Dishwasher not draining? What to check first
Four safe checks to try before you book, and how to tell when the pump is the likely cause.
A little moisture in the base is normal. A pool of water is not. Before you book, turn the machine off at the wall and try these checks in order.
1. Clean the filter
Lift out the bottom rack and twist out the filter. Rinse it under the tap and remove any food or broken glass from the sump. Take care, because glass is easy to miss.
2. Check the drain hose
Look under the sink for a hose that has been squashed by stored items. If a new sink waste or waste disposal unit was recently installed, check that the blanking plug was removed, because that can stop drainage completely.
3. Run a short cycle
Some machines need a full cycle to pump out properly. If you stopped a cycle halfway, restart a short program and let it finish.
4. Listen for the pump
If you hear a hum with no water moving, something may be jamming the pump. If you hear nothing at all, the pump or the control circuit may have failed.
When to call
If water remains after these checks, stop using the machine and book a visit. Send the brand, model number and any error code so we know what we are dealing with.