Fixing a Whirlpool Gold Dishwasher That Won't Drain

Unscrew the drain air gap, which is a small metal piece located on top of the sink near the faucet. Place a paper towel roll on top of the drain air gap and blow into the top of the paper towel roll. This dislodges any items, such as toothpicks, seeds or other small objects that are blocking the air gap causing the dishwasher to not drain. Not all Whirlpool Gold dishwashers are connected to drain air gaps. Replace the drain air gap.

Close the dishwasher door and press "Start" restarting the cycle if you opened the door before the cycle is complete. Opening the dishwasher door before the appliance finishes its cycle causes water to stand in the tub and drain slowly or not drain at all until the appliance is turned back on and finishes its cycle.

Open up the cabinet under the kitchen sink and unclamp the drain hose from the food disposer's inlet valve. Place a flathead screwdriver along the side of the inlet valve and lightly tap it with a hammer dislodging the knockout plug into the disposal.

Insert needle nose pliers into the disposal opening through the base of the sink and retrieve the knockout plug. A knockout plug that is not removed does not allow water to drain from the appliance.

Replace the drain hose and tighten it with the clamp.