Amana dishwasher not draining

What to expect when you experience an Amana dishwasher not draining issue

How is the not draining problem fixed?

Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the drain pump, drain hose or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not draining

When the dishwasher is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not draining diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Why is my Amana dishwasher not draining?

Here’s a DIY troubleshooting video that shows how to check the common issues that will prevent your Amana dishwasher from draining:

Follow the steps in that video to determine the cause of the drain failure.

If a bad drain pump is preventing your dishwasher from draining, use the step-by-step instructions in this safe DIY video to replace an Amana dishwasher drain pump:

Here is a written version of the steps shown in the video:

1. Shut off electrical power: Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker for the dishwasher. To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the control panel doesn’t light up when you press a control button or the power button.
2. Remove the outer door panel and control panel: Remove the Torx screws from the inner door panel, supporting the outer door panel with one hand as you remove the final 2 screws so the outer door panel doesn't fall. Separate the outer door panel and control panel from the inner door panel, and let the outer panel rest on the floor while you disconnect the user interface control wire harness from the control panel. Pull off the outer door panel and control panel.
3. Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel: Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place. Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.
4. Remove the drain pump: Lay a towel under the drain pump to catch water. Reach under the dishwasher and squeeze the wire hose clamp that holds the drain hose on the drain pump—use channel-lock pliers if necessary. Pull the drain hose off the drain pump. Remove the wire harness from the drain pump. Press down on the locking tab and then rotate the pump 1/4 turn counterclockwise to pull it out of the sump. Remove the towel.
5. Install the new drain pump: Lubricate the O-ring water seal on the new drain pump with a light coat of rinse aid to prevent leaks. Insert the new drain pump in the sump opening and then rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise so the locking tab snaps into place. Plug the wire harness into the receptacle on the drain pump. Reinstall the drain hose on the outlet of the drain pump. Use the wire clamp to secure the drain hose on the drain pump outlet.
6. Reinstall the bottom front access panel and toe panel: Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.
7. Reinstall the outer door panel and control panel: Position the outer door panel and control panel close enough to the inner door so you can reconnect the user interface control wire harness. Reconnect the user interface control wire harness and attach the outer door panel and control panel to the inner door panel. Reinstall the mounting screws.
8. Restore electrical power: Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

If you’re not completely confident that you can safely complete this repair on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to replace the drain pump.

Standing water in your Amana dishwasher often points to a clogged drain path or broken pump. This leftover water can create musty smells and half-rinsed dishes. Instead of scooping out the tub by hand, call for dishwasher maintenance near me. Clearing debris and checking components lets your Amana flush away grime effectively.