What to Do When the Dishwasher Stops Draining

One of the most common Queen Creek plumbing problems we see is a dishwasher failing to drain. Obviously, it’s frustrating to open the dishwasher and see it still full of water. The good news? This is rarely a plumbing emergency. We give you some simple tips to DIY it before you call us.

Run your garbage disposal

Your sink and dishwasher share the same drain. If there is food waster or debris, running your garbage disposal may clear the clog and get your dishwasher draining again.

Remove standing water.

So you have tried the garbage disposal and your dishwasher still isn’t draining. It’s time to get the water out. We advise lining the floor surrounding the dishwasher with absorbent towels and using a scoop or ladle to remove the water. Once the water is too shallow to scoop, use paper towels to absorb the remaining water. 

Check for blockages.

Check the bottom of the dishwasher for food debris that may be impeding your dishwasher’s ability to drain. 

We know many modern dishwashers claim you do not have to pre-rinse your dishes before loading. But we have found this isn’t always the case.

Your dishwasher may come with a mincer that can take care of small food particles, but it lacks the power of a garbage disposal. Taking a few extra minutes to pre-rinse may prevent the frustration and mess associated with a clogged dishwasher. 

Check the drain hose for kinks.

The dishwasher drain hose runs under your sink and connects to your garbage disposal. If you recently added to your under sink cabinet, it’s possible you kinked the hose in the process. 

Call Angry Pipe Plumbing Solutions.

Most of the time, when faced with a dishwasher not draining, one of the above techniques will help. But if you tried to no avail, the problem could lie in a faulty pump or in the dishwasher’s timer or motherboard. Replacing these specialty parts should only be done by a licensed plumber, so if you’re in that situation, call a pro.