Dishwasher Not Draining – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
A dishwasher that won't drain is one of the most common issues. The drain pump may have failed, the drain hose could be clogged or kinked, the garbage disposal knockout plug may not have been removed, or the check valve may be stuck.
Where to Buy Appliance Parts (Price Comparison)
Looking for the best place to buy appliance parts? Here's a quick comparison of popular online stores.
| Store Name | Price Range | Shipping | Restocking Fees | Overall Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PartsDiscount.com | Lower Cost Options Available | FREE Shipping | NO Restocking Fees | Best Value ★★★★★ |
| AppliancePartsPros | Higher Prices | Paid Shipping | Yes (Varies) | Good ★★★☆☆ |
| RepairClinic | Higher Prices | Paid Shipping | Yes | Good ★★★☆☆ |
| PartSelect | Moderate to High | Paid Shipping | Yes | Average ★★☆☆☆ |
PartsDiscount.com
AppliancePartsPros
RepairClinic
PartSelect
Prices, policies, and availability may vary by retailer and are subject to change.
Common Causes
- Failed drain pump
- Clogged drain hose
- Blocked filter or food trap
- Defective drain solenoid
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Check the drain hose for kinks first. If connected to a garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug has been removed. Clean the filter and check for debris in the drain pump area.
Brand-Specific Issues
Common problems reported by brand
GE
"GE dishwasher beeping but won't start"A GE dishwasher that beeps but won't start is a very common issue, usually caused by a faulty door latch that doesn't fully engage or a failing user interface (UI) board. The door latch has a microswitch that tells the control board the door is secure—if it's misaligned or broken, the dishwasher won't start the cycle. Try firmly pressing the door closed. If that doesn't work, inspect the latch assembly.
Frigidaire
"Frigidaire dishwasher i20 error"The "i20" error on Frigidaire dishwashers (and Electrolux models) signals a drainage failure. Check the drain hose for kinks, clean the drain filter and sump area, and verify the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if the dishwasher was recently installed. If the drain pump runs but water doesn't exit, the pump impeller may be damaged.
Real DIY Repair Stories
1 storiesReplaced the drain pump and my dishwasher works like new
Our Whirlpool dishwasher started leaving standing water at the bottom after every cycle. I checked the filter first and it was clean. Then I ran the garbage disposal thinking it might be a shared drain issue but that did not help either. After some research I figured it was most likely the drain pump. I ordered the replacement pump from PartsDiscount.com and it arrived in two days. The swap itself was pretty straightforward — I just had to remove the lower kick plate, disconnect the old pump, and snap the new one in. Took maybe 45 minutes total. Dishwasher has been draining perfectly ever since.
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Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
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Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.