Dishwasher Not Siphoning

Inside the Dishwasher

• The dishwasher needs some type of force to begin siphoning used water from the bottom of the tub. Gravity alone isn't enough, and so most appliances have drain pumps that suck the water out of the machine. However, if the opening to the drain is clogged, then the water cannot be evacuated. To troubleshoot for internal clogs, unplug or cut power to the dishwasher at the fuse box or circuit breaker. Open the dishwasher door and pull the bottom rack out to expose the bottom of the tub. Wait for the standing water to cool down, and then use latex gloves to feel around the bottom of the tub. Remove any large food or paper debris that is clogging the drain or sump area.

Dishwasher Hose

• A hose is at the middle of the drainage system, like a river that cuts across land. Similarly, if there is a blockage (dam) or a food waste buildup (silt), then the drain hose cannot channel the water properly out of the machine, no matter how hard the drain pump pushes. Open the doors under the counter that run along the path to and from the dishwasher. Check the transparent drain hose for slumping or bending to the point of restricting water flow. Shine a flashlight on the hose to see if food particles have blocked the inside of the tube. Try to raise the hose or squeeze any blockages toward the other end of the hose away from the dishwasher.

End of the Line Drainage

• Water from most rivers empties into a larger body of water, and in the case of your dishwasher it leads to the drain in your sink. However, in most modern homes, the drain hose connects to the garbage disposal unit that is installed under the sink's drain. Large food particles are usually handled by filters and grinders in the dishwasher, but if some slip through, the garbage disposal is there to handle that. But even the disposal can become clogged, preventing siphoning. Turn on the power switch to your garbage disposal and run the faucet to clear any obstructions. This should allow used water from the dishwasher to drain through as designed.

Basic Reminders

• Other factors that affect a dishwasher's ability to siphon water away are more indirect and are not commonly thought of as integral to draining. The latch or locking mechanism on the door must be fully engaged, to prevent hot scalding water from leaking or splashing out during a cycle. Also, your dishwasher might include unique cycles, with as many as three washing and two rinsing phases in a cycle. What you perceive as not siphoning could be just the result of a prolonged cycle time, and you need to let the dishwasher completely finish its programmed functions.