How To Fix Standing Water in Dishwasher (11 Steps)

If you’ve opened your dishwasher to find standing water at the bottom, don’t panic. In most cases, this issue is caused by a clog or minor drainage problem—something you can fix yourself without calling a plumber.

This guide walks you through the troubleshooting steps to get your dishwasher draining again. We’ll also cover maintenance tips to prevent future issues and help you decide when it’s time to call a professional.

Fixing Standing Water Issue: Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Turn off the system’s power—Before working on the dishwasher, unplug the machine or switch off the circuit breaker in your electrical panel to prevent electric shock.
2. Remove the water in your dishwasher—Line the floor under the dishwasher with towels and use a large cup or plastic container to scoop the water out into a large bowl or the sink. When the water becomes too shallow to scoop, use a towel to soak up the rest of the moisture.
3. Check the drainage system—Is your dishwasher not draining? Food debris often clogs the dishwasher drain, stopping water from flowing properly. Check the drain basket and sump area for blockages. Use a wire hanger or a soft brush to clear any debris. Check the dishwasher drain and clean the drain basket around the lower sprayer arm, unclogging debris with a wire hanger. Make sure no large objects are covering or blocking the sump area in the rear of the tub.
4. Clean the pump—The pump consists of two impellers: the upper one pumps water into the dishwasher and the lower one pumps it out to the drain. Sometimes, broken glass and other debris will prevent the impellers from turning, causing water to build up. Remove any debris you find that could be creating these blockages.
5. Clean the sprayer arms—Gently pop out the sprayer arms located at the bottom of your dishwasher. Check the holes for food debris and clean them out with a wire hanger. Rinse the arms with warm water, ensuring all pieces of food have been removed, and set them aside.
6. Clean the dishwasher filter—Check your owner’s manual to see where the dishwasher filter is located (it’s usually located on the bottom of the dishwasher floor near the back of the appliance) and use a screwdriver to remove it. Rinse off the screen with water and wipe the surrounding area clean with a damp sponge. Replace the screen and the sprayer arms.
7. Assess the supply line—If you’ve cleaned out the screen and the drainage areas and there’s still standing water in your dishwasher, then you probably have a clog in your supply line. Locate the supply line under your sink. Place a bucket underneath the line to catch any falling water and disconnect the plumbing line that feeds into the main drain. Allowing the water to drain into the bucket, look for clogs, and run a snake through the pipe to dislodge it. After removing any clogs, simply reattach the plumbing line and run an empty cycle through the dishwasher.
8. Clean the drain line—Locate the drain line near the back of the dishwasher right under the filter screen. Mix together 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water to form a paste. Pour the paste into the drain line through the filter screen. Pour 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain line and let the solution set for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain line to flush out the baking soda solution.
9. Straighten out the drain hose—Locate the dishwasher drain hose under the sink; it’s typically held up by clips or screws. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or bends that could restrict water flow. Straighten any kinks gently. If the hose is cracked or brittle, replacing it may prevent future drainage issues.
10. Run the garbage disposal—If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, food buildup could be blocking the connection. Detach the drain hose and use a screwdriver to remove any clogs. Then, run the disposal with water to clear any remaining debris before reconnecting the hose. After you’ve removed any clogs, make sure the kitchen sink drain isn’t clogged and run the disposal. Never put your hands down the garbage disposal as this could result in serious injury.
11. Run a complete cycle—To ensure that your dishwasher is draining properly, turn on the power to the system and run a complete dishwashing cycle. Once the cycle is complete, open the door and check if any water remains in the bottom of the dishwasher. If you notice an abnormal amount of standing water in the dishwasher, you may need to call a professional.  If you have a home warranty policy, file a claim with your provider and schedule a time for a service technician to access your dishwasher.

How Can I Prevent Standing Water in My Dishwasher?

Preventing drainage problems is much easier than dealing with a backed-up dishwasher. Follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Use the Right Detergent – Using the wrong detergent can cause buildup and drainage issues. Check your dishwasher’s manual for the recommended type (pods, liquid, or powder).
• Load Dishes Properly – Overloading or blocking the spray arms can prevent water from draining. Follow the loading instructions in your dishwasher’s manual.
• Check for Unusual Noises – Clicking or humming sounds can indicate a failing drain pump or motor. Address these issues early to prevent drainage problems.
• Clean the Drain and Filter Monthly – Food debris, grease, and soap scum can clog your dishwasher’s drain system. Cleaning it regularly helps keep water flowing.
• Run an Empty Cleaning Cycle – Once a month, run your dishwasher with vinegar or a specialized dishwasher cleaner to break down buildup.

Watch Below: How To Fix Standing Water In a Dishwasher

When Should I Call a Professional for a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain?

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your dishwasher still has standing water, it’s time to call a professional. You may need expert help if:

• The drain pump or motor has failed.
• There’s a blockage in your home’s plumbing beyond the dishwasher’s drain system.
• Your dishwasher’s electrical components aren’t functioning properly.
• Your dishwasher is more than 10 years old and may need replacement.

If your limited dishwasher warranty has expired and you instead have a home warranty, dishwasher repair or replacement may be completely covered. Simply call your warranty company to make a claim on your dishwasher and schedule an appointment to have an approved contractor address the problem.

Once a service technician enters your home, they’ll determine if a repair or replacement is necessary. If a repair is needed, they’ll most likely repair the dishwasher that day. If a replacement is needed, you’ll have to schedule a follow-up appointment for the professional to remove your old dishwasher and install your new appliance. Note that home warranty limitations and exclusions will differ based on your individual plan, so make sure you understand all terms and conditions before scheduling a repair or replacement.

If you don’t have a warranty, read reviews on local service contractors and schedule an appointment with a trusted professional to come and assess your dishwasher. After determining whether a repair or replacement is needed, you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket costs for the service. If you need a new system, you’ll have to research dishwasher models and schedule another appointment to have your new appliance installed.