Kenmore dishwasher not draining

Common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not draining

The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.

  • 40%

    40% of the time it's the
    Drain Pump

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Drain Hose

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dishwasher

Drain Pump Replacement

A dishwasher that’s not draining often has a failed drain pump. The drain pump motor could be bad or the drain pump impeller could be damaged. The drain pump may make a loud noise when the impeller is damaged. The motor may make a loud buzzing noise or not make any noise at all if it isn’t spinning the impeller during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. The drain pump is hard to access so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the drain pump and replace it if it isn’t working.

Drain Hose Replacement

When the dishwasher will not drain properly, a cracked or clogged drain hose could be causing the failure. The drain hose connect to the drain pump and carries wastewater to the sink drain. The drain hose has a check valve to prevent drain water from siphoning back into the dishwasher at the end of the drain routine. A cracked hose or check valve can let water blow back into the tub when the drain pump stops. Accessing the drain hose is difficult so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert fix the drain hose when it’s cracked or damaged.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dishwasher is not draining, you can suspect that it has a defective electronic control board if the drain pump doesn’t run. The control board should send electrical current to the drain pump during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the drain pump. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not draining.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore 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.

If your Kenmore dishwasher finishes with leftover water, a clogged drain hose or defective pump could be responsible. Letting water stagnate can produce unpleasant smells. Rather than manual bailouts, opt for kenmore dishwasher repair. A clear drain ensures each cycle concludes fresh and odor-free.

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


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Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my Kenmore dishwasher draining?
Possible causes include a clogged drain hose, faulty drain pump, or a malfunctioning control board.
How can I check if the drain pump is faulty in my Kenmore dishwasher?
Unplug the dishwasher and use a multimeter to check for continuity in the drain pump. If there’s no continuity, it needs replacing.
Can a clogged drain hose prevent my Kenmore dishwasher from draining?
Yes, debris in the drain hose can cause water to back up and prevent proper drainage.
What should I do if the drain hose is clear but my Kenmore dishwasher still isn’t draining?
Check the control board and drain pump for blockages or malfunctions.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

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