If the dishwasher does not drain the water, there may be an obstruction. In addition to causing this kind of problem, traffic jams and stagnant water release bad smells, but fortunately this is an easily solved situation. The first thing to do (and also the simplest) is to clean the appliance filter; if you don't get any results, check the hose and drain valve for obstructions. If you cannot diagnose the cause yourself, contact a trained technician.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Repairing Your Dishwasher Safely
Step 1. Take the dishes out of the dishwasher and place them in the kitchen sink
- You cannot disassemble certain components and inspect the appliance if the dishes are still inside.
- Store sharp knives so they are easily visible to prevent someone accidentally cutting themselves by putting their hands in the sink.
Step 2. Disconnect the power supply and close the water supply valve
You do not have to work on a dishwasher that is connected to the mains.
- You can disconnect the power supply by unplugging from the wall socket or by turning down the main switch of the circuit that serves the dishwasher.
- Check under the sink to find the water valve and close it; you can recognize it because it is connected to a flexible or braided aluminum or copper tube that leads to the appliance.
- Under the sink you should see two upper valves that bring water to the sink itself and a lower one for the dishwasher; you have to close the latter.
Step 3. Remove any remaining water with towels and bowls
Moving an appliance full of water causes a lot of confusion in the kitchen.
- Protect the floor below and around the dishwasher with old towels.
- Use cups or other similar containers to drain the water from the washing chamber and throw it into the sink.
- Use a couple of towels to soak up the last traces of liquid; keep them in the sink until you have finished draining the water.
Part 2 of 4: Clean the Filter
Step 1. Pull the cylindrical filter out from the bottom of the dishwasher
Look for a circular element under the lower spray arms; turn it counterclockwise and lift it up to remove it from its housing.
- Most modern dishwashers are equipped with filters; these are different by make and model, but the removal process is almost similar.
- If you are not sure if your appliance has a filter, do some research online by entering the model code; you should even be able to download the user manual which contains all the features.
Step 2. Remove the coarse filter
Many dishwashers have a separate less fine filter, a sort of metal plate held in place by the cylindrical element; once the latter is extracted, you can simply remove the plate.
In other cases, the filters form a single block; consult the user manual for the specifications of your model
Step 3. Check the cup for debris
This is the hole in which the cylindrical filter is inserted and which leads directly to the exhaust pipe; Feel the area for bone, food, or other material that could represent an obstruction.
Step 4. Clean the filters with very hot soapy water
Put them in the sink and scrub them thoroughly with a sponge and dish soap; rinse them carefully after removing the encrustations and dirt.
Step 5. Put the filters back
First, insert the coarse one, it should fit into the mold that is on the "floor" of the appliance; once in place, it is the turn of the cylindrical filter that you have to screw to lock it in place.
Rotate the spray arms to make sure each element is well aligned and does not interfere with movement
Step 6. Start the appliance to see if it has returned to normal operation
Whenever you have a dishwasher problem, the first thing to do in attempting a repair is to clean the filters; once cleaned, activate a short wash cycle to check for any improvements.
- It is perfectly normal for a small amount of water to remain at the bottom of the washing chamber.
- If your dishwasher still won't drain, you need to check other parts.
- Make sure the internal ones have cooled down before inspecting them.
Part 3 of 4: Check the Exhaust Pipe
Step 1. Take the dishwasher out of its housing in the kitchen
Be careful at this stage, as the appliance is heavy.
- You can lower the dishwasher using the feet on the front for more room to maneuver.
- Slowly slide it out to avoid scratching the floor.
- Pull it out just enough to see and tinker around the back of the appliance.
Step 2. Inspect the drain hose
Make sure there isn't a large crease blocking the passage of water.
- You can access the hose by removing the front panel located at the base of the dishwasher; if you have disconnected the electricity and plumbing, you have already removed this panel as well.
- The drain hose exits the pump at the bottom of the dishwasher and reaches the sink siphon or the sink's overflow duct.
- Use a flashlight to follow the path of the duct and make sure there are no twists or deformities.
- Straighten any creases you notice.
Step 3. Take the hose out of the dishwasher
Examine it to make sure there are no obstructions.
- Place a bowl or rag under its opening to prevent liquid splashes and make cleaning easier.
- A lump of food or other materials is preventing water from escaping from the machine.
- Remove any blockages you come across using a long, flexible pipe cleaner.
- You can also run high-pressure water down the hose to get rid of residue.
- When finished, reset the duct to its place.
Step 4. Start a short wash cycle
In this way, you can check the outcome of the intervention; a short cycle also reduces the amount of water you use for verification.
Part 4 of 4: Check the Drain Valve
Step 1. Make sure the car is cold before inspecting this item
Parts of the dishwasher get very hot during washing and rinsing.
- This way you can save yourself from bad burns due to contact with hot parts or steam.
- The work is easier if the appliance is cold.
Step 2. Locate the drain valve
It may have gotten stuck in the closed position preventing the water from escaping.
- Typically, it is mounted at the bottom behind the front panel.
- It is usually located near the engine, so you can use this element as a reference point.
- The valve consists of a "latch" arm and a solenoid (also called "coil").
Step 3. Check the arm
It is one of the elements of the valve.
- Its purpose is to let the water out through the valve;
- You should be able to move it unobstructed;
- It is connected to two springs; if they are damaged or missing completely, you must replace them.
Step 4. Inspect the coil
Its function is to activate the arm.
- It is connected to two electrical cables;
- Detach it from the wiring;
- Check the resistance with a multimeter set to ohms X1.
- Place the multimeter's probes on the solenoid terminals. A normal reading is 40 ohms; if you find a very different number, you need to replace the part.
Step 5. Crank the engine
This is the rotating blade that is inside the dishwasher.
- Inactivity often causes the engine to stall;
- By turning it manually you can solve the problem and drain the water;
- You should try this remedy before proceeding with any other attempts.
Step 6. Start the dishwasher to see if it drains the water
Activate a short wash cycle to avoid wasting water.
If you have not solved the problem, call a specialized technician
Advice
- You can find the exhaust pipes at hardware stores or DIY stores and at a reasonable price.
- You can also order spare parts on the appliance manufacturer's website or at service centers.
