Dishwasher Not Draining: Water Standing at Bottom

Opening your dishwasher to find standing water at the bottom is a common problem with several potential causes. Most can be resolved with simple troubleshooting.

Check the drain filter first. All dishwashers have a filter that catches food particles. When clogged, water can't drain properly. In premium brands like Miele and Bosch, these filters are designed for easy removal and cleaning.

The garbage disposal connection is a frequent culprit. If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, a clogged disposal or a forgotten knockout plug in a new installation will prevent drainage.

Inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs. This hose connects your dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Any restriction will cause water backup.

The drain pump removes water at the end of each cycle. If you hear the pump running but water isn't draining, the pump impeller may be broken or blocked by debris.

Check the air gap if your installation includes one. This small cylinder on your sink prevents backflow but can become clogged with debris over time.

In Miele dishwashers, the self-cleaning filter system handles most debris automatically, but periodic cleaning is still recommended, especially in hard water areas.

For Bosch and Thermador dishwashers, ensure the spray arms aren't clogged. While not directly related to drainage, clogged spray arms can affect the wash cycle and leave more debris for the drain system.

High-loop drain installations, common in Arizona homes, must be properly configured to prevent water from siphoning back into the dishwasher after draining.