A problem with the dishwasher or even the sink's drainpipes can lead to water not draining.
A dishwasher normally drains the water out of the bottom of the machine between each cycle. Some water left over in the bottom of the machine is normal, but if you find more than 1/2 inch, this indicates a problem with the dishwasher or the sink's drainpipes or disposal.
Pump Strainer
The strainer piece is a porous dome or cylinder that sits around the dishwasher's pump. As the waste water flows to the pump, the strainer filters out any large pieces of food that will not fit in the drain line. If you suspect the pump's strainer has become clogged by food debris accumulation, turn off the power to the dishwasher and let it cool down completely. You may need to remove a nut or cap that attaches to the top of the strainer before you can remove the strainer. Once you have the strainer out, simply scrub it clean in the sink using a brush, and then put it back into place.
Drain Line Clog
The dishwasher's drain line may have developed a clog that is keeping the waste water from flowing out of the dishwasher. Loosen the hose clamps on each end of the drain line to remove it. One you have the drain line off, use a tool such as a screwdrivers to clear out any food debris or other clogs. If you notice the drain line has collapsed, replace it with a new one to avoid future problems. If the clog sits deep in the tube where you cannot reach it, hold the tube up to a strong stream of water from a faucet to flush it out.
Sink Clog
Since the dishwasher's drain line connects to the kitchen sink's drainpipes, a clog in the sink's drain can lead to water not flowing out of the dishwasher like it should. Clamp off the dishwasher's drain line where it connects to the sink's drainpipes, then use a plunger on the sink. (Clamping the dishwasher drain is important since plunging the sink may force waste water up the dishwasher's drain line and into the dishwasher.) If the clog still does not come out, take apart the sink's drainpipes and feed a drain snake down the pipe in the wall.
Disposer
Modern garbage disposals come with a cap piece you must remove if you choose to install the dishwasher's drain line to the inlet hole on the side of the disposal. Since the dishwasher flushes food debris out of the dishwasher, the disposer can better handle the debris than a regular drainpipe. If you do not remove the cap before attaching the dishwasher's drain line to it, the water will stop at the cap and back up into the dishwasher.
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