You are facing a Bosch dishwasher that won’t drain, and it’s so frustrating. You open the door after the wash, and there is still dirty water inside. This can smell bad and even damage your machine if not fixed soon. Good news? You can fix it yourself without calling a repairman. In this article, you will learn how to drain your Bosch dishwasher step by step, in a very easy way, even if you have never fixed anything before.
Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
Before you do anything with your Bosch dishwasher, safety comes first. You should always turn off the power and water supply before you begin. This might sound too simple, but it’s very important. Touching anything inside the dishwasher while it is still plugged in can be dangerous. Also, if the water is still running, it could spill or leak while you are working. So always do this step before trying to fix any problem with your dishwasher.
First, look under your kitchen sink or near the dishwasher for the water valve. Turn it off by twisting the handle clockwise. If you are not sure which valve is the right one, just turn off the main water valve for the house while you work. Next, you need to stop the power. Find your fuse box and flip the switch that controls the dishwasher. If you cannot find it, just unplug the dishwasher from the wall socket.
Now that everything is turned off, you are ready to open the dishwasher safely. Open the door fully and remove any dishes or utensils inside. Take out the bottom rack as well so you can see the inside clearly. If there is standing water at the bottom, don’t touch it yet. You’ll learn how to remove it in the next part.
This is a good time to get your tools ready. You don’t need anything fancy. A towel, sponge, flashlight, and maybe a screwdriver are enough for now. Keep them nearby, and wear gloves if you don’t like touching dirty water.
- Turn off the water valve
- Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the breaker
- Remove all dishes and the bottom rack
- Get basic tools and safety gloves
Remove the Standing Water Inside
Once the dishwasher is safe to touch, it’s time to get rid of the water sitting inside. Standing water means something is blocked or not working. Before fixing the block, you need to take the water out. This is a simple job, but you should take your time.
Use a bowl or a cup to scoop out the water. Slowly scoop the water and pour it into a bucket or your sink. If there is a lot of water, it may take many scoops. Be patient and don’t rush. After scooping as much as you can, use a sponge or towel to soak up the rest. Press the sponge into the water and then squeeze it out in the sink. Do this again and again until the bottom is dry or almost dry.
You may want to wear rubber gloves because the water may be dirty and smelly. Don’t worry if it smells bad — that’s normal. The water sits there too long and becomes stinky. This is your first sign that the drain might be clogged.
Now, shine a flashlight into the bottom area. You may see food pieces, paper, or broken glass. These can block the drain and stop water from flowing out. If you see anything strange, remove it with your fingers or use a small spoon.
If your dishwasher still has water after doing this, it means the blockage is deeper. But removing the standing water helps you see clearly what’s next. This will make it easier to clean the filter and the drain pump.
- Scoop water with a cup or bowl
- Use sponge or towel to soak the rest
- Wear gloves for safety
- Look for food or items blocking the drain
- Remove any junk you find inside
Clean the Dishwasher Filter
Your Bosch dishwasher has a filter that collects food, dirt, and small items. If the filter is dirty or blocked, water cannot drain. Cleaning the filter can fix the draining problem easily. This step is very important and you should clean the filter often, even when the dishwasher is working fine.
First, find the filter. It’s usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher under the lower spray arm. Look for a round piece in the center. It might look like a cylinder or a cap. To remove it, twist it counterclockwise and pull it up. Some Bosch dishwashers have two parts in the filter — a fine mesh and a coarse screen. Take out both parts if they are there.
Next, take the filter to your sink. Rinse it under warm water. If it’s very dirty, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Do not use any sharp object or metal brush, because that can damage the filter. Use dish soap if the grease does not come off easily. Clean every part of the filter until you see no dirt or food pieces.
Look inside the hole where you removed the filter. Sometimes food gets stuck in that area too. You can use a flashlight to see better. Remove any gunk or objects using your fingers or a spoon. If it smells bad, that’s normal. Just clean it well and it will be fine.
After cleaning, put the filter back the same way. Make sure it is locked properly by turning it clockwise. If it is loose, it won’t work right and the problem may come back.
- Find and remove the filter under the spray arm
- Wash it with warm water and soap
- Use a soft brush for hard dirt
- Clean the hole where the filter sits
- Put the filter back and lock it tight
Check and Clean the Drain Hose
The drain hose moves dirty water from your dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If the hose is clogged or bent, the water will not drain. This part is a bit harder, but with care, you can do it yourself.
First, look at the back of the dishwasher. If it’s built-in, you may need to gently pull it out from under the counter. Be careful and go slow. Ask someone to help you if it’s too heavy. Once you see the back, find the hose. It’s a thick plastic tube that connects the dishwasher to the sink drain.
Check if the hose is bent or twisted. Straighten it if needed. Sometimes a simple bend can stop the water from flowing. If the hose looks fine from outside, you’ll need to clean it.
To do this, unplug the hose from both ends — one end from the dishwasher and the other end from the sink or disposal. Place a towel or bucket under it, because water may spill out. Now, take the hose to your sink. Use warm water to flush it. If water doesn’t go through, use a long flexible brush or even a wire hanger to clear the inside.
Another good way is to run water through the hose using your garden hose outside. If dirt or old food comes out, you found your problem. Clean it fully until water runs clear.
After cleaning, connect the hose back tightly. Make sure there are no leaks. Push the dishwasher back into place carefully.
- Gently pull out the dishwasher
- Find the hose and check for bends
- Unplug the hose and clean it
- Flush with water or use a flexible brush
- Reconnect the hose and check for leaks
Inspect the Drain Pump for Clogs
If your filter and hose are clean but water still doesn’t drain, the pump may be clogged. The drain pump moves water out of your Bosch dishwasher. Sometimes food, broken glass, or even a small piece of plastic gets stuck in the pump and stops it from working.
To check the pump, first remove the bottom rack and the filter like before. Look deep into the area under the filter. You may see a small cover with screws. This is the drain pump cover. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and lift the cover. Be careful and do not force it.
Once the cover is off, look inside the pump. Use a flashlight. You may find food, glass, or even a twist tie stuck in the pump. Remove anything you see. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Try to turn the small fan blade (also called the impeller) inside the pump with your finger. It should move freely. If it is stuck, there may still be something inside. You can use tweezers or pliers to pull things out gently. Never use force.
After cleaning, put the cover back and screw it tight. Make sure all parts are in the same place as before.
This part might sound scary, but if you go slow, it’s not hard. Cleaning the pump is often the final thing needed to fix the draining problem.
- Remove filter and find pump cover
- Unscrew and open the pump
- Look for things stuck inside
- Clean gently and check the impeller
- Close the pump and screw it back
Test the Dishwasher and Run a Rinse Cycle
Now that everything is cleaned and back in place, it’s time to test if the draining works. This is the last part. You want to make sure your Bosch dishwasher can drain water normally again.
First, plug the dishwasher back in or turn on the power switch from the fuse box. Turn the water valve back on too. Make sure everything is connected tightly — especially the drain hose. Now, close the dishwasher door and choose the shortest rinse cycle on your control panel.
Watch the dishwasher as it runs. Listen carefully. When it gets to the draining part, you should hear water flowing out. Open the door at the end of the rinse to check the bottom. There should be no water sitting inside. That means your work is done!
If you still see water after the rinse, check everything again. Sometimes you may miss something the first time. But usually, if you cleaned the filter, hose, and pump, the water should drain perfectly.
Also, use this time to check for any leaks under or behind the dishwasher. If you see water outside, turn it off and check the hose connections.
After all this, your dishwasher should be clean and working like new again.
- Turn the power and water back on
- Choose a short rinse cycle
- Watch and listen to the draining
- Check for standing water after the rinse
- Look for leaks around the dishwasher
Final Thoughts
Fixing a Bosch dishwasher that won’t drain might sound hard, but it really isn’t. You just need to go step by step and be patient. Most of the time, the problem is something small like a clogged filter or a bent hose. If you clean everything carefully and test it the right way, your dishwasher will work again. It also helps your machine last longer and smell better. You don’t need to call a repair person every time something goes wrong. You can do this on your own and feel proud of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for water to stay at the bottom after washing?
No, it’s not normal. If you see water left after the dishwasher stops, it means something is wrong. Most times, it is because the drain is blocked. This could be a dirty filter, a clogged hose, or even something stuck in the pump. Sometimes, it can also happen if the garbage disposal is full and water cannot flow out. If it keeps happening, you should clean all the parts step by step. That will fix the problem most of the time. If it does not, then maybe a part is broken.
Is it safe to clean the dishwasher parts myself?
Yes, it is safe if you follow the steps carefully. Always make sure the power and water are turned off first. Wear gloves if you do not want to touch dirty water. Use soft tools like a sponge or a soft brush. Do not use anything sharp. Go slow and be gentle when removing or cleaning parts. If you are not sure about something, you can check the manual or watch a simple video. Most people can do this without a problem if they take their time.
Can I use vinegar to help clean the inside?
Yes, you can use vinegar. It is a natural and safe way to clean the inside of your Bosch dishwasher. After removing all parts and cleaning them, you can pour one cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. Then run a short hot cycle with no dishes inside. The vinegar will help clean leftover dirt, smells, and grease. But do not mix vinegar with other strong cleaners, as that can be dangerous. Vinegar works well if you use it the right way.
Can a clogged garbage disposal affect the dishwasher?
Yes, it can. Many Bosch dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal pipe under the sink. If the disposal is clogged or full of food, it will stop the dishwasher from draining. Water cannot pass through, so it stays inside the dishwasher. If you clean the dishwasher but the water still won’t go out, check the garbage disposal. Run it with cold water and make sure it is clear. Cleaning the disposal can sometimes fix the draining problem too.
Do I need to remove the dishwasher to fix it?
Not always. Most parts like the filter, pump, and hose can be reached without removing the whole dishwasher. You may need to pull it out a little to check the hose at the back, but it doesn’t need to come out completely. Just slide it gently and make sure nothing is in the way. If your dishwasher is stuck, ask someone to help. But for most cleaning jobs, it can stay right where it is.
Is it hard to find the filter in a Bosch dishwasher?
No, it’s not hard. The filter is usually under the bottom spray arm. When you remove the bottom rack, you will see a round or square cap. That is the filter. Just twist it and lift it out. Bosch makes it easy to find and remove the filter. It’s designed so that people can clean it without needing tools or help. Cleaning this filter often keeps your dishwasher running better and longer.
Can I clean the hose without removing it?
Yes, in some cases. If the hose is just slightly clogged, you can try using a long flexible brush from the sink side. Push it in gently and move it back and forth. Some people also use a turkey baster filled with hot water to flush it. But if the hose is badly blocked, you will need to unplug and take it out to clean it fully. Just do what feels easy and safe for you.
Do I need to buy a new part if the pump is clogged?
Not usually. If the pump is just clogged with food or small objects, you can clean it yourself. Most clogs can be removed with fingers or tweezers. If the impeller (the small fan) inside the pump moves freely after cleaning, then you don’t need to buy anything. Only if the pump is broken or the impeller doesn’t move at all, you might need a new part. But that’s rare. Most people fix the issue just by cleaning the pump well.
