A dishwasher is a very convenient appliance that can save a lot of time and effort in cleaning dishes. However, if your Whirlpool dishwasher is not draining properly, it can cause a lot of frustration and inconvenience.
There could be several reasons why your dishwasher is not draining, and in this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes and how to fix them.
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Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining
If your Whirlpool dishwasher is not draining, there are a few potential reasons for this issue. First, check to make sure that the drain hose is not clogged or kinked, as this can prevent proper drainage. You can also inspect the dishwasher filter and clean it if it is dirty or blocked.
Another common cause of a dishwasher not draining is a faulty drain pump. If you suspect this may be the issue, you may need to replace the drain pump to restore proper drainage function.
Additionally, checking the air gap or garbage disposal for blockages can also help resolve drainage problems in your Whirlpool dishwasher.
Clogged Drain Hose
One of the most common causes of a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining is a clogged drain hose. The drain hose is the tube that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain.
Over time, food particles, grease, and other debris can accumulate in the hose, causing a blockage. To check if the drain hose is clogged, first, disconnect it from the garbage disposal or sink drain.
Next, try blowing air through the hose using a compressor or a vacuum cleaner. If the air doesn’t flow through the hose, it is likely clogged, and you will need to clean it.
To clean the drain hose, start by removing any visible debris or food particles from the hose. Next, use a pipe cleaner or a long wire brush to clean the inside of the hose.
You can also run hot water through the hose to flush out any remaining debris. Once you have cleaned the hose, reattach it to the garbage disposal or sink drain and try running the dishwasher to see if it drains properly.
Blocked Garbage Disposal
If your Whirlpool dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, a blocked disposal can also cause drainage problems. The garbage disposal can become clogged with food particles and grease, preventing the dishwasher from draining properly.
To check if the garbage disposal is the problem, turn it on and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear a humming sound or no sound at all, it may be clogged.
To unclog the garbage disposal, start by turning off the power to the disposal. Next, use a flashlight to look inside the disposal to see if there are any visible blockages.
If you can see any debris, use pliers or tongs to remove it. You can also try running hot water down the disposal to help flush out any remaining debris. Once you have cleared the blockage, turn the power back on and try running the dishwasher to see if it drains properly.
Blocked Dishwasher Filter
Another common cause of a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining is a blocked dishwasher filter. The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and can become clogged with food particles and debris, preventing the water from draining properly.
To check if the filter is clogged, remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher and look for the filter. It is usually located in the center of the dishwasher.
To clean the filter, remove it from the dishwasher and rinse it under hot water. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any stubborn debris off the filter.
Once you have cleaned the filter, reattach it to the dishwasher and try running the dishwasher to see if it drains properly.
Faulty Drain Pump
If none of the above solutions work, there may be a problem with the drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for pumping the water out of the dishwasher and into the drain.
If the pump is faulty, it may not be able to pump the water out, causing the dishwasher not to drain.
To check if the drain pump is faulty, first, make sure that the dishwasher is unplugged. Next, locate the drain pump at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it from the dishwasher.
You can then check the impeller inside the pump for any damage or blockages. If the impeller is damaged or blocked, it will need to be replaced.
You can also test the pump using a multimeter to see if it is functioning properly. If the pump is not functioning correctly, it will need to be replaced.
Replacing the drain pump can be a complicated process, and it is recommended that you hire a professional to do it for you.
A professional will have the experience and tools necessary to replace the pump safely and efficiently.
Faulty Drain Valve
Another potential cause of a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining is a faulty drain valve. The drain valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water out of the dishwasher. If the valve is faulty, it may not be able to open and allow the water to drain out.
To check if the drain valve is faulty, first, make sure that the dishwasher is unplugged. Next, locate the valve at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it from the dishwasher.
You can then test the valve using a multimeter to see if it is functioning properly. If the valve is not functioning correctly, it will need to be replaced.
Replacing the drain valve can also be a complicated process, and it is recommended that you hire a professional to do it for you. A professional will have the experience and tools necessary to replace the valve safely and efficiently.
Why is there water in the bottom of my Whirlpool dishwasher?
It’s normal for a small amount of water to remain in the bottom of your Whirlpool dishwasher after it has finished a cycle.
This is because the dishwasher uses a drain pump to remove the water, and some residual water will remain in the tub after the cycle is complete.
If you notice that more than just a small amount of water is remaining in your dishwasher, this could be an indication of a clogged drain or filter.
To prevent this from happening, regularly check and clean out any debris that may have collected in your dishwasher’s filter.
If the issue persists, contact an experienced appliance repair technician who can assess and fix any underlying causes.
What do you do when your Whirlpool dishwasher won’t drain?
When my Whirlpool dishwasher won’t drain, the first thing I do is check the filter.
The dishwasher filter can sometimes get clogged with food particles, which can cause it to not drain properly.
If the filter is clogged, I will clean it out and then run a cycle to see if that solves the problem.
If cleaning the filter doesn’t work, then I would check the drain hose for any blockages or kinks.
This could be causing a backup in the dishwasher and preventing it from draining properly.
If there are any blockages or kinks in the hose, I will straighten them out and then run another cycle to see if that fixes the issue.
If neither of these steps works, then I would recommend calling a professional appliance repair service to come take a look at your dishwasher.
They may be able to identify and fix any underlying issues that could be causing your dishwasher to not drain properly.
How do you force a dishwasher to drain?
If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, there are a few steps you can take to try and force it to drain.
First, check the drain hose for any kinks or clogs. If the hose is blocked, straighten it out or remove the clog.
Then, make sure the garbage disposal unit is working properly and that its air gap is clear of debris.
Finally, you can reset the dishwasher by turning off its power supply at the breaker panel and then turning it back on again after 30 seconds.
If none of these steps work, you may need to call a professional plumber to inspect your dishwasher and diagnose the issue.
How do I fix my dishwasher that wont drain?
The first step to fixing a dishwasher that won’t drain is to make sure the filter is clean.
The filter catches food particles and other debris, so if it’s clogged, it can prevent water from draining properly.
To clean the filter, remove it from the dishwasher and rinse it with warm water.
If the filter is clear but your dishwasher still won’t drain, check the drain hose for any kinks or blockages.
If there are any obstructions in the hose, remove them and check if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to replace the hose entirely.
Finally, if neither of these solutions work, you should contact a professional repair service to diagnose and fix the problem.
They’ll be able to identify more complex issues and help you get your dishwasher back up and running again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining can be a frustrating problem, but there are several potential causes and solutions.
A clogged drain hose, blocked garbage disposal, blocked dishwasher filter, faulty drain pump, and faulty drain valve are some of the most common causes of drainage problems in Whirlpool dishwashers.
To troubleshoot the problem, start by checking the drain hose, garbage disposal, and dishwasher filter for blockages.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the drain pump or drain valve, which should be done by a professional.
Regular maintenance of your dishwasher can also prevent drainage problems from occurring. It is recommended that you clean the dishwasher filter regularly and run a cycle with dishwasher cleaner to remove any buildup or debris.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Whirlpool dishwasher runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.