Dishwasher Not Draining — Standing Water After Cycle

Step 1: Clean the dishwasher filter

Most modern dishwashers have a manual-clean filter at the bottom of the tub — a cylindrical mesh filter that captures food particles. When clogged, water can't drain properly and backs up in the tub. This is the most common cause of standing water and costs nothing to fix.

1. Remove the bottom rack.
2. Locate the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub — twist counterclockwise and lift out.
3. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with a soft brush to remove debris.
4. Reinstall and run a cycle.

Clean the filter monthly to prevent recurrence.

Step 2: Check the garbage disposal knockout plug

If your dishwasher was recently installed alongside a new garbage disposal, a common installation mistake is leaving the drain knockout plug in the disposal inlet. This plug must be removed to allow dishwasher drainage. Remove the disposal, check the dishwasher inlet port — if the plug is still in place, knock it out with a screwdriver and pliers, then reinstall.

Step 3: Check the drain hose

The corrugated drain hose runs from the dishwasher pump to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Check under the sink for kinks. Also confirm the hose has a high loop — it should rise to the underside of the counter before connecting to the drain. Without a high loop or air gap, dirty water can siphon back into the dishwasher during the drain cycle.

Step 4: Replace the drain pump

If filter, disposal knockout, and drain hose all check out, the drain pump has failed. The pump is located beneath the dishwasher, accessed by removing the lower panel and possibly tilting the unit. The pump has a motor and impeller — if the motor hums but water doesn't move, the impeller is jammed or the pump has failed. Replacement pumps run $25-50 and take 1-2 hours to replace.

Frequently asked questions

There's 1-2 inches of water in my dishwasher — is that normal?

A small amount of water (less than 1 inch) in the bottom of the dishwasher is normal — it keeps the door gasket from drying out and cracking. If it's more than 1-2 inches, or the water is dirty, the drain isn't completing properly.

My dishwasher drains but slowly. Different problem?

Slow draining is usually a partial filter clog or a partially kinked drain hose. Clean the filter first. If it still drains slowly after cleaning, check the hose and check that the air gap (if installed) isn't clogged.

My dishwasher just started not draining after years of working fine. What changed?

Sudden onset usually means a filter clog (if you haven't been cleaning it) or a drain pump that has finally failed. Check the filter first — if it's severely clogged, that's your answer. If the filter is clean, the pump has reached end of life.

Related guides

• Dishwasher Not Filling
• Dishwasher Leaving Residue
• Washer Won't Drain

Last updated June 2, 2026. Repair procedures and part prices verified against manufacturer documentation and current market pricing. Confirm prices at time of purchase.