Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining (Simple Fixes)

Hey there! If you own a Whirlpool dishwasher and it’s not draining, you’re in the right place.

We understand how frustrating it can be when your dishwasher starts acting up, but don’t worry!

But before we dive into specific troubleshooting steps, it’s worth noting that if your dishwasher is still under warranty, you may want to contact Whirlpool customer service for assistance.

Attempting to diagnose and fix the issue yourself could potentially void your warranty, so it’s important to check with Whirlpool first.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the potential reasons why your Whirlpool dishwasher might not be draining.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining (Simple Fixes)

Common reasons why a Whirlpool dishwasher may not be draining, include a blocked drain hose, clogged garbage disposal, blocked air gap, faulty drain pump, malfunctioning float switch, clogged filters, and improper installation.

Checking and clearing these potential issues can help diagnose and fix the problem.

But before you do anything run water in the sink for about 30 seconds, and then verify if the sink drains. If it does not, the issue is with the home’s plumbing and not with the dishwasher.

Clogged Filters

In some cases, clogged filters can also cause drainage issues in a Whirlpool dishwasher.

If the filters are dirty or clogged, they can prevent water from draining out of the dishwasher.

To check for clogged filters, remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher and locate the filters.

Clean the filters thoroughly and replace them if necessary.

Blocked Drain Hose

One of the most common reasons why a dishwasher won’t drain is because the drain hose is blocked.

Over time, bits of food, grease, and other debris can build up in the drain hose, causing a blockage that prevents water from flowing out of the dishwasher.

Locate the drain hose that connects your dishwasher to your sink to check for a clogged drain hose.

Remove the clamp that has your drain hose securely fastened to the plumbing. To loosen the clamp, you’ll probably need a screwdriver or pliers.

You’ll also need a bucket to catch any excess water or debris that gets caught in the hose.

After successfully flushing any debris and excess water from the drain hose, reattach the hose and tighten the clamp again.\

Then, double-check that it is securely attached to the plumbing.

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Clogged Garbage Disposal

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is connected to garbage disposal, clogged disposal can also cause drainage issues.

When food scraps and other debris get stuck in the disposal, they can prevent water from draining properly from the dishwasher.

To check for clogged garbage disposal, turn off the power to the disposal and remove any visible debris.

You may also want to try running hot water down the disposal to help clear out any remaining debris.

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Blocked Air Gap

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is equipped with an air gap, a blockage in the air gap can also cause drainage issues.

The air gap is designed to prevent backflow from the drain into the dishwasher, so a blockage here can cause water to back up and prevent the dishwasher from draining.

To check for a blocked air gap, remove the cover and clean out any debris.

Faulty Drain Pump

If you’ve ruled out any blockages in the drain hose, garbage disposal, and air gap, the issue may lie with the drain pump.

The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher and into the drain.

If the pump is faulty or damaged, it may not be able to pump water out of the dishwasher, resulting in drainage issues.

To check the drain pump, you’ll need to access the pump and test it with a multimeter. If the pump is faulty, you’ll need to replace it.

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Malfunctioning Float Switch

The float switch is a small device located inside the dishwasher that detects when the water level in the dishwasher is too high.

If the switch malfunctions, it may prevent the dishwasher from draining properly.

To check the float switch, you’ll need to remove the bottom panel of the dishwasher and locate the switch.

Test the switch with a multimeter to determine if it’s functioning properly. If it’s not, you’ll need to replace it.

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Improper Installation

Finally, if none of the above issues seem to be the culprit, the problem may be with the dishwasher’s installation. If the dishwasher wasn’t installed properly, it may not be able to drain properly.

Check the installation instructions and ensure that the dishwasher is level and securely connected to the drain hose and garbage disposal (if applicable).

Improper installation can cause kinks or blockages in the drain hose, which can prevent water from draining out of the dishwasher.

If you’re unsure if the dishwasher was installed correctly, you may want to consult a professional for assistance.

If none of the above solutions work, combine equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour this equal parts mixture into the basket at the bottom of the dishwasher drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. After this has finished, fill the dishwasher with hot water and run the rinse cycle.

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are several potential reasons why a Whirlpool dishwasher may not be draining properly, including a blocked drain hose, clogged garbage disposal, blocked air gap, faulty drain pump, malfunctioning float switch, clogged filters, and improper installation.

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to diagnose and fix the issue with your dishwasher.

If you’re still experiencing problems after attempting these fixes, it may be time to contact Whirlpool customer service or a professional appliance repair technician for assistance.

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