Have you ever opened up your dishwasher and found several inches of water sitting at the bottom?
When an appliance quits working, you naturally think of replacement cost. If it doesn’t drain, it’s time to start shopping for new dishwashers. At the very least, you’re in for some costly repairs.
Instead of being a problem with your dishwasher, it might be a problem with your plumbing. 
Before you call in a maintenance specialist, try these troubleshooting tips and see if you can solve the problem on your own. Then if you need to call in a plumber, you’ll know beforehand where the problem lies – that can help your plumber narrow his focus and get right to the heart of the problem.
Is Your Dishwasher Your Only Problem?
Your dishwasher might just be one of many drain problems plaguing your plumbing system. If your dishwasher isn’t draining, check other drains and connections throughout your home. Are there problems with any other appliance in your home?
If you’ve been having clogging problems in a bathroom and your kitchen, for instance, it might be a sign of a bigger plumbing issue. If the clog impacts your dishwasher and kitchen sink only, the problem might be centered in one area.
Is Your Garbage Disposal Working?
The simplest solution for a dishwasher that won’t drain is to check your garbage disposal. It’s easy for food to clog the drain hose that connects the dishwasher to your kitchen plumbing.
Run water through your kitchen sink with the garbage disposal on for a few minutes. Then turn your dishwasher on for a short cycle. When the cycle is over, see if your dishwasher has emptied. If it hasn’t, it’s time to check a few more things.
Is Your Dishwasher Facing One Of These Common Problems?
When a dishwasher doesn’t drain, it’s usually because of the hose. After turning off the power to the dishwasher and turning off the circuit breaker, check to see if there is a kink or a clog in the drain hose and drain hose clamp. Either clear the clog or straighten out the kind.
If the hose appears to function normally, sometimes corrosion has built up in the inlet and is blocking water from moving through the system. Some dishwashers have a valve that keeps water from flowing back into the dishwasher. Be sure this valve is working properly, and water is flowing freely. If not, it might need replacing.
You can also check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Just like the trap in your sink, this can become clogged over time. This can be found at the bottom of the dishwasher or in the back of the dishwasher tub. You can consult your owner’s manual, or check online for the make and model of your appliance. Clearing this may solve your drainage problem and get your dishwasher back into working condition.
Never Do This
If your sink is clogged, using drain cleaners can further cause dishwasher problems. They are corrosive and can dissolve hoses and rubber seals that connect the two pieces together. If you use the wrong type of detergent or use too much at one time, it can cause the system to back up and result in water on your floor. You should never use anything but dishwasher detergent in your dishwasher.
Is It Time For A Plumber?
Do any of these troubleshooting tips seem too much to try on your own? Have you tried several of our tips and still aren’t sure what the problem is? Before you head out and invest in a new dishwasher, give us a call instead. If you’ve taken all of these steps, you may have more plumbing problems than just a dishwasher that won’t drain.
Fixing the root of the problem will ensure that your clog is clear, your appliances are running at their optimal level, and your home is back in good working condition – just the way you like it.