It’s a well-known fact that the best dishwashers (opens in new tab) make tidying up after meals easier, more efficient and fuss-free. As Dmitry Letsman, Dishwashing Category Manager, Indesit (opens in new tab) tells us: “Dishwashers can save a lot of family arguments over who has to do the washing up. The loading and unloading of the dishwasher is a much nicer task than washing up pots and pans from dinner time. It also saves worktop space – when you’re cooking a meal, you can simply load the dishwasher as you’re finished with pots and utensils, so there’s nothing hanging around waiting to be washed up.” However when your dishwasher won’t drain, the household appliance is more of a hindrance than a help. So, to help you get to the bottom of why your dishwasher won’t drain, we’ve put all the questions to the experts. Here’s what they had to say…
How to fix your dishwasher not draining
- There’s a blockage Whether you’ve got a full-sized dishwasher, or one of the best countertop dishwashers (opens in new tab), your kitchen appliance might transform dirty dishes into clean and sparky ones in record time. But dishwashers can be prone to blockages – especially if you don’t clean your filter regularly. Dmitry explains: “A blockage is typically the main reason a dishwasher might not drain, often it can be due to food particles building up. At the bottom of the tub inside your dishwasher you’ll see a filter – this should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water to keep the water flowing and allow the appliance to perform to the best of its ability.”
- The drain hose is clogged Your drain hose is situated at the back of your dishwasher. It’s usually positioned up high as it prevents the dirty water from going back into your appliance. But sometimes the drain hose can become twisted or clogged, stopping water from draining from your machine. To rectify this problem, Toni Yordanov, a plumber and a gas engineer at Fantastic Services (opens in new tab) says: “Disconnect the dishwasher from the power outlet and locate the drain hose on the back. The first thing you want to inspect is if it’s not folded or bent. If that’s not the case, then you can proceed to check for clogs. Consult your manual before disconnecting it. It’s useful to have a small bowl or a bucket nearby to catch any excess water that may spill otherwise.”
- Improper maintenance When was the last time you cleaned your machine, performed a routine maintenance check or emptied the drain basket? Just like any household appliance, your dishwasher needs some TLC from time to time. “To prevent clogs and extend the lifetime of your dishwasher, make sure to perform regular maintenance,” Toni says. “That includes cleaning the filters, inspecting the hoses, and emptying the drain basket at least every couple of months.”
- Operation errors Like many of the best household appliances, the key to keeping your machine in good and working order is to read through the buyer’s manual, and use your appliance how it’s intended to be used. Toni says: “Make sure to follow the proper operation techniques described in your manual. Never use regular dishwashing soap, as that is likely to cause clogs and leave standing water at the bottom.”
- Broken parts Another reason why your dishwasher might not be draining like how it’s supposed to? It could be broken. This might be the case especially if you’ve had your dishwasher for longer than the usual 9 years of service. Toni says: “When a broken part is the reason, always call a licensed professional to replace it in order not to void your warranty. Listen to any unusual sounds during a cycle, like humming or clicking, and if that’s the case, you might need to have your motor or drain pump replaced.”
What to do if your dishwasher is not draining
According to Dmitry, the most essential step to take if your dishwasher won’t drain, is to clean the filter and check if the waste hose is blocked. He says: “Blocked filters are at the bottom of most dishwashers, they come in three parts and are easy to remove. If you use your dishwasher regularly, you should take out the filters, clean them under the tap and replace them every week or so. “If you have a freestanding dishwasher, pull your dishwasher away from the wall to check if the hose is squashed, once back in place, all wastewater will easily wash away.” If this doesn’t work, consider deep cleaning the garbage disposal area or double check to see whether you have a clogged air gap or spray arm. Toni says: “To clean, use a toothpick or an old toothbrush. If the debris is hardened, you might want to soak them in warm and soapy water first before cleaning.” Discover more guides for the home… Best front load washers (opens in new tab) Best top load washers (opens in new tab) Best dryers (opens in new tab) Best ovens (opens in new tab) Best french door refrigerators (opens in new tab)
