Dishwasher Not Draining or Leaking

What usually causes it

• Clogged filter and sump. Food and debris on the filter keep water from reaching the drain pump.
• Garbage disposal knockout plug. On a new disposal install, the plug on the dishwasher inlet has to be knocked out. If it was not, the dishwasher cannot drain.
• Drain hose. Kinks behind the cabinet, or a hose without a high loop or air gap, cause slow drains and backflow.
• Drain pump. A jammed or failed pump hums or stays silent while water stays in the tub.
• Door gasket and tub. A torn or dirty gasket, or a dishwasher that is not level, lets water out at the door.
• Inlet valve and hoses. A valve or fill line leaking under the unit often shows up as water at the front kick plate.
• Wrong detergent. Hand dish soap in a dishwasher makes suds that push out of the door.

Dishwasher not draining

Standing water usually means a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose or garbage disposal knockout, or a failed drain pump.

Check first: Clean the filter and run the disposal. If the disposal is new, the knockout plug may still be in place.

Dishwasher leaking

Leaks come from a worn door gasket, a cracked spray arm, the wrong detergent, or a loose connection underneath.

Check first: Use only dishwasher detergent, check the door gasket, and look under the sink for drips.

Safe checks you can do

• Clean the filter and check the sump for glass or debris.
• Run the disposal, then try a drain or cancel cycle.
• Check under the sink for a kinked drain hose and a high loop.
• Look at the door gasket for tears or buildup.
• Remove the kick plate with the power off and look for drips with a flashlight.
• Use only automatic dishwasher detergent.

Parts that fail most often

• Clogged filters and sumps are the most common drain problem.
• Disposal knockout plugs catch out many new installs.
• Inlet valves and fill hoses leak under the unit.

How your home affects it

In older homes

Older homes in the Houston area often have smaller kitchens and laundry closets built for smaller appliances, older wiring, and shut-off valves that have not been turned in years. Older sink drains and disposals are often the real reason a dishwasher will not drain.

In new construction

Newer homes in the Houston area usually come with builder-grade appliances, and many early problems are installation issues rather than failed parts. A disposal knockout plug that was never removed or a kinked drain hose is a classic new-home dishwasher problem.

In apartments and condos

In apartments, condos and townhomes around the Houston area, space is tight and the building often has its own rules for access, parking and shut-off valves. The dishwasher and sink often share a drain, so check the sink first.

In garages

Plenty of homes in the Houston area keep a second fridge, a freezer or the laundry in the garage, where summer heat regularly passes 100°F. Hard water and heat both take a toll on outdoor and garage sinks and dishwashers.

During storm season

Storm season around the Houston area brings power outages, surges and sometimes flooding, and appliances often show problems right after the lights come back on. A dishwasher that sat in water needs its pump and controls checked before use.

When to call for repair

• Water still stands after cleaning the filter and running the disposal.
• Water appears under the dishwasher or damages the floor.
• The pump hums with no water moving.

If water is leaking near the electrical connection under the dishwasher, turn off the breaker before cleaning up.

Need help? We do dishwasher repair across Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Call (832) 345-9300, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Every repair comes with a 1-year warranty on labor.

Common questions