Dishwasher Not Draining? Fixes to Try
Gray water sitting in the bottom of the tub is one of the most common dishwasher problems. Most of the time it's a clog you can clear yourself.Last updated November 12, 2026 · Written for Brandon, FL households
Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub, then run the garbage disposal and check the drain hose under the sink for kinks. If you just installed a disposal, check the knockout plug. If it still won't drain, the drain pump may be jammed or failed, which needs a technician.
Check these in order
- Clean the filter. Remove the bottom rack, twist out the filter, and rinse and scrub it. This fixes more drain problems than anything else.
- Look for debris in the sump. Broken glass, seeds and labels collect under the filter. Be careful with your hands.
- Run the garbage disposal. The dishwasher often drains through it. A full disposal blocks the dishwasher.
- New disposal? Make sure the knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet was removed during installation.
- Check the drain hose. Under the sink, look for kinks and make sure the hose has a high loop.
- Clean the air gap. If there's a small chrome cap next to the faucet, pull it off and clear any gunk inside.
If none of that works
The drain pump may be jammed or failed, the check valve may be stuck, or the control isn't telling the pump to run. These need a technician.
When to call
Call if the filter, disposal and hose are all clear and water still sits in the tub, or if you hear the pump hum without draining. See dishwasher repair in Brandon.
Common questions
Is a little water in the bottom normal?
A small amount around the filter can be normal on some models. A tub with water covering the bottom after the cycle ends isn't.
Can I use drain cleaner in my dishwasher?
No. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the pump and seals. Clear the filter and the hose by hand instead.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Food trapped in the filter and water left standing are the usual causes. Clean the filter and run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner.
Related help
Still not working?
If the checks above didn't fix it, an independent technician who covers Brandon can diagnose it.