Dishwasher Not Draining: What to Check Before Calling a Technician
You open the dishwasher after the cycle and there's a pool of water sitting at the bottom, sometimes with a faint sour smell. The dishes aren't clean, and running it again doesn't help.
What you’re seeing
- Standing water (an inch or more) remains in the tub after the cycle ends
- A low humming or buzzing sound during the drain portion of the cycle
- Error code on the display pointing at a drain problem (varies by brand)
- Food particles or a greasy film left on dishes that were clean-going-in
- Water backing up into the sink when the dishwasher drains
3 things to check yourself
- Clean the drain filter. Pull out the bottom rack, twist out the cylindrical filter at the tub floor, and rinse off trapped food and grease under hot water.
- Check the air gap (if your sink has one). That small chrome dome next to the faucet — lift its cap and clear any food debris packed inside.
- Look at the garbage disposal. If you just replaced the disposal, the drain hose's knockout plug may still be in place — water from the dishwasher literally has nowhere to go.
When to call a pro
If the tub still holds water after these checks, the drain pump, a clogged drain hose, or the check valve has failed — and finding which one takes a real diagnosis, not guessing with parts. A technician’s diagnostic pinpoints the failed component, and the full repair is quoted before any work starts. Call (904) 555-0147 to get a quote from a local pro.
Get a quote
Call to get a quote — describe the appliance and the problem, and a local pro who covers your neighborhood will go over timing and price with you directly.
Prefer to read first? Browse the problem guides — causes, safe checks, and the parts usually involved.