You just finished a busy day, and you’re ready to run the dishwasher before you go to bed. But when you open it, you find water sitting at the bottom. You feel frustrated and wonder, “Why is there water in my dishwasher? Isn’t it supposed to drain all the water out?” This happens to many people, and it can feel confusing. You want your dishwasher to work perfectly and clean your dishes well. The good news is that there are simple reasons why water stays at the bottom, and you can fix it with some easy steps.
Check the Drain Hose for Blockages
One of the most common reasons water stays in the bottom of your dishwasher is because the drain hose is blocked. The drain hose is the small pipe that carries dirty water out of the dishwasher and into your sink drain or garbage disposal. If something blocks this hose, water can’t leave the dishwasher, and it pools at the bottom.
Over time, food scraps, soap scum, or small bits of debris can get stuck inside the hose. Sometimes, grease can build up and narrow the hose, making it hard for water to pass through. You might not notice anything wrong until water won’t drain properly. To check, you will need to look under your sink where the hose connects to the drain or garbage disposal.
First, turn off the dishwasher and unplug it for safety. Then, gently remove the hose from its connection points. Be ready with a bucket or towel because water might spill out. Look inside the hose and see if you can spot anything blocking it. You can use a long, flexible brush or a straightened wire hanger to clear out the blockage carefully. After you clean the hose, reattach it tightly and run a quick cycle to see if the water drains.
If the hose is damaged, cracked, or too old, it might be best to replace it. A damaged hose can cause leaks or stop water from draining correctly. Checking and cleaning the drain hose regularly can prevent water build-up problems and keep your dishwasher working smoothly.
Inspect the Dishwasher Filter
The dishwasher filter is like a tiny net that catches leftover food and dirt so it doesn’t clog the drain or pump. When this filter is dirty or clogged, water can’t pass through properly, and it will stay at the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter is usually found at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the lower spray arm or near the bottom.
You should clean the filter at least once a month to keep the dishwasher running well. To clean it, remove the bottom rack to get easy access to the filter. Then, take out the filter carefully. Some filters twist out, while others just lift out. Check your dishwasher manual if you’re not sure.
Once removed, rinse the filter under warm water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub away any stuck food or grease. Be sure not to use hard brushes or steel wool because that can damage the filter. After it’s clean, put the filter back exactly where it belongs and make sure it fits tightly.
If the filter is torn or broken, it won’t do its job well, and you might need to replace it. A damaged filter can let food pieces get into the drain and cause blockages. Cleaning and checking the filter often can stop water from sitting in your dishwasher and keep your dishes clean and shiny.
Examine the Garbage Disposal Connection
If your dishwasher’s drain hose connects to the garbage disposal under your sink, this can sometimes cause water to stay in the dishwasher. The garbage disposal is designed to grind food waste and send it down the drain, but if it’s clogged or not working right, water from the dishwasher may back up.
One common problem is that the knockout plug inside the garbage disposal wasn’t removed when the dishwasher was installed. The knockout plug is a plastic piece inside the disposal’s drain inlet, and it needs to be taken out to let dishwasher water flow through. If it’s still there, water can’t drain out properly and will stay in the dishwasher.
To check this, turn off the power to the garbage disposal for safety. Then, disconnect the dishwasher drain hose from the disposal’s side outlet. Look inside the disposal drain inlet and see if the knockout plug is still there. If yes, use a hammer and screwdriver to gently knock it out.
Another issue might be a clogged or full garbage disposal. Food and grease can build up inside and block the water flow. Running the disposal with water can help clear small blockages. If it’s badly clogged, you might need to clean or call a plumber.
Making sure the garbage disposal is clear and the knockout plug is removed helps water flow from your dishwasher and stops it from pooling inside.
Look for a Clogged Air Gap
An air gap is a small device usually installed near your kitchen sink. It helps stop dirty water from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher. It looks like a little round cap with a hole in the middle. If the air gap is clogged, water can’t drain well, and you might see water in your dishwasher.
Food, dirt, or soap can block the air gap over time. To check it, remove the cap and clean inside with a brush and warm water. You can also use a thin wire or pipe cleaner to remove any stuck debris. Cleaning this regularly helps keep water flowing smoothly.
Sometimes, the air gap’s drain tube can be blocked too. You will need to look under the sink to check the tube connected to the air gap. Clear any blockages to allow water to pass easily.
If your dishwasher doesn’t have an air gap, it might use a high loop in the drain hose to stop backflow. Make sure this loop is properly set; otherwise, water can flow back into the dishwasher.
Fixing the air gap or the drain tube blockages helps your dishwasher drain water completely, so no water stays at the bottom.
Test the Dishwasher Drain Pump
The dishwasher has a drain pump that pushes the water out through the drain hose. If the pump doesn’t work right, water will stay inside. The drain pump can get clogged with food pieces, broken glass, or soap buildup, or the motor can stop working.
To check the pump, you will need to listen for strange sounds when the dishwasher tries to drain. A humming noise with no water moving might mean the pump is stuck or broken. Sometimes, you can remove the bottom panel of the dishwasher to reach the pump and check for blockages.
Be careful when working near the pump and unplug the dishwasher first. Look inside the pump area for any debris or objects that might be stuck. Clean out anything you find, and spin the pump blade carefully to see if it moves freely.
If the pump motor is damaged, it might need to be replaced. This is usually a job for a professional, but knowing the problem helps when you call a repair person.
Regular cleaning and checking the pump helps your dishwasher drain all the water and keeps it working well.
Verify Proper Installation of the Drain Hose
Sometimes the water stays at the bottom because the dishwasher drain hose was not installed the right way. If the hose is too low or connected in a wrong place, water can flow back into the dishwasher instead of draining out.
The drain hose should be installed with a high loop. This means the hose goes up higher than the dishwasher before going down to the sink drain or garbage disposal. The high loop helps stop dirty water from flowing back in. If the loop is missing or too low, water can drain back and collect at the bottom.
Make sure the hose is connected tightly and is the right length. Too long or too short hoses can cause problems with draining. If the hose has any holes or cracks, water can leak or stay inside.
You can check your dishwasher’s installation manual or watch simple how-to videos to see how the drain hose should look. Fixing the hose position often solves water drainage problems.
Assess for a Kinked or Twisted Drain Hose
Another reason water might stay in the dishwasher is if the drain hose is bent, twisted, or kinked. When the hose is not straight, water cannot flow out easily, and it can get stuck inside.
Look under your sink or behind the dishwasher to check the hose. If you see any sharp bends or loops, gently straighten them out. Sometimes the hose gets pinched when pushing the dishwasher back into its place, so check carefully.
A hose that is too long can get tangled or looped in a way that stops water flow. Cutting the hose to the correct length or securing it so it stays straight can help.
If the hose is damaged, cracked, or too old, replace it. A good-quality hose should be flexible but strong to avoid kinks.
Keeping the drain hose straight and clear is a simple fix that can make a big difference in how your dishwasher drains.
Confirm the Dishwasher Is Level
If your dishwasher is not sitting level, water may pool at the bottom instead of draining out. A dishwasher that leans forward or backward can cause water to stay inside after a cycle.
Use a simple level tool to check if your dishwasher is sitting flat on the floor. If it’s not level, you can adjust the feet under the dishwasher. Most dishwashers have adjustable legs you can twist to raise or lower each side.
Make small adjustments and check the level until the dishwasher is flat. Being level also helps the dishwasher door seal better and prevents leaks.
Keeping the dishwasher level makes sure water drains properly and helps your dishwasher work well for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Finding water at the bottom of your dishwasher is a common problem, but it is usually easy to fix. Checking the drain hose, filter, garbage disposal connection, air gap, drain pump, hose installation, hose shape, and dishwasher level can help you find the cause. Most of these fixes you can do yourself without calling a repair person. Regular cleaning and small checks will keep your dishwasher working well and your dishes sparkling clean. Don’t ignore water pooling at the bottom because it can lead to smells, poor cleaning, or damage. With a little care, your dishwasher will run smoothly for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to have a little water at the bottom of my dishwasher?
Yes, it is normal to have a small amount of water left at the bottom of the dishwasher. This water helps keep the pump seal wet, which stops air from entering and causing leaks. However, if you see a large amount of water or water that does not drain after a cycle, then there might be a problem like a blockage or pump issue that needs fixing. Regular cleaning can help prevent this problem.
Can I fix dishwasher drain problems by myself?
Yes, many dishwasher drain problems are easy to fix by yourself. Cleaning the filter, checking the drain hose for blockages, removing the knockout plug in the garbage disposal, and straightening the drain hose are common fixes. Always unplug the dishwasher before working on it and follow safety instructions. If the problem is with the drain pump motor or electrical parts, it might be better to call a professional.
Do I need to clean the dishwasher filter regularly?
Yes, cleaning the dishwasher filter regularly is very important. A dirty filter can cause water to pool at the bottom and make your dishwasher smell bad or clean dishes poorly. Cleaning it once a month is a good practice. Remove the filter, rinse it under warm water, and gently scrub it with a soft brush to keep it clear of food particles and grease.
Is it important to remove the knockout plug from the garbage disposal?
Yes, if your dishwasher drain hose connects to your garbage disposal, removing the knockout plug is very important. This plug blocks the flow of water from the dishwasher to the disposal. If it is not removed during installation, water will back up into your dishwasher and cause it to hold water. Always turn off power to the disposal before removing the plug.
Can a clogged air gap cause water to stay in the dishwasher?
Yes, a clogged air gap can stop water from draining properly and cause water to pool inside the dishwasher. The air gap prevents dirty water from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher. Cleaning the air gap cap and the connected drain tube regularly will stop clogs and keep water flowing out.
Do I need a high loop in my dishwasher drain hose?
Yes, a high loop in the drain hose helps prevent water from flowing back into the dishwasher. It creates a barrier so that dirty water from the sink or disposal doesn’t return. If the hose is installed without a high loop or if it is too low, water can drain back and collect inside the dishwasher.
Is a kinked or twisted drain hose a serious problem?
Yes, a kinked or twisted drain hose can seriously stop water from draining out of your dishwasher. Even a small bend or pinch can block water flow and cause water to stay inside. Check the hose regularly and straighten any kinks or twists to keep water moving out freely.
Can an unlevel dishwasher cause drainage problems?
Yes, if your dishwasher is not level, water can collect at the bottom and not drain properly. An unlevel dishwasher can also cause the door not to seal well and create leaks. Use a level tool to check your dishwasher’s position and adjust the feet until it sits flat.
