Dishwasher · Symptom guide

Dishwasher not draining

At the end of the wash, dirty water remains in the bottom of the dishwasher or a drain error is displayed.

Severity: Medium · Typical repair cost: £0–£100 depending on whether only a blockage is cleared or the pump needs replacing.

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Smart overview

This summary gives a quick feel for how serious this issue usually is and what to check before calling for help.

Appliance type Dishwasher
Risk level Medium
Typical repair cost £0–£100 depending on whether only a blockage is cleared or the pump needs replacing.

Checks you can try yourself

  1. Unplug or switch off the dishwasher at the mains.
  2. Remove the lower basket and pull out the filters. Clean them thoroughly under running water.
  3. Check the sump area under the filter for glass, food debris or labels.
  4. Inspect the drain hose and the spigot on the sink trap for blockages.
  5. Run a rinse cycle and watch the drain point to see if water is being pumped out strongly.

Always unplug the appliance and switch off the power at the mains before accessing internal parts, and do not work on gas appliances yourself.

Advanced checks

  • If you can hear the drain pump running but little water moves, the impeller may be jammed or worn.
  • If the pump is silent, there may be an electrical fault or a failed pump motor.

How to prevent this problem

  • Rinse or scrape plates to remove large food scraps before loading.
  • Clean filters and the sump area regularly to prevent grease and debris from blocking the pump.
  • Check that the drain hose and sink trap are clear and not kinked after pushing the machine back under the worktop.

When to call a professional

If basic cleaning does not restore draining, and the machine still shows drain errors or stands full of water, a technician can test the pump windings, check wiring and ensure the control board is activating the pump correctly.

Helpful tools & parts

The link below searches for tools and replacement parts commonly used when fixing this type of problem. Always confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.

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FAQs

What is the most common cause of "Dishwasher not draining"?

In most cases it comes down to a blockage, a worn component, or a sensor/setting issue. Start with the quick checks, then move to the step-by-step fixes in this guide.

Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher with this symptom?

You can usually do basic checks safely, but stop if you notice leaks, burning smells, tripped electrics, or unusual grinding/banging noises.

What is the first thing I should check?

Check for the simplest causes first: filters, hoses/vents, door seals, obvious blockages, and any recent changes (new detergent, overloaded drum, wrong programme).

When should I call a professional?

If basic cleaning does not restore draining, and the machine still shows drain errors or stands full of water, a technician can test the pump windings, check wiring and ensure the control board is activating the pump correctly.

About this guide

This guide was created by the CodeSolveAI Appliance Help Team. We use manufacturer information, typical engineer reports and safe DIY practice to keep these pages up to date and practical.

Last reviewed: March 2026.