Dishwasher not draining?

Standing water at the end of a cycle is most often a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub, and cleaning it costs nothing. If the filter is clear, check the drain hose, the garbage disposal connection and the sink drain before suspecting the pump.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your dishwasher and we’ll narrow it down.

Does it drain but the dishes still come out dirty?

That's a cleaning problem, not a draining one. Dishwasher not cleaning dishes

Likely causes

Clogged filter
Most commonEasy DIY
Standing water and gritty, smelly residue in the bottom of the tub. The filter under the lower spray arm is packed with food bits or film.
Part: $50–100 (filter kit, if it needs replacing)
Kinked or clogged drain hose
CommonModerate DIY
Water stays after the cycle and gurgles or backs up. The hose behind or beside the dishwasher is bent after the unit was pushed in, or clogged with debris.
Part: $50–100 (drain hose or clog)
Garbage disposal knockout plug still in place
Less commonModerate DIY
The dishwasher never drained properly after a new disposal was installed. The disposal's dishwasher inlet has a plug that has to be knocked out. See the garbage disposal guide.
Clogged air gap
CommonEasy DIY
A small cap on the sink or counter is gunked up, and the dishwasher drains slowly or water spits from the air gap. Not every home has one.
Sink drain or disposal clog
CommonModerate DIY
The kitchen sink also drains slowly, or dirty water rises in the sink when the dishwasher runs.
Failed drain pump
Less commonCall a pro
The filter and hose are clear but water stays, and you hear humming or nothing when it should drain.
Part: $150–350 (drain pump)

Quick checks

Turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker (or unplug it) before reaching into the sump or removing the filter. Standing water may be hot and full of detergent. Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a dishwasher. If water is leaking near the outlet or under the cabinet, turn the power off first.

Turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker (or unplug it) before reaching into the bottom of the tub.
Scoop out standing water with a cup, and let it cool first if it's hot.
Remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub, and clear any debris from the sump beneath it.
Check the drain hose behind the dishwasher for kinks, and see whether the kitchen sink drains normally.
If you have a garbage disposal, run it clear, and if it was just installed, check that the knockout plug was removed.
Put the filter back, restore power and run a short cycle. If water still stands, stop and call a pro.

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the filter at the bottom of the tub, removed
the standing water in the bottom
the model label on the door edge

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When to call a pro

The filter and hose are clear and it still won't drain, you hear the pump humming or silent, water leaks near the outlet or under the cabinet, or the sink drain itself is clogged beyond a simple fix. A new dishwasher averages about $1,200, so consider replacing it when a repair nears half that. For cleaning problems, see not cleaning. For lifespan and upkeep, see the dishwasher guide.

Typical cost: A dishwasher repair typically runs $160–300 (about $200), with a full range of $70–600. The service call or diagnostic is $35–100 and is usually credited toward the repair. A drain pump is $150–350, and a drain hose or clog is $50–100.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does dishwasher repair cost? (updated June 17, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.