How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain

A dishwasher that won't drain turns a helpful appliance into a standing-water problem fast. Water pooling at the bottom means food debris, grease, or a kinked hose is stopping the flow somewhere between the tub and your sink drain or garbage disposal. The good news is that most clogs live in places you can reach—the filter basket, the drain hose, or the connection points—and clearing them takes basic tools and about an hour. If you catch it early, before that stagnant water starts smelling, you're usually looking at a straightforward fix that costs nothing but your time.

1. Turn off the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Kill the power by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit if it's plug-in. Open the door fully and slide out the bottom rack to expose the tub floor. This gives you clear access to the filter assembly and drain area.
2. Inspect and clean the filter basket. Look for the cylindrical or basket-shaped filter in the center or corner of the tub floor. Unscrew or twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Rinse it under hot running water and use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away food debris, grease buildup, and sediment. Check the circular opening underneath for any trapped particles and pull them out by hand or with needle-nose pliers.
3. Check the drain hose for kinks and blockages. Locate the drain hose—it's the rubber or plastic tube running from the dishwasher to either your sink drain, garbage disposal, or standpipe. Visually trace the entire length for sharp bends, twists, or flattening. If you find a kink, gently straighten it. If the hose is dark or smells foul, there's likely a clog inside. Disconnect it at both ends (you may need a hose clamp tool) and hold it up to a light to peer through, or flush it with hot water from a pitcher.
4. Clear a blocked drain hose with a plumbing snake or wire. If you see or suspect a clog, feed a plumbing auger (snake) or a straightened wire coat hanger into the hose from one end. Work it back and forth gently, twisting to break up any grease or food blockage. You'll feel resistance ease when the clog breaks free. Run hot water through the hose from a pitcher to flush debris and confirm flow.
5. Reconnect the drain hose and secure clamps. Reattach the hose to the dishwasher outlet and the sink drain or disposal, making sure connections are hand-tight. Slide hose clamps (or screw-type clamps, if present) over each connection point and tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench. The hose should not kink or sag—route it so it rises slightly toward the drain to prevent backflow.
6. Reinstall the filter and run a test cycle. Place the cleaned filter basket back into its housing and twist clockwise until snug. Slide the bottom rack back in. Fill a cup with white vinegar, place it upright in the top rack, and run a short hot-water cycle (no dishes). The vinegar helps flush remaining debris and freshen the tub. Watch the water drain completely when the cycle ends.
7. Verify the drain connection at the sink or disposal. If the dishwasher still won't drain after clearing the hose, the blockage may be in your sink's drain line or garbage disposal. Check that the garbage disposal is running freely (power it on for 10 seconds while the sink basin has a bit of water). If you have a standpipe instead, verify it's not clogged by plunging it or using a plumbing snake on the main drain line. A backed-up sink drain will prevent the dishwasher from emptying even if the hose is clear.