Standing water in your dishwasher after a cycle is a common problem with several possible causes. The good news: many drain issues can be solved without a service call. This guide walks through diagnosis from simplest to most complex, so you can identify quick fixes before calling for professional help.
Nika Appliance Repair has cleared over 2,200 dishwasher drain problems throughout Toronto since 2017. While we're always happy to help, we believe in empowering homeowners to solve simple issues themselves. Let's figure out what's causing your drainage problem.
Why Dishwashers Stop Draining
Simple Blockages
Most drain issues are mechanical blockages you can clear:
- Clogged filter: Food debris accumulates in the cylindrical filter
- Blocked drain hose: Food particles or debris lodge in the hose
- Garbage disposal knockout: New disposals have a plug that must be removed
- Air gap blockage: If you have an air gap, it may be clogged
Drain Pump Problems
- Impeller jammed: Small objects (glass, bones, fruit pits) block pump impeller
- Pump motor failure: Motor burns out, no pumping action
- Pump seal leak: Failing seal causes pump to lose prime
Check Valve Issues
- Stuck check valve: Valve stuck closed prevents water from exiting
- Failed check valve: Water drains back into dishwasher from disposal
Installation and Plumbing
- High drain loop missing: Drain hose must loop high under counter to prevent backflow
- Drain hose kinked: Compressed hose behind dishwasher restricts flow
- Siphoning: Without proper air gap or high loop, water siphons back
🚰 The Garbage Disposal Connection
If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, always run the disposal before starting the dishwasher. A disposal full of food waste blocks the dishwasher drain path. This simple habit prevents many drain issues.
Clear Your Dishwasher Drain
Step 1: Remove Standing Water
- Cancel any running cycle
- Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water
- This gives you access to the filter and sump area
Step 2: Clean the Filter Assembly
- Locate the cylindrical filter (bottom center of tub)
- Turn counterclockwise and lift out
- Remove the fine mesh filter if separate
- Rinse both parts under hot running water
- Use soft brush to remove stuck debris
- Check sump area below filter for debris - remove anything you find
- Reinstall filter, turn clockwise to lock
Step 3: Check the Drain Hose
- Look under sink where drain hose connects to garbage disposal or drain tailpiece
- Ensure hose isn't kinked or compressed
- Disconnect hose and check for blockages
- Verify high loop is present - hose should arch near cabinet top
Step 4: Clear Garbage Disposal
- Run cold water in sink
- Run garbage disposal for 30 seconds to clear any debris
- If newly installed, ensure knockout plug was removed
- Use flashlight to look down disposal for the dishwasher inlet
Step 5: Test Drain
- Add 2 cups water to empty dishwasher
- Start a drain-only cycle (or cancel after fill to trigger drain)
- Listen for drain pump running
- Check under sink for leaks at connections
Need Professional Help with Dishwasher Repair?
Our certified technicians are available for same-day service across Toronto and the GTA!
Call (437) 747-6737Dishwasher Drain Repair Costs
| Problem | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Cleaning | Free | $95 (service call) |
| Drain Hose Clearing | Free | $95-$145 |
| Drain Pump | $45-$85 (part) | $185-$275 |
| Check Valve | $15-$35 (part) | $125-$175 |
| Drain Hose Replacement | $15-$30 (part) | $95-$145 |
| Control Board | $150-$250 (part) | $255-$395 |
Many drain issues are simple blockages that cost nothing to fix yourself. We only charge for problems requiring actual repair.
When to Call a Professional
While some dishwasher issues can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting, certain situations require professional expertise:
- Electrical problems: Any repair involving wiring, control boards, or high-voltage components
- Gas appliance issues: All repairs on gas appliances should be done by licensed technicians
- Refrigerant systems: Sealed system repairs require EPA certification
- Persistent problems: Issues that return after DIY attempts indicate deeper problems
- Under warranty: DIY repairs can void manufacturer coverage
- Water damage risk: Leak repairs need proper diagnosis to prevent flood damage
Why Choose Nika Appliance Repair
- Same-Day Service: We understand appliance emergencies can't wait
- Certified Technicians: Factory-trained on all major brands
- Transparent Pricing: Upfront quotes with no hidden fees
- 90-Day Warranty: All repairs backed by comprehensive warranty
- Parts in Stock: Common parts on trucks for first-visit repairs
- Serving All Toronto: From Downtown to North York, Scarborough to Etobicoke
Areas We Serve
We provide expert dishwasher repair throughout the Greater Toronto Area:
- Downtown Toronto
- North York
- Scarborough
- Etobicoke
- Mississauga
- Brampton
- Vaughan
- Richmond Hill
- Markham
- Oakville
Frequently Asked Questions
My dishwasher drains slowly but eventually empties - what's wrong?
Slow draining usually indicates a partial blockage in the filter, drain hose, or garbage disposal connection. Clean the filter first, then check the drain hose for kinks or buildup. A partially clogged disposal inlet is also a common culprit.
Why does water come back into my dishwasher after it drains?
Water returning after drainage indicates a missing high loop or failed check valve. The drain hose must loop up near the top of the cabinet under the sink to prevent backflow. If properly looped, the check valve in the dishwasher may be stuck open.
I can hear the pump running but water doesn't drain - what's wrong?
A running pump with no drainage indicates a blockage between the pump and the drain connection. The pump moves water but it can't exit. Check for a kinked drain hose, blocked garbage disposal knockout plug, or clogged air gap if you have one.
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
Clean your filter weekly if you don't pre-rinse dishes, or monthly if you do. Modern dishwashers rely on filters instead of food grinders, making regular cleaning essential. A clogged filter causes poor cleaning, odors, and eventually drainage problems.
Can I run my dishwasher if it's not draining completely?
We don't recommend it. Standing water breeds bacteria and can cause odors. Additionally, the next cycle starts with dirty water, affecting cleaning performance. Address drainage issues before running more cycles.
Get Your Dishwasher Fixed Today
Don't let dishwasher not draining problems disrupt your daily routine. Whether you need a quick diagnosis or a complete repair, Nika Appliance Repair is here to help. Our experienced technicians provide honest assessments, transparent pricing, and quality repairs backed by our 90-day warranty.
Schedule Your Repair Today
Same-day service available. Call now for expert dishwasher repair!
Call (437) 747-6737