If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, it could be due to a variety of issues. Common causes include a clogged drain line, a malfunctioning drain pump, or a faulty water level sensor. In some cases, food particles can block the drain pump or the drain line. Other times, a temporary plug in the garbage disposal may not have been removed during installation, causing drainage problems. Regardless of the cause, our technicians can diagnose and fix the issue quickly to get your dishwasher running smoothly again. Learn more about our dishwasher repair services:
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Main Issues When Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Drain Pump Is Not Working
The drain pump is responsible for removing water from the dishwasher, and this happens several times during a cycle. If you notice that your dishwasher still has water left (partially or completely) after the cycle finishes, it’s a sign that your drainage system might need attention. The most common issue is with the drain pump. This often happens when food particles get stuck in the pump’s impeller, causing it to wear down over time and eventually stop draining water properly. Sometimes, the pump might still remove water, but the pressure is too low for the dishwasher to work correctly. If this happens, you might hear unusual noises coming from the pump, or it may not run at all.

Water Level Sensor Is Not Working
The water level sensor monitors the amount of water entering the dishwasher and ensures there is water inside during operation. If the sensor isn’t working properly or fails entirely, it might misread the water level. This can cause the dishwasher to think there’s no water inside, preventing the drain pump from starting, even when water is present.

Control Board Is Not Working
The control board manages the start and stop of all processes in the dishwasher, including activating the drain pump. While it’s less common, issues with the control board can happen. For example, a relay responsible for starting the drain pump might burn out, or the part of the board controlling the water level sensor could fail, leading to malfunction.

Drain Line Is Clogged
Food particles can accumulate in the drain system over time, potentially clogging the drain line. In this case, you might hear the drain pump running, but it could sound different than usual. Clogged drain lines are also a common issue after replacing a garbage disposal. This happens because the dishwasher’s drain line connects to the garbage disposal, and the drain outlet on new disposals is often blocked by a temporary plug. If the plug isn’t removed during installation, the system won’t function properly. This oversight is surprisingly common in practice.

Repair Cost
Drain pump replacing | $290-$380 |
Water level sensor replacing | $220-$320 |
Control board replacing | $280-$340 |
Drain line cleaning | $180-$220 |
The cost of fixing a dishwasher depends on its make, model, and the difficulty of the problem.
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2 Comments
Can I diagnose the drain pump issue myself, and how do I do it?
It is possible to perform a basic diagnostic on your dishwasher. You can start by checking if there’s water remaining at the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle ends, which may indicate a drain pump issue. Listen for unusual noises during the cycle or inspect the drain hose for any visible clogs. However, for an accurate diagnosis and to avoid further damage, it’s best to have a technician inspect and replace the drain pump if necessary. Book an inspection: https://appliancerepairteodor.com/contacts/