Is your dishwasher not draining properly? Finding standing water at the bottom of the tub? 😩 Don't panic! You might not need a plumber—most drainage issues can be fixed quickly with a few simple steps.
This guide from The Trade Table will walk you through how to drain a dishwasher, unclog it, and get your kitchen back in action!
Your dishwasher drains through a hose that connects to the sink pipes or garbage disposal. Over time, debris, grease, and even soap buildup can block water flow. Common causes include:
Clogged drain hose – Food particles, grease, or even small objects can block the hose.
Dirty filter – The dishwasher filter catches food scraps but needs regular cleaning.
Blocked air gap – If your sink has an air gap, it could be clogged with food gunk.
Faulty drain pump – If you hear weird noises, the pump may need to be cleaned or replaced.
Garbage disposal issues – If your dishwasher drains into the garbage disposal, a clog there could be the problem.
Before taking things apart, try this:
Run another cycle – Sometimes a dishwasher gets interrupted and doesn’t finish draining. Run it again.
Press the "Cancel" button – Many dishwashers have a manual drain cycle activated by holding the cancel button for a few seconds.
Check for power issues – Make sure your dishwasher is plugged in and your circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
If that doesn’t work, it’s time to dig deeper!
Tools You'll Need:
✔ Screwdriver
✔ Soft brush (an old toothbrush works great!)
✔ Wet/dry shop vacuum (optional but helpful!)
Materials You'll Need:
✔ Bucket or cup
✔ Towels (to catch any spills)
✔ Turkey baster (for small water removal)
✔ Baking soda & vinegar (for natural unclogging)
Turn off power – Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the circuit breaker.
Empty the dishwasher – Take out the dishes and bottom rack for full access.
Scoop out water – Use a cup, sponge, or wet/dry vacuum to remove all standing water.
💡 Pro Tip: Place towels around the base of the dishwasher to catch any leaks.
Most dishwashers have a removable filter near the bottom spray arm. A clogged filter can prevent drainage and cause bad smells.
Twist & remove the filter (check your owner's manual).
Rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush.
Reinstall the filter securely before running the dishwasher again.
Find the drain hose under the sink, connecting your dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal.
Look for kinks, bends, or clogs—straighten it out if needed.
Detach the hose (use pliers if needed) and blow through it—if air doesn’t pass, there’s a clog!
Clear blockages with a wire hanger or gently flush with warm water.
💡 Pro Tip: NEVER use a plumber’s snake—it can puncture the hose! 🚫🐍
If the hose isn’t clogged but drainage is still slow, try this:
Mix 1 cup of baking soda & 1 cup of vinegar.
Pour it into the drain basket at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then pour hot water down the drain.
Run a short rinse cycle to flush everything out.
⚠️ WARNING: Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage your dishwasher!
If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, food buildup can block water flow.
Run the garbage disposal to clear any blockages.
Check the air gap (small metal cylinder next to your faucet) and clean out any gunk.
If nothing else works, the drain pump may be blocked or broken.
Remove the bottom panel of your dishwasher.
Check the pump and impeller for glass, food, or debris.
Use a wet/dry vacuum to clear blockages.
🚨 If the pump still doesn’t work, you may need a professional repair.
Run a rinse cycle to see if the problem is fixed.
Watch for water draining properly.
If everything works, congrats—you fixed it! 🎉
✔ Scrape dishes before loading – Large food chunks can clog the drain.
✔ Clean the filter every month – This keeps water flowing smoothly.
✔ Run hot water before starting – Helps clear grease buildup.
✔ Use the right detergent – Avoid using regular dish soap or too much detergent.
If your dishwasher still won’t drain, it might be time for an upgrade. The Trade Table offers top-quality dishwashers from leading brands.
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