1. Look for visible blockage
Turn off power at the breaker. Remove the bottom rack and look at the drain area. Bits of glass, bones, labels, and fruit pits collect around the filter. Scoop out standing water with a cup and sponge so you can see what you are doing.
2. Clean the filter and sump
Most dishwashers have a cylindrical or flat filter under the lower spray arm. Twist or lift it out, rinse it under warm water, and scrub it with a soft brush. Wipe the sump area below. A filter packed with food residue is the single most common reason for slow drainage.
3. Check the garbage disposal
If your dishwasher drains into a disposal, a clogged disposal will stop it. Run the disposal with water to clear it. If the dishwasher was recently installed along with the disposal, make sure the knockout plug in the disposal's dishwasher inlet was removed. A forgotten plug blocks the drain completely.
4. Inspect the drain hose
The hose runs from the dishwasher pump to the disposal or sink drain. Look under the sink for kinks, crushing, or a clogged connection. The hose should rise to a high loop under the countertop before dropping to the drain, which keeps sink water from flowing back. Some homes use an air gap on the countertop; clean it if you have one.
5. Try a vinegar rinse
Once the filter and hoses are clear, run a hot cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner or a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. This helps dissolve grease. Do not mix vinegar with bleach.
6. Consider the drain pump
If everything else is clear, the drain pump or its motor may have failed. Symptoms include a humming noise with no water movement, a grinding sound, or no sound at all. Replacement is typically $150 to $350 including parts and labor, as a general estimate. A technician can test the pump and confirm before parts are replaced.
7. Rule out the control or a check valve
Rarely, a faulty control board or a stuck check valve can cause drainage problems. This is another reason to get a proper diagnosis before replacing parts. Ask for a written estimate and use our estimate checklist before approving work.
When to request help
If you have worked through these checks and the water is still standing, or if you see leaks, burning smells, or damaged wires, it is time to request dishwasher repair. Include the brand, model, and what you have tried.
Quick answers
Why is there standing water in my dishwasher?
The usual causes are a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose or disposal, or a failed drain pump.
Is standing water in a dishwasher normal?
A small amount at the bottom after a cycle is normal in some models, but a full or smelly pool is not.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that will not drain?
Many drain-related repairs run $125 to $350 including diagnosis, which are general estimates.