Why is my dishwasher not draining after a cycle?

Leftover water in your dishwasher after a cycle usually means a clogged filter, drain hose, or faulty pump. Follow these steps to clear the blockage and get it draining again.

Category:Appliances

Difficulty:Easy

Time:30 min

Success:50%

Updated:Jun 13, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Why is my dishwasher not draining after a cycle?, start with "Inspect and clean the filter assembly": Remove the bottom rack and locate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub. Unscrew or lift it out, then rinse under hot water to remove debris. Stop DIY if the drain pump motor is completely silent and does not hum. This is listed as a easy recovery and usually takes about 30 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaAppliances

Estimated time30 min

DifficultyEasy

Stop conditions3

Last updated Jun 13, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceDishwasher

Current stateDraining

Specific stateStanding Water

Failed stepFilter Clog

Likely failure typeBlocked Path

DIY boundaryDIY recovery first

paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

When a dishwasher fails to drain, standing water can lead to odors and poor cleaning performance. Common culprits include food debris blocking the filter, a kinked drain hose, or a jammed impeller. This repair is straightforward and requires only basic tools.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Inspect and clean the filter assembly

Remove the bottom rack and locate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub. Unscrew or lift it out, then rinse under hot water to remove debris.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

Check the drain hose for kinksPull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the corrugated drain hose under the sink. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not pinched by the cabinet.

Clear the air gap (if present)Locate the small chrome cylinder next to the faucet. Remove the cap and clean out any debris inside with a small brush or toothpick.

Inspect the drain pump impellerRemove the lower access panel and locate the pump. Use a flashlight to check for broken glass or debris jamming the impeller. Clear with needle-nose pliers.