A little water in the sump at the very bottom is normal on many dishwashers. Water sitting above the filter after a cycle is not. Here's what to check, in order.
1. Clean the filter
Most dishwashers from the last 10–15 years have a removable filter under the bottom spray arm. Twist it a quarter turn, lift it out, rinse it under warm water and scrub the fine mesh with a soft brush. Do this about once a month. A clogged filter causes standing water and gritty dishes.
2. Run the garbage disposal
Many dishwashers drain through the disposal. If the disposal is full, the dishwasher can't drain. Run it with cold water, then try a drain cycle.
3. New disposal? Check the knockout plug
New garbage disposals come with a plastic plug in the dishwasher inlet. If a disposal was just installed and the dishwasher stopped draining right after, the plug was probably never knocked out.
4. Check the drain hose and air gap
Under the sink, make sure the drain hose isn't kinked and has a high loop (or goes to an air gap). If you have an air gap — the small cap next to the faucet — pop the cover off and clean out any gunk.
5. Listen to the drain pump
Start a cycle, then cancel it so it drains. A hum with no water moving, or no sound at all, points to a blocked or failed drain pump. That's a job for a technician.
Still not draining? Dishwasher repair — $55 service call, applied to the repair, 60-day warranty on our work.
Common questions
Is some water in the bottom of a dishwasher normal?
A small amount in the sump under the filter is normal on many models. Water above the filter or covering the tub floor isn't.
Can I use drain cleaner in a dishwasher?
No. Chemical drain cleaners can damage the pump, seals and hoses.
Written by The PFC Team — PFC Appliance Repair, Antelope, CA. CA BHGS #A50656.