Common Reasons and Fixes for a Whirlpool Dishwasher Draining

An incomplete run cycle.

Check to make sure the previous run cycle is finished. If the door gets opened in the middle of a run cycle, it interrupts the cycle. If the door isn't all the way closed, it will prevent the previous cycle from completing. Make sure the door is completely closed and press the Start button to make sure the cycle completes.

A clogged garbage disposal.

Run the garbage disposal. Run the garbage disposal once to clear out any clogs. If the garbage disposal won't run, make sure there is no debris blocking it from turning it. Also, check to make sure the hoses and pipes connected to the disposal aren't clogged.

The garbage disposal was not installed properly.

Make sure your garbage disposal is properly installed. If you start having problems with your dishwasher after installing a new garbage disposal, the garbage disposal may not be properly installed. Make sure the garbage disposal is connected to the drain pipe properly and that the hose connected to your dishwasher is also connected properly and isn't clogged. Make sure the knockout plug inside the drain tube that connects to your dishwasher has been removed.

The drain is clogged.

Check the drain for blockages. You'll first need to remove any standing water in the dishwasher. Remove the drain filters and strainers at the bottom of the dishwasher. If they are dirty, rinse them off in the sink. Also, check to make sure there are no clogs in the drain.

The drain hose is clogged or kinked.

Make sure the drain hose is free of obstructions. To do this, you will need to remove the bottom panel from the dishwasher. You may need to unscrew the screws mounting your dishwasher under the cabinet and slide it out. Check to make sure the drain hose to make sure it is not obstructed. Remove it from both the drain pump motor and garbage disposal. Check both ends to make sure nothing is clogged. Make sure it is not kinked. Warning Water may leak when detaching the hose. Make sure you have something to catch the water in.

The drain pump impeller is blocked.

Check the drain pump impeller for obstructions. The impeller is the rotating part of the motor that pushes water through the drain hose. Remove the motor from the bottom of the dishwasher and check to make sure the impeller is able to rotate freely. Check inside the chamber where the impeller sits and make sure there are no pieces of glass or obstructions preventing the impeller from turning. "Warning:' To avoid electrical shock, make sure the dishwasher is unplugged or disconnected at the breaker before attempting to repair your dishwasher.

The drain/solenoid valve is blocked.

Check the solenoid valve. Some dishwashers have a solenoid valve that prevents water from entering the dishwasher after it has drained. If the valve becomes jammed close, water will not drain. Check to make sure there is nothing keeping the solenoid valve closed. Label and disconnect the wires attached to the solenoid valve. Use a multimeter to test the resistance of the solenoid. Set the meter's resistance to R x 1.

The motor isn't working.

Check the drain pump motor. If you can't hear the motor running during the drain cycle, or the motor is making a slight buzz, the motor may need to be replaced. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If there is no continuity, the motor needs to be replaced.

The control board has failed.

Replace the control board or dishwasher. If you replace the motor and it's still not working, it could be that the control board is not powering the motor. You will either need to replace the control board or replace the dishwasher.

Your dishwasher needs professional repair service.

Contact a qualified repair technician. If you've tried everything and your dishwasher still isn't draining, or you are not comfortable repairing the dishwasher yourself, you can schedule a repair technician to fix your dishwasher. You can contact the point of sale to see if your dishwasher is covered under warranty. You can also schedule a repair online at https://www.whirlpool.com/repair-or-replace/service.html or by calling 1-800-253-1301.