How to Drain Dishwasher Water When It Won’t Empty

There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your dishwasher and finding a pool of dirty water at the bottom. When your dishwasher won’t drain properly, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be a sign of a bigger issue. If you’ve found yourself in this situation and are wondering how to drain dishwasher water quickly and safely, rest assured that it’s a common dishwasher problem and this guide is here to help.

Fortunately, in many cases, the problem can be fixed without calling a technician. In this post, we’ll walk you through practical steps to manually drain your dishwasher and troubleshoot the most common causes of standing water.

Why Is There Standing Water in My Dishwasher?

Before diving into the draining process, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the problem. Some of the most common reasons your dishwasher won’t drain include:

• Clogged filter or drain hose
• Blocked air gap
• Kinked or disconnected hose
• Faulty drain pump
• Garbage disposal connection issues

Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you not only drain the water but also fix the root cause so it doesn’t happen again.

How to Drain Dishwasher Water

If your dishwasher won’t drain on its own, follow these simple steps to safely remove the water and start investigating the issue.

1. Cut the Power

Safety first! Unplug your dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of electrical shock. If your dishwasher is hardwired, locate the dedicated breaker in your electrical panel and switch it off.

2. Remove the Bottom Dish Rack

Pull out the lower rack to access the standing water and filter. This gives you full visibility into the bottom of the tub and helps with cleanup.

3. Use Towels or a Cup to Remove Water

There are two effective ways to drain the water manually:

• Use a small cup or turkey baster to scoop the water into a bowl or bucket.
• Place towels or a sponge in the bottom of the dishwasher to soak up the remaining water.

Repeat until all visible water is removed.

4. Clean the Filter and Drain Area

Remove the filter (usually located at the bottom center) and rinse it under running water. Check the drain area for debris like food particles, glass, or plastic that might be blocking water flow.

5. Check the Drain Hose

Locate the dishwasher’s drain hose. It’s typically connected to either the garbage disposal or the sink drain. Look for any of the following:

• Kinks or bends that could restrict water flow
• Clogs or buildup inside the hose
• Loose or disconnected hose fittings

If needed, detach the hose and flush it out with a mix of hot water and vinegar to remove any obstructions.

6. Inspect the Air Gap (If Applicable)

Some kitchen sinks have an air gap—usually a small fixture mounted near the faucet. If this gets clogged, it can prevent proper drainage. Unscrew the top, clean out any debris, and run water through the opening to ensure it’s clear.

7. Run a Short Cycle to Test Drainage

Once you’ve removed the blockage and reassembled everything, restore power and run a short rinse cycle. Observe the drain process to confirm whether the issue is resolved.

If water continues to pool in the bottom, you may be dealing with a faulty drain pump or motor, which could require professional help.

Common Causes of Dishwasher Drainage Problems

To avoid dealing with standing water again, it’s helpful to know the most frequent culprits behind drainage issues.

• Clogged Garbage Disposal. If your dishwasher connects to your garbage disposal, make sure it’s clear of food waste. A backed-up disposal can prevent your dishwasher from draining properly.
• Grease or Food Build-up. Over time, grease and debris can accumulate in the drain hose or filters. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and helps your dishwasher run efficiently.
• Improper Installation. New dishwashers need the drain hose to be looped or connected to an air gap to prevent backflow. Without this, dirty water can re-enter the unit.
• Broken Drain Pump. The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, the unit won’t be able to drain—even if everything else is clear.

Preventative Tips for Keeping Your Dishwasher Draining Properly

To avoid future drainage problems, adopt these simple dishwasher maintenance habits:

• Clean the filter once a week especially if you don’t pre-rinse dishes.
• Run hot water before starting a cycle to help dissolve food and grease.
• Use dishwasher-safe cleaners monthly to break down build-up.
• Avoid overloading the racks, which can block the spray arms and disrupt water flow.
• Scrape (not rinse) dishes before loading to reduce food particles.

Regular care helps extend the life of your appliance and ensures optimal performance.

When to Call a Professional

While many drainage issues can be fixed at home, some situations require a trained technician:

• The drain pump or motor is broken
• You hear strange noises during drainage
• You’ve tried all the steps but water still won’t drain
• Your dishwasher trips the breaker or won’t turn on

In these cases, it’s best to call an appliance repair expert. Or, if you have a home warranty through Liberty Home Guard, file a claim for quick service.

A dishwasher that won’t drain doesn’t have to ruin your day or your dinner plans. With the right know-how and a few basic tools, you can safely remove standing water, diagnose the issue, and get your appliance running like new again. At Liberty Home Guard, we believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge and protection. Explore our home warranty plans that help you tackle the unexpected from appliances to plumbing and more. Please check out more of our brand-specific articles that address specific questions about why your GE, Maytag or Whirlpool dishwasher won’t drain.