Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining
A dishwasher that will not drain almost always has a blockage rather than a broken part: the filter, the drain hose, the air gap, or — on a new installation — a disposal knockout plug that was never removed.
Before you start: Cut power at the breaker before reaching into the sump — broken glass in the filter area is the most common injury in this repair.
What's specific to Whirlpool
Whirlpool dishwashers use a filter that needs manual cleaning on most recent models, and a check valve in the drain outlet that is a common cause of water flowing back into the tub. Older Whirlpool machines used a chopper blade assembly instead of a filter.
Causes, in order of likelihood
| Cause | How often | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter in the base of the tub | Most common | DIY |
| Kinked or blocked drain hose | Common | DIY, or $150–$300 if the hose needs replacing |
| Disposal knockout plug still in place | Common | DIY |
| Blocked air gap | Less common | DIY |
| Failed or jammed drain pump | Less common | $190–$400 |
| Stuck check valve | Occasional | $150–$300 |
1. Clogged filter in the base of the tubYou can check this
How to check: Remove the bottom rack and twist out the cylindrical filter. Food debris, labels and broken glass collect here.
The fix: Rinse the filter under a tap and scrub the mesh with a soft brush. Clear the sump underneath by hand.
2. Kinked or blocked drain hoseYou can check this
How to check: Look under the sink where the hose runs to the disposal or standpipe. A hose crushed behind the machine is a frequent cause after an appliance has been pulled out.
The fix: Straighten the kink, or detach the hose and flush it. The hose should also loop up high under the counter to stop backflow.
3. Disposal knockout plug still in placeYou can check this
How to check: Only applies if the dishwasher was recently installed and drains into a garbage disposal. Nothing will ever drain until the plug is removed.
The fix: Disconnect the hose from the disposal inlet, knock the plug out with a screwdriver, and remove the loose plug from inside the disposal.
4. Blocked air gapYou can check this
How to check: If there is a small chrome cylinder on the sink deck, lift the cover and cap. Water backing up onto the counter is the giveaway.
The fix: Clear the debris inside and flush it.
5. Failed or jammed drain pumpTechnician job
How to check: Listen at the drain part of the cycle. Silence suggests a dead pump; a loud buzz or grinding suggests the impeller is jammed.
The fix: The pump is accessed under the filter assembly. Glass fragments jamming the impeller can sometimes be removed; a failed motor needs the pump replaced.
6. Stuck check valveTechnician job
How to check: Water drains but then flows back into the tub, leaving a shallow pool every time.
The fix: The valve sits in the drain outlet and is replaced as a part.
When to call a technician
If the filter, hose and air gap are all clear and the machine still holds water, the pump or the control is at fault and needs a technician.
Describe the fault and get matched with an independent appliance technician in California.
Call (844) 659-0046