Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining? 6 Fixes to Try

Standing water in the bottom of a Kenmore dishwasher is usually a clog. Start with the free fixes below.

Safety first: unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) before you open any panel. If you’re not comfortable testing parts, call a qualified technician.

Before you start: check the sink

If the kitchen sink or garbage disposal is clogged, the dishwasher can’t drain either. Run the disposal and make sure the sink drains freely.

1. Clean the filter

Remove the bottom rack and take out the filter (twist-out on many models). Rinse it under warm water and scrub off grease and food. A clogged filter is a very common cause.

2. Check the drain hose

Look under the sink for kinks or a clog in the hose. Disconnect it and flush it if needed.

3. New garbage disposal?

If the dishwasher drains into a newly installed disposal, the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet may still be in place. It must be removed.

4. Clear the air gap

If you have an air gap cap on the sink, remove the cover and clean out any debris.

5. Drain pump

If you hear humming but no water moves, or no sound at all at drain time, the drain pump may be blocked or failed. Check for debris (glass, seeds) first.

6. Check valve

A stuck check valve can block draining or let dirty water flow back in. It’s an inexpensive part on most models.

Find the right part

See our Kenmore dishwasher parts guide and order by your full model number.

Where to buy Kenmore dishwasher drain parts

Always order by your full model number. Two good places to buy:

• Amazon – carries many common parts, but check the listing names your model number
• PartSelect – search by model number and see your model’s parts diagram

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

FAQ

How do I get standing water out of my Kenmore dishwasher?

Turn it off, scoop or towel out the water, then clean the filter. Run a short cycle to test the drain.