Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Draining—and What to Do Next
- Gulilat Haileselassie
- Jun 11
- 2 min read

A dishwasher that won’t drain can be frustrating—and messy. Standing water in the bottom of your appliance could signal a simple clog or a more serious mechanical issue. At Virginia Appliance Repair, we’ve seen it all. Here are the top reasons your dishwasher isn’t draining and what steps you can take.
1. Clogged Filter
Food particles, grease, and debris can build up in the dishwasher filter, blocking water from draining.
Fix: Remove the bottom rack and unscrew the filter. Rinse it under warm water and scrub away any residue.
2. Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
The drain hose carries water from your dishwasher to your sink’s drain or garbage disposal. If it’s kinked or clogged, draining will fail.
Fix: Inspect the hose behind the unit. Straighten out kinks or disconnect and flush it with water.
3. Garbage Disposal Plug Left In
If your dishwasher was recently installed or reconnected to a garbage disposal, the knockout plug may not have been removed.
Fix: Turn off power, disconnect the hose, and check if the plug is still inside the garbage disposal inlet.
4. Faulty Drain Pump
If the drain pump motor is failing or the impeller is broken, water won’t move out of the tub.
Fix: This usually requires a technician to diagnose and replace the part.
5. Air Gap Clog
If you have an air gap installed on your sink, it can become blocked with food particles and grease.
Fix: Remove the cap, clean out the inside, and flush with warm water.
What to Do Next
If these tips don’t solve the problem, it may be time for a professional inspection. At Virginia Appliance Repair, we offer fast, expert dishwasher repair across the DMV. Whether it’s a drain pump issue or something more complex, we’ll get your kitchen back in order—no standing water required.
Call us today or book online for reliable, same-week service! Let us handle the hassle so you can get back to clean dishes and peace of mind.
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