Dishwasher Not Draining? Here Is What to Check First in Des Moines
Opening the dishwasher after a cycle and finding a puddle of dirty water at the bottom is one of the most common appliance frustrations we hear about from Des Moines homeowners. The good news is that a dishwasher not draining in Des Moines, IA is usually caused by one of a handful of issues, and some you can check yourself before calling for repair.
This guide walks you through what to look at, in order, from easiest to hardest.
Step 1: Run the Garbage Disposal First
This sounds too simple to matter, but it fixes a surprising number of drainage problems. Most dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal. If the disposal is holding food debris or was recently installed with the drain plug still in place, water cannot pass through.
What to do:
- Run the garbage disposal for thirty seconds with water flowing.
- Try running the dishwasher again.
- If the disposal was recently replaced, check under the sink for a hose connected to the disposal. There is a plastic knockout plug inside that connection which must be removed during installation. If it was not removed, the dishwasher cannot drain.
Step 2: Check the Filter
Most modern dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub, right under the lower spray arm. When this filter clogs with food debris, grease, or hard water buildup, water cannot drain out.
What to do:
- Remove the bottom rack.
- Twist and lift out the filter assembly.
- Rinse it under warm water using a soft brush.
- Reinstall and test.
Cleaning the filter every one to three months is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any dishwasher.
Step 3: Inspect the Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. If it is kinked, clogged, or improperly installed, water cannot flow out.
What to look for:
- A high loop or air gap in the hose (required by code in many installations).
- Any sharp kinks or crushed spots.
- Food debris or grease clogging the hose interior.
If the hose is installed without a high loop, waste water from the sink can back flow into the dishwasher, causing standing water. A technician can add a high loop and clear any blockages.
Step 4: Check for a Clogged Air Gap
Some kitchens have an air gap on the counter next to the faucet. This small cylindrical fitting prevents dirty water from backing into the dishwasher. When it clogs, drainage fails.
What to do:
- Twist off the air gap cover.
- Pull out the plastic cap underneath.
- Clean any debris inside and reassemble.
Step 5: Test the Drain Pump
If everything above looks clean, the drain pump itself may be failing. The drain pump is a small electric motor that pushes water out of the dishwasher. When it fails, you may hear:
- A humming sound with no water movement
- Complete silence during the drain cycle
- Grinding or clicking noises
Drain pump replacement is a common dishwasher repair. A technician can confirm the diagnosis and swap the pump usually in a single visit.
Step 6: Check for Broken Impeller or Foreign Object
Small objects like broken glass, olive pits, twist ties, or bones can get lodged in the drain pump impeller. This can jam the pump or crack the impeller blades. A technician removes the pump, clears the blockage, and inspects for damage.
Step 7: Test the Check Valve
The check valve is a small flap that prevents drained water from flowing back into the dishwasher. When it sticks open, water returns to the tub after the cycle ends. When it sticks closed, water cannot drain in the first place. This is usually a quick and inexpensive repair.
Step 8: Check the Drain Solenoid or Timer
On older dishwashers, a drain solenoid opens the drain valve at the right time in the cycle. If it fails, water sits in the tub. On newer models, the timer or main control board handles this function. Any of these components can fail and require professional replacement.
When It Is Time to Call for Dishwasher Repair
Call a professional if:
- You have checked the disposal, filter, hose, and air gap and still have standing water
- The drain pump is humming but not moving water
- You hear grinding or clicking during the drain cycle
- Water is leaking under the dishwasher
- Error codes appear on the display
See our full dishwasher repair in Des Moines page for details on parts, brands, and pricing.
How to Prevent Dishwasher Drainage Problems
- Scrape plates before loading. Do not rely on the dishwasher to grind up food chunks.
- Clean the filter every one to three months.
- Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner monthly to break down grease and hard water deposits.
- Do not overload the racks or block the spray arms.
- Run hot water at the sink until it is hot before starting the dishwasher, so the cycle starts with hot water.
Common Dishwasher Brands We Repair
- Whirlpool
- Bosch (see our Bosch guide for E15 and other error codes)
- LG
- Samsung
- GE
- Frigidaire
- KitchenAid
- Maytag
- Kenmore
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- 10 Signs Your Dryer Needs Repair
- How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost in Des Moines?
Book Dishwasher Repair in Des Moines, IA
If your dishwasher still is not draining after you have tried the checks above, do not leave standing water in the tub. It will start to smell and can cause mold. Call for fast, honest dishwasher repair in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, Johnston, and every city across the metro.