Why is my dishwasher not draining water after cycle?

A dishwasher that won't drain is usually due to a clogged filter, drain hose, or pump. Clear the blockage to restore proper drainage.

Category:Appliances

Difficulty:Moderate

Time:30 min

Success:50%

Updated:Jun 14, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Why is my dishwasher not draining water after cycle?, start with "Remove and clean the filter": Twist or lift out the filter assembly at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse it under hot water and scrub with a soft brush to remove debris. Stop DIY if water leaks from under the dishwasher when you run it. This is listed as a moderate recovery and usually takes about 30 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaAppliances

Estimated time30 min

DifficultyModerate

Stop conditions3

Last updated Jun 14, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceDishwasher

Current stateDrainage

Specific stateStanding Water

Failed stepClogged Filter

Likely failure typeBlocked Path

DIY boundaryDIY recovery first

paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

Standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a cycle indicates a drainage problem. Common causes include food debris clogging the filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a malfunctioning drain pump. Clearing these obstructions often resolves the issue without needing a service call.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Remove and clean the filter

Twist or lift out the filter assembly at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse it under hot water and scrub with a soft brush to remove debris.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

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

Inspect the drain hose for kinksPull the dishwasher out slightly from under the counter. Check the drain hose for sharp bends or clogs. Straighten any kinks.

Clean the drain pump impellerRemove the pump cover (if accessible) and clear any debris like glass shards or toothpicks from the impeller blades.

Run a drain cycle to testReplace all parts, slide the dishwasher back, and run a short rinse cycle. Check that water drains completely within 2 minutes.