The most common reason for standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher is a clogged drain system. This can be caused by food debris, grease, or other objects blocking the filter, drain hose, drain pump, air gap, or sink drain. To fix this problem, you need to locate and clear the obstruction, and then run a rinse cycle to flush out any remaining water.
In this article, I will explain how to troubleshoot and fix a dishwasher that is not draining properly. I will also share some tips on how to prevent this issue from happening again, and when to call a professional for help. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how your dishwasher works, and how to keep it running smoothly.
Before we get into the details of how to fix a dishwasher that has standing water, let’s take a quick look at how your dishwasher drains water in the first place.
Your dishwasher has two main cycles: the wash cycle and the drain cycle. During the wash cycle, water is sprayed onto the dishes by the spray arms, and then recirculated by the pump through the filter. The filter traps any food particles or debris that might otherwise clog the drain system.
During the drain cycle, the pump reverses its direction and pushes the dirty water out of the dishwasher through the drain hose. The drain hose connects to either the garbage disposal or the sink drain, depending on your plumbing setup. Some dishwashers also have an air gap, which is a small device that prevents backflow of water from the sink into the dishwasher.
If any part of the drain system is clogged or malfunctioning, the water will not be able to exit the dishwasher, and will pool at the bottom of the tub. This can lead to unpleasant odors, mold growth, and damage to your appliance.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Has Standing Water
To fix a dishwasher that has standing water, you need to follow these steps:
Turn off the power to the dishwasher. You can either unplug it from the wall outlet, or switch off the circuit breaker that controls it. This will prevent any electric shock or damage to the appliance while you work on it.
Remove the water from the dishwasher. Use a large cup or a plastic container to scoop out the water from the bottom of the tub, and dump it into a bucket or the sink. When the water becomes too shallow to scoop, use a towel or a sponge to soak up the rest of the moisture.
Check the drain system for clogs. Start by inspecting the filter and the drain basket, which are located at the bottom of the tub, near the spray arm. These parts catch any food or debris that might otherwise clog the drain hose or the pump. To remove the filter and the drain basket, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, or watch this video[^1^][1]. Clean them with a soft brush and warm soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Make sure there are no large objects or chunks of food blocking the sump area, which is the hole where the water drains out of the dishwasher.
Next, check the drain hose for kinks, bends, or clogs. The drain hose is the flexible tube that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or the sink drain. To access the drain hose, you may need to remove the lower front panel or the kickplate of the dishwasher, depending on your model. You can also pull out the dishwasher from under the counter, if you have enough space and the hose is long enough. Once you locate the drain hose, look for any signs of damage or obstruction. If the hose is kinked or twisted, straighten it out. If the hose is clogged, disconnect it from both ends, and use a wire coat hanger or a plumber’s snake to clear the blockage. You can also flush the hose with a garden hose or a sink sprayer, but be careful not to damage the hose with too much water pressure.
If your dishwasher has an air gap, check it for clogs as well. The air gap is a small cylindrical device that is usually mounted on the sink or the countertop, next to the faucet. It has two hoses: one that connects to the dishwasher drain hose, and one that connects to the sink drain or the garbage disposal. The air gap prevents water from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher, and also allows air to enter the drain system, which helps the water drain faster. To check the air gap for clogs, remove the cap and the cover, and look inside the chamber. If you see any debris or gunk, use a toothpick or a small brush to clean it out. You can also use a turkey baster or a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any water or dirt from the hoses.
Finally, check the drain pump and the drain valve for any problems. The drain pump is the part that pushes the water out of the dishwasher, and the drain valve is the part that opens and closes to allow the water to flow. These parts are located at the bottom of the dishwasher, behind the filter and the drain basket. To access them, you may need to remove the lower spray arm, the filter assembly, and the pump cover, depending on your model. To check the drain pump, look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or broken impellers. You can also test the pump with a multimeter to see if it has continuity, which means that electricity can flow through it. If the pump is defective, you will need to replace it. To check the drain valve, look for any signs of wear, such as corrosion, rust, or debris. You can also test the valve with a multimeter to see if it has continuity. If the valve is faulty, you will need to replace it.
To prevent standing water in your dishwasher, you need to follow these tips:
Scrape off any large food particles or bones from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This will reduce the amount of debris that can clog the drain system.
Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher, if you have one. This will clear any food waste that might block the sink drain or the air gap.
Clean the filter and the drain basket regularly, at least once a month. This will prevent any buildup of grease, food, or dirt that can slow down the drainage.
Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner once in a while, especially if you notice any bad smells or stains in your dishwasher. This will help to remove any bacteria, mold, or mineral deposits that can affect the performance of your appliance.
Avoid using too much or the wrong type of detergent for your dishwasher. This can cause excess suds or residue that can interfere with the drainage. Follow the instructions on the detergent package, and use only the recommended amount for your water hardness and soil level.
Check the drain hose and the air gap periodically for any kinks, bends, or clogs. Make sure the hose is not too long or too short, and that it has a high loop or an air gap to prevent backflow of water.
If you notice any signs of damage or malfunction in the drain pump or the drain valve, call a professional to repair or replace them. Do not attempt to fix these parts yourself, unless you have the proper tools and skills.
If you have tried all the steps above, and you still have standing water in your dishwasher, you may need to call a professional for help. Some possible reasons why your dishwasher is not draining properly are:
A faulty timer or control board that is not sending the right signals to the drain pump or the drain valve
A broken or loose wire or connector that is preventing the power from reaching the drain pump or the drain valve
A clogged or damaged drain line that is beyond your reach or ability to fix
A plumbing issue that is affecting the water pressure or the drainage of your sink or your house
A professional plumber or appliance technician can diagnose and fix these problems, and ensure that your dishwasher is working safely and efficiently. To find a reliable and affordable professional in your area, you can use this service[^2^][2] or this service[^3^][3] to get free quotes and compare ratings and reviews.
Conclusion
Standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher is a common problem that can be fixed by following some simple steps. The main cause of this issue is a clogged drain system, which can be cleared by cleaning the filter, drain hose, drain pump, air gap, and sink drain. To prevent this problem from happening again, you need to maintain your dishwasher regularly, and use the right amount and type of detergent. If you have tried everything, and your dishwasher is still not draining, you may need to call a professional for help.
I hope this article has helped you to understand why there is standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher, and how to fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
