Standing water in the bottom of a dishwasher usually means water is blocked somewhere between the filter, drain pump, hose, air gap, disposal, or sink drain.
This applies to most built-in dishwashers from Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, and similar brands. Garbage disposal steps apply to many U.S. kitchens where the dishwasher drains through the disposal.
Does this affect you?
Use this if a cycle finishes and dirty water remains pooled in the tub instead of draining away.
Quick checks before you open anything
- Run the garbage disposal for 10 to 15 seconds with water running. A full or blocked disposal can stop dishwasher drainage.
- If the disposal was recently replaced, confirm the plastic dishwasher knockout plug was removed from the disposal inlet.
- Start a drain or cancel cycle and listen for the pump. If the pump runs but water stays, the path is probably clogged.
- Scoop out standing water with a cup and towels before reaching into the tub.
- Turn off dishwasher power before working near the filter, sump, pump area, or hose.
Clean the filter and sump
- Pull out the lower rack.
- Find the round twist-lock filter in the dishwasher floor.
- Turn and lift the filter out according to the manual.
- Rinse the filter under hot water and scrub the mesh with a soft brush.
- Check the sump well for glass, bones, labels, seeds, and food scraps.
- Look into the drain opening for debris you can safely reach.
- Reinstall the filter and lock it firmly.
- Restore power and run a short drain test.
Check the drain hose and air gap
- If you have a countertop air gap, remove its cap and clear buildup inside.
- With power off, remove the toe-kick panel and locate the corrugated drain hose.
- Feel for kinks or crushed sections behind the dishwasher.
- Disconnect the hose end at the disposal or sink drain with towels and a bucket ready.
- Clear grease and food buildup from that connection, then reconnect firmly.
If the accessible drain path is clear, a small object may be jamming the pump impeller. With power off, shine a light into the sump and remove only debris you can reach without disassembling the pump housing.
Some dishwashers also use a check valve to stop drained water from flowing back in. If it sticks, water can return to the tub after draining. If the pump hums but does not move water, or the clog is inside the pump housing, call a technician, especially while the dishwasher is under warranty.
Sources
- Whirlpool – Dishwasher Not Draining: Troubleshooting (2025)
- Bosch Home – Water remains in the dishwasher (2025)
- GE Appliances – Dishwasher Does Not Drain (2024)