Dishwasher not draining? Water sitting in the bottom after a cycle is one of the most common dishwasher complaints — and in many cases, there is a simple fix you can try yourself before calling a technician. Here is what to check, and when you need professional help.

DIY Checks — Try These First

Before booking a repair, run through these quick checks. They take a few minutes and solve the problem surprisingly often.

Clean the Filter

This is the number one cause of dishwashers not draining. Every dishwasher has a filter at the bottom of the tub — usually a cylindrical mesh screen that twists out. Food scraps, grease, broken glass, and other debris build up in this filter and block water from draining. Remove the filter, clean it under running water with a soft brush, and refit it. Check your manual if you are not sure how it comes out — most twist anticlockwise and lift straight up.

Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose runs from the back of the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If this hose is kinked, pinched by the dishwasher being pushed too far back, or has a sharp bend, water cannot flow out. Pull the dishwasher out carefully and inspect the hose for kinks. Straighten any bends and make sure the hose has a smooth path to the drain connection.

Clear the Air Gap or Drain Connection

If your dishwasher drains through a connection on your garbage disposal or sink drain, check that this connection is not blocked. Food scraps can accumulate in the disposal connection point. If you have an air gap fitting on your sink, remove the cap and check for debris inside. A blocked air gap will prevent your dishwasher from draining even if everything else is working fine.

Run the Garbage Disposal

If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal before starting the dishwasher. A disposal full of food waste creates a blockage that backs water up into the dishwasher. Run it with water flowing for 15-20 seconds to clear the drain line.

Faults That Need a Professional

If the DIY checks above have not fixed the problem, the fault is likely mechanical or electrical. These repairs require a qualified technician.

Drain Pump Failure

The drain pump is what physically pushes water out of the dishwasher. When it fails, water has no way to exit — it just sits in the bottom of the tub. You might hear a humming sound (the pump trying to run) or complete silence when it should be draining. Drain pumps can fail from age, foreign objects jamming the impeller, or electrical faults. A technician will test the pump and replace it if needed.

Book a dishwasher repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 if your drain pump has failed.

Faulty Check Valve

The check valve (or non-return valve) prevents drained water from flowing back into the dishwasher. When this valve sticks open or fails, water that was pumped out can siphon back in, making it look like the dishwasher never drained at all. A technician can inspect and replace the check valve — it is a relatively quick repair.

Book a dishwasher repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for check valve issues.

Control Board Fault

The control board manages the entire wash cycle, including when the drain pump activates. If the board is faulty, it may skip the drain cycle entirely, or fail to send power to the drain pump. Symptoms include the dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, error codes on the display, or cycles that seem to complete but leave water in the tub. Our technicians test control boards on-site and carry replacements for common models.

Book a dishwasher repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for control board faults.

Blocked Internal Plumbing

Inside your dishwasher, water passes through several internal channels and hoses before reaching the drain pump. Broken glass, food debris, or even small items that fell through the racks can block these channels. If the filter is clean but water still will not drain, the blockage may be deeper inside the machine. A technician can disassemble the relevant components and clear the obstruction.

Book a dishwasher repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for internal blockages.

When to Call a Dishwasher Repair Technician

If you have cleaned the filter, checked the drain hose, and cleared the air gap — and water is still pooling in the bottom — it is time for professional help. Standing water in a dishwasher can start to smell within a day or two and can cause mould growth if left. Always Prompt Repairs services all dishwasher brands across Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. We are authorised warranty agents for Miele, Bosch, ASKO, Liebherr, and Neff. Visit our dishwasher repair service page for more details.

Dishwasher Repair Cost

Our standard callout fee is $219, which includes the first 30 minutes of labour. Additional time is charged at $45 per 15-minute block. Parts are quoted separately based on what your dishwasher needs. We offer a $20 discount for seniors, pensioners, and students. All prices are estimates only — your technician will confirm the cost before starting work. Every repair is backed by a 12-month warranty on parts and labour. If a return visit is needed for the same repair, the return trip fee is $29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?

The most common cause is a blocked filter. Remove and clean it first. If that does not fix it, the drain hose may be kinked, the drain pump may have failed, or there is an internal blockage that needs professional attention.

Can I run the dishwasher if it is not draining?

We do not recommend it. Running a cycle on top of standing water can cause flooding, damage the pump, or push dirty water back through the wash system. Fix the draining issue first, then run a clean cycle.

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that will not drain?

Our callout fee is $219 including the first 30 minutes of labour. Drain pump replacements and other parts are quoted on-site before work begins. Most drain-related repairs are completed in a single visit. All prices are estimates only.

Is a dishwasher drain problem urgent?

It is not an emergency, but standing water in the tub will start to smell within a day or two and can promote mould. We recommend getting it fixed within a few days to avoid secondary issues.

Dishwasher not draining? Book a repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 — we will find the blockage and get it flowing again.