What could be wrong with my dishwasher that will not drain?

Answer by  jsflw2010 (459)

When troubleshooting, the first thing that one should consider is the sediment catch at the bottom of the dishwasher may have become completely clogged with food debris. This will not allow the dishwasher to drain properly or at all.

Answer by  alil1b81005 (29)

There may be a clog which could consit of either food or grease. Also the drain hose maybe knotted or knicked somewhere. Another possiblity is the drain pump might have stopped working.

Answer by  carla53 (5)

The drain could be blocked by food items that come off the dishes. You might need to rinse your dishes off before putting them in the dishwasher. You should be able to clear it out either with a liquid plumber type product or you may have to use a snake.

Answer by  Disneyphan (529)

It is possible that the drain is clogged. It can be clogged with food, hardened grease or glass from a broken dish. Check to see if it's cleared out.

Answer by  trudie1962 (1022)

Even though my dishwasher has a food waste grinder, large chunks of food accumulate on the drain screen. I've found plastic bread bag clips, chunks of carrot, pieces of plastic from wrapping - all gunked up and blocking the dishwasher's drain. Perhaps you should check the floor of your dishwasher for similar obstructions.

Answer by  dwalla (19)

There is usually a pump in the bottom of the dishwasher that pumps the water out. Your pump may be broken, or perhaps clogged with food scraps accumulated from your dirty dishes.

Answer by  appliancegal (49)

Dishwasher not draining can be caused by the pump not pumping. A blockage in the exit line or in the plumbing from the dishwasher.

Answer by  Advisor (1032)

A tangled water hose or a clogged drain are the most common causes of a dishwaser draining problem. Pull the unit out as far as possible and inspect the hose. If everthing is in good order, try using a commerical drain cleaner and run on the hottest rinse cycle. Follow up with sanitize cycle, if available, or rinse again.

Answer by  Spazman667 (259)

The most reasonable answer to why your dishwasher will not drain is that a decent amount of food has got into your drain line and that is blocking the water from leaving the dishwasher.

Answer by  ConnorLee (40)

The most likely and most obvious reason could be that the machine is simply clogged and just needs some anti clog solution of some sort.