ApplianceErrors.com

Dishwasher Won't Drain: Causes and Fixes

Standing water in the bottom of a dishwasher usually means a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, a plugged air gap, or a disposer knockout plug left in place on a new install. Clean the sump filter first — it traps food debris and is the most common cause.

What to Check First

1
Clean the cylindrical sump filter at the bottom of the tub — pull it out and rinse away trapped food and glass grit.
2
Check the air gap (the chrome cap at the sink) for clog — pop it off and clear debris.
3
New install or new disposer? Confirm the disposer knockout plug was removed — this blocks drainage completely.
4
Inspect the drain hose for kinks behind the unit and under the sink.
5
Run the disposer — dishwashers often share its drain line, and a full disposer backs up into the dishwasher.

Error Codes for This Problem, by Brand

If your dishwasher is showing an error code along with this symptom, find your brand below — each code links to its full fix guide.

Samsung Dishwasher

Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher

⚠ High Severity

Wash motor error — circulation pump failure

⚠ High Severity

Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault

⚠ Medium Severity

Water wall reflector error — water wall sensor blocked

⚠ Medium Severity

Noise sensor error — abnormal sound/vibration signal from the wash system

⚠ Medium Severity

Pump/zone wash fault — distribution motor or pump circuit error

⚠ High Severity

Drain-related sensor fault — drainage not confirmed by the water level sensor

⚠ Medium Severity

GE Appliances Dishwasher

Drain failure — dishwasher not draining

⚠ High Severity

Wash motor failure — circulation pump not running

⚠ High Severity

Drain error — not draining properly

⚠ High Severity

OWI sensor failure — optical water indicator fault

⚠ Medium Severity

Pressure sensor fault — water level sensing issue

⚠ Medium Severity

LG Dishwasher

Drain error — dishwasher not draining

⚠ High Severity

Temperature sensor failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Motor/pump over-current error

⚠ High Severity

Vario motor error — wash arm diverter motor not reaching position

⚠ Medium Severity

Whirlpool Dishwasher

Drain pump failure — dishwasher not draining

⚠ High Severity

Thermistor failure — low resistance reading

⚠ Medium Severity

Thermistor failure — high resistance / open circuit

⚠ Medium Severity

Circulation pump motor error

⚠ High Severity

Bosch Dishwasher

Drain blocked — dishwasher not draining

⚠ High Severity

Drain pump or filter blocked — drain impeller obstructed

⚠ High Severity

Residual water in the sump — filter or impeller area blocked

⚠ Medium Severity

Water flow sensor fault — fill volume not being measured

⚠ Medium Severity

KitchenAid Dishwasher

Drain pump failure — dishwasher not draining

⚠ High Severity

Thermistor failure — water temperature sensor fault

⚠ Medium Severity

Frigidaire Dishwasher

Drain problem — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Vent open error — drying vent failed to close

✓ Low Severity

Miele Dishwasher

Drainage fault — water not pumped out

⚠ High Severity

Flow meter fault — water quantity sensor failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher

Not draining — drain fault

⚠ High Severity

Kenmore Dishwasher

Wash pump communication / motor fault

⚠ High Severity

Electrolux Dishwasher

Drain fault — clogged filter or blocked drain path

⚠ High Severity

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher? +

A clogged sump filter is the most common cause, followed by a blocked air gap, a kinked drain hose, or a disposer knockout plug left in on a new connection. A shallow amount of clean water in the sump is normal between cycles.

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