Standing Water in Your Dishwasher? Clean the Filter Before Calling Anyone (70% Success Rate)
You open your dishwasher. Standing water fills the bottom. Dishes are submerged in dirty water. The cycle completed, but the water never left. Your dishwasher won't drain.
The Three Things That Stop a Dishwasher from Draining
- Clogged filter (70% of cases): Food debris blocks the filter, preventing water from reaching the pump.
- Blocked drain hose (20%): A kink or clog in the hose that carries water to your sink drain.
- Failed drain pump (10%): The pump motor burned out or the impeller is jammed.
Step 1: Clean the Filter (Free, Takes 5 Minutes)
Remove the bottom rack. Look for a cylindrical filter at the bottom. Twist counterclockwise to remove. Rinse under hot water. Scrub with a toothbrush if needed. Replace.
Step 2: Check the Drain Hose
Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. Follow the drain hose from the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. Check for kinks. Disconnect and check for clogs.
Step 3: Call Us (Drain Pump Replacement)
If filter and hose are clear, the drain pump has failed. Replacement cost: KSh 3,500-6,000 including labor.
"My Whirlpool dishwasher had standing water. I cleaned the filter — nothing. Repair Ready found a sock stuck in the drain hose. Removed it for KSh 2,500. Working perfectly." — Sarah, Kilimani
📞 Call 0707 790 099 if water won't drain from your dishwasher. Mention whether you've cleaned the filter.