If you have a dishwasher, you will understand the pain when it ends up breaking. If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it’s often because of a blockage or a faulty pump.
In this guide, we’ll cover the signs your dishwasher may not be draining as well as the causes for the problem. We will also offer some helpful advice towards the end on what to do next if you’re facing this problem.
Signs Your Dishwasher Is Not Draining Properly
If your dishwasher is not draining properly, you may find remaining waste water at the base of the dishwasher after a cycle. You may also be given an error code if your appliance is configured to detect such problems.
On some occasions, you may also find that your dishes aren’t properly cleaned. Please do remember that not all appliances have an error code configuration so depending on the model, you may not be given a specific error code for the problem. This may make it slightly harder diagnosing the issue.
What causes a dishwasher to stop draining?
When a dishwasher stops draining, it’s always one of the below causes.
1 > Blockage: If your dishwasher is blocked, it will not be able to drain properly. We always recommend rinsing your dishes briefly before putting them inside the dishwasher for a cycle. This will help remove larger food chunks and avoid future blockages. If you suspect your dishwasher is currently blocked, inspect and clean the filter if required. If that does not help, the blockage may be deeper into the appliance which may require professional assistance.
2 > Drain Hose: Drainage issues with a dishwasher can sometimes also be caused by a problem with the rear drainage hose. This can be inspected easily for blockages or damage by yourself or if preferred, a professional technician. Any problems with the drain hose are often affordable to repair. A new drain hose often costs around £15 to purchase online depending on the length.
3 > Broken Pump: If your dishwasher is not blocked but still refuses to drain, it may mean that the drainage pump has failed. When the drainage pump fails, it is often easy to replace as well as affordable depending on the dishwasher model. A new drainage pump usually costs around £30 to £60 depending on the model. If you have a Miele appliance, expect this to be upwards of £100.
4 > Electrical Problem: On some rare occasions, a drainage problem can be caused by an electrical fault within the appliance. If you suspect this is the case, we recommend calling a professional so that they can help you guide you. This type of cause can be case by case specific and will require different advice every time.
Is it worth repairing?
The big question, will a drainage problem with my dishwasher be worth repairing? More often than not, yes, it will be.
If your dishwasher is simply blocked, it will require no parts and can be fixed fairly quickly by a professional.
If, on the other hand, parts are required, depending on the part, it may not be worth repairing. We recommend calling a professional so that they can help guide you through the various costs and/or to assist you with proper diagnostics on your appliance.
When To Call A Professional
Calling a professional can sometimes be daunting but it is required especially if the problem is more complicated. If you’re not a hands-on person with a lack of previous experience, we recommend calling a professional to make the repair process seamless.
Here at Georgi’s Services, we operate through most parts of London and can help with any dishwasher related issues with very fast call outs. We also offer free advice over the phone to help assist in any way we can.
Why is my dishwasher not draining but still running?
If your dishwasher is still able to complete the programs but it’s leaving water behind, it may mean that there is a slight blockage somewhere in the appliance. The blockage may be preventing some water from draining but not enough to interrupt the cycle.
Can a blocked filter stop my dishwasher from draining?
Yes, a blocked filter can cause your dishwasher to stop draining. This is one of the most common causes for drainage issues with a dishwasher.
Can I fix a dishwasher that is not draining myself?
On some occasions, yes, you could repair this type of problem yourself. We recommend checking the filter and waste hose for any obvious blockages. Don’t forget to switch off the appliance from the mains when carrying out any work.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered signs your dishwasher may not be draining as well as the causes for the problem.
If you’re in-need of free advice over the phone, please call us. We are always happy to help and we may even be able to help you in-person.
If you’re interested in getting more dishwasher related help, feel free to read our other articles which cover various other problems.