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Call This Wednesday to Get $35 OFF
Call This Wednesday to Get $35 OFF
Jun 02, 2025
A dishwasher is not only a time-saver in the kitchen, but it also adds convenience to your daily routine. One of the common dishwasher issues homeowners experience is clogging. A blocked dishwasher can turn dishwashing into a nightmare, not to mention the possibility of water damage.
As a homeowner, it’s important to understand the common causes for your dishwasher not draining and what to do to resolve the problem. In this article, Rooter Man Plumbing walks you through the common culprits behind a dishwasher not draining. Our emergency plumbers in Tacoma, WA have been offering clogged drain line cleaning services for decades, so they know what can block a dishwasher drain.
One of the most common culprits behind drainage issues is a clogged dishwasher filter. Over time, food particles, grease, and debris can collect in the filter and prevent water from draining smoothly. Most modern dishwashers have easily removable filters that you can rinse under warm water. Be sure to clean the filter regularly to keep water flowing smoothly.
The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your garbage disposal or drain line. If this hose becomes kinked, clogged, or blocked, it can stop the water from draining out properly. Check for any obvious bends or buildup and clear the hose as needed. In some cases, you may need to disconnect it to inspect for blockages internally. If a blocked or kinked drain hose is the problem, reach out to a nearby plumbing repair service for help.
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, be sure the knockout plug inside the disposal’s drain inlet was removed when it was installed. A newly installed garbage disposal can have the plug still in place, which blocks the dishwasher from draining. Also, a clogged or full disposal can back up the dishwasher’s drainage system, so running the disposal before starting the dishwasher is a good habit.
The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the dishwasher during the drain cycle. If the pump is malfunctioning, water may remain in the tub. A faulty pump may make strange noises or stop working altogether. It’s advisable to call a local plumbing repair service to replace a faulty drain pump. This is not your typical DIY plumbing repair task.
Many dishwashers have an air gap, which is a small cylindrical fitting mounted on the sink or countertop, to prevent dirty water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged with debris, it can stop water from draining. The solution is to remove the cap and clean out any buildup with a small brush or pipe cleaner.
The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it has drained. If this valve gets stuck or fails, it can cause standing water in the bottom of the unit. While it’s not a common failure point, it’s worth inspecting if you’ve ruled out other causes.
If your dishwasher is not draining and you need professional help from a team of reliable plumbers, get in touch with Rooter Man Plumbing. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to assist with dishwasher drainage and other kitchen plumbing issues. From clogged drain cleaning to plumbing kitchen fixture repair, leak detection, garbage disposal repair, and water heater repair, we can fix them all. Contact us today to schedule professional service and learn more about our services.
