Quick answer
A dishwasher that leaves standing water usually has a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose or garbage disposal connection, or a failed drain pump. Clean the filter and check the disposal first. Appliance Repair Philly repairs dishwashers across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Check these first
- Run a drain cycle. Many models have a cancel and drain button. Press it and listen for the pump.
- Clean the filter. Remove the lower rack, twist out the filter and rinse it. Food scraps, glass and labels collect here.
- Run the garbage disposal. If the dishwasher drains through the disposal, clear the disposal first. See garbage disposal repair.
- Check the knockout plug. After a new disposal is installed, the plug in the dishwasher port must be removed. If not, nothing drains.
- Look at the drain hose under the sink. A kink or a sag can block it. The hose should rise high under the counter, or run through an air gap, so sink water cannot flow back.
- Check the sink. If the kitchen sink is also slow, the household drain is blocked, and the dishwasher is not the problem.
Remove the standing water safely
Turn off the breaker. Scoop water out with a cup and a sponge, wearing gloves, then wipe out the filter area. Check for glass shards in the sump.
Likely causes
| Cause | What to notice |
|---|---|
| Clogged filter or sump | Gritty water, bad smell, slow drain |
| Blocked disposal connection or knockout plug | Water in the dishwasher and the sink |
| Kinked or blocked drain hose or air gap | Gurgling, water in the air gap |
| Failed drain pump or motor | Humming with no flow, or silence |
| Check valve stuck | Water flows back into the tub |
| Control board | The pump never gets power (less common) |
| Blocked household drain | Both sink bowls drain slowly |
Bosch codes E24 and E25, and GE and Whirlpool drain codes, point to the pump or the hose. Write the code down for the technician.
What the technician does
The technician checks the code, the filter, the sump and the drain line, tests the pump motor and the check valve, and runs a drain test. A blockage is often cleared during the visit. A failed pump may need a part.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Clear a clog, clean the filter, hose | $100 to $200 |
| Drain pump | $180 to $330 |
| Check valve | $140 to $240 |
| Control board | $250 to $450 |
Repair or replace
Under 10 years old, always repair the pump or the clog. At 12 or more years with a bad board, compare with a new one. See the cost guide.
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and any error code.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: dishwasher repair. Related: dishwasher leaking. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why is there standing water in my dishwasher?
A clogged filter, a blocked disposal or hose, or a failed drain pump.
Why does my dishwasher drain into the sink?
The drain hose connects to the sink or disposal. If the hose is not looped high or a check valve fails, water can flow back.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?
Most repairs are $100 to $330. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Can I run the dishwasher with standing water?
No. Fix the drain first. Running a cycle can overflow the tub.
Is vinegar or baking soda a fix?
It can help clean the filter area, but it will not repair a failed pump.