Dishwasher Not Draining? What to Check First

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Dishwasher Not Draining? What to Check First

A dishwasher that leaves water behind after the cycle finishes usually has a drain path problem, a pump issue, or a control problem that stops the drain sequence early. The specific complaint matters because a slow drain and a full no-drain condition are not the same failure.

Common causes include a blocked drain hose, clogged sink connection, disposal knockout left in place after installation, a failing drain pump, or a control that is not sending proper power to the drain circuit.

If the dishwasher is not draining and the filter area keeps refilling with water, it makes sense to stop and diagnose the cause before running the machine repeatedly. That avoids unnecessary strain on the pump and helps narrow the issue faster.