waste hose system and causing blockages.  For futher help check out:

How to clean and replace your dishwasher filters

2. Kinked Drain Hose

Once you've checked the filters you will need to pull out the dishwasher from the cabinet.  The drain hose can be slightly kinked when the dishwasher is installed and pushed under the work surface in place.  But not kinked enough to stop the flow of water.  However over time as the plastic hose becomes more supple the kink becomes more pronounced and eventually the flow of water will stop completely.  If this has happened see our help guide on how to:

Replace your dishwasher drain hose

3. Blocked drain hose

A blocked dishwasher drain hose is also a common reported problem.  The waste water that passes through the drain hose will carry fatty deposits which will cling to the internal sides to of the drain hose eventually blocking the hose completely.  To check if the drain hose is blocked you will need to remove it.  We have a step by step guide to help:

How to remove and replace the drain hose on a dishwasher

4. Faulty Drain Pump

If there are no blockages in the filters or drain hose and the drain hose is in good condition and not kinked then it is likely to be a faulty drain pump.  The component pumps the water from the dishwasher during and at the end of the cycle.  For step by step instructions see our video:

How to replace the drain pump on a dishwasher