Why Is My Arvin Dishwasher Not Draining?
Common Drainage Issues, What to Check, and When to Call a Repair Pro
Water Sitting at the Bottom of Your Dishwasher?
If you’ve opened your dishwasher and found standing water inside, it’s a sure sign that something isn’t draining properly. Not only can this leave your dishes dirty, but it can also lead to bad odors, bacteria, and water damage. At Arvin Appliance Repair, we help local homeowners quickly identify and resolve drainage problems before they get worse.
Clogged Filter or Drain Basket
The most common reason for water not draining is a blocked filter or debris buildup in the drain basket. Food particles, grease, and broken glass can accumulate over time and prevent water from flowing out.
What to do: Remove the bottom rack and twist off the filter cover (usually located at the base). Rinse and scrub the filter and surrounding area with warm water.
Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose
The drain hose connects your dishwasher to your home’s plumbing—typically through the garbage disposal or sink drain. If this hose is kinked or clogged, water won’t be able to exit the appliance.
What to do: Check the hose for bends or clogs. You may need to remove it and run water through it with a garden hose to clear the blockage.
Garbage Disposal Backflow
If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal, a clog or air gap issue there could back water up into the dishwasher. This is especially common after installing a new disposal and forgetting to remove the drain plug.
What to do: Run the disposal and make sure it’s draining freely. Check the air gap (if you have one) for clogs. If recently installed, verify the knockout plug has been removed.
Faulty Drain Pump
Your dishwasher uses a small pump to push dirty water out of the tub. If this pump is jammed, clogged, or has failed electrically, it won’t be able to move water out of the appliance.
Signs: You may hear a humming sound but no water draining, or the dishwasher may stop mid-cycle. This often requires professional repair or part replacement.
Timer or Control Board Failure
In some models, the control board or cycle timer tells the dishwasher when to drain. If the signal never gets sent to the pump, your appliance may finish the cycle with water still in the tub.
This is harder to diagnose without tools and should be checked by a technician if you’ve already ruled out more obvious clogs.
Dishwasher Drain Check Valve Stuck
Some dishwashers include a one-way check valve to prevent backflow. If this valve gets stuck closed, water won’t be able to exit during the drain cycle.
This valve is typically located near the drain pump and may require disassembly to access. It’s a small issue with big consequences if ignored too long.
When to Call a Local Arvin Dishwasher Repair Tech
It’s time to bring in a pro if:
Arvin Appliance Repair works with experienced local technicians who know how to troubleshoot and fix these issues fast—so you’re not stuck washing dishes by hand.
Call for Dishwasher Repair in Arvin, CA
Don’t let a small drain issue turn into a big cleanup. Whether it’s a clogged pump or a faulty sensor, we’ll help get your dishwasher back in action quickly.