Dishwasher not draining?
A pool of dirty water after a finished cycle is different from a small amount of water in the filter area. Check what your model normally retains, note any error, and look for signs that the kitchen sink is draining poorly too.
What’s happening?
Safe checks to try
Note the amount and location of water
Check the owner’s manual to see what water is normal for your model’s sump or filter area. Photograph a pool covering the tub floor after a completed cycle and note whether the water is clean or dirty.
Follow the filter-cleaning instructions
Only inspect a filter identified as user-removable in your manual, with the dishwasher off, power disconnected safely, and the water cool. Do not reach blindly into standing water, force a filter, or remove pump covers; sharp debris may be present.
Check how the sink drains
Observe whether the kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up, and mention any recent disposer installation. Do not put your hand into a disposer or disconnect plumbing to investigate.
Possible causes
Possible causes include debris in the filter or drain path, a blocked household drain, excess suds, or a pump fault. Drain-hose installation or a recently fitted disposer can also affect drainage. A small amount of water in the sump may be normal on some models, so compare the location and amount with the owner’s manual before assuming there is a fault.
Do not pour drain cleaner into the dishwasher or add household dish soap. Avoid reaching into murky water where broken glass may be hidden, and do not remove the pump or lower electrical panel. Stop using the machine if it overflows, leaks onto the floor, or produces a burning smell.
What to have ready
- Brand and model number
- A photo of the water level after the cycle ends
- Any error message, unusual sound, or interrupted cycle
- Whether the sink drains normally and any recent disposer or plumbing work
Questions about this symptom
It can be normal on some models. Check the owner’s manual: water in the sump is different from a pool covering the tub floor after a completed cycle.
Yes, because the dishwasher may drain through that plumbing. Report a slow sink or recent disposer installation; leave blockage checks, connections, and any installation corrections to the appropriate professional.
No. Do not put household drain cleaner in the dishwasher. Use only the maintenance steps permitted by the model’s manual and request help if the water remains.
Not necessarily; drainage restrictions and installation issues can produce similar symptoms. Include the water level, cycle status, model, and error message so the team can discuss the next step.