Appliances · fix it
Dishwasher not draining? Here's what to do first
Filter, air gap, and drain hose in that order. Most standing water clears in under half an hour with no parts at all.
DIY with caution
Doable for a careful homeowner — read the safety note first and stop if anything doesn't match what you see.
Beginner About 40 min
Cut power at the breaker before reaching into the sump. Watch for broken glass in the filter area.
Video: Apartment Maintenance Pro (YouTube)
What to do, in order
- Step 1: Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker before reaching inside.
- Step 2: Bail out the standing water with a cup and a towel.
- Step 3: Twist out the cylinder filter at the bottom and wash it in hot soapy water.
- Step 4: Clear the air gap on the countertop, if the sink has one.
- Step 5: Check the drain hose under the sink for a kink and make sure the disposal knockout plug was removed.
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