Whirlpool Dishwasher drain clogged

Common reasons your Whirlpool Dishwasher drain clogged

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher drain is clogged are a blocked filter, a failed drain pump, or a cracked drain hose.

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the Filter

  • 18%

    18% of the time it's the Drain Pump

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the Drain Hose

  • 47%

    47% of the time it's the Something else

Schedule your dishwasher repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 5,000 Whirlpool dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call(646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher

Filter Replacement

A blocked filter in the dishwasher pump could be the reason your dishwasher drain is clogged. The pump filter is responsible for trapping food particles and debris, preventing them from entering the drain pump and causing a blockage. When this filter becomes clogged, water can't flow freely through the system, leading to drainage issues. You might notice water pooling at the bottom of your dishwasher or slow draining as a result. To resolve this, check the pump filter for any debris and clean it thoroughly. If the problem persists, schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services to have a technician inspect the pump filter to ensure your dishwasher drains properly.

Drain Pump Replacement

A dishwasher that won't drain 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 connects 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.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dishwasher drain clogged issue

How is the dishwasher drain clogged issue fixed?

Correcting most dishwasher drain clogged issues involves replacing the filter, drain pump or drain hose. 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 drain clogged problem

When a dishwasher drain is clogged, 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 drain clogged 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 Whirlpool dishwasher’s drain line clogs, water remains inside with each cycle. Residue and odors can accumulate fast, reducing cleaning quality. Rather than dealing with leftover water, get a dishwasher technician. Once unclogged, your dishwasher can flush out dirty water fully and deliver fresh results.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

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.

User Profile

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

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

User Profile

James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

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

User Profile

Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher draining slowly?
A clogged drain hose, dirty filter, or malfunctioning pump can cause slow drainage. Inspect these parts and clean any blockages.
Could a clogged filter cause my Whirlpool dishwasher to drain slowly?
Yes, if the filter is clogged, it can block water from draining properly. Cleaning or replacing the filter should resolve the issue.
How can I fix a clogged drain in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
First, clean the drain filter and check the drain hose for blockages. If necessary, clear any debris that’s causing the clog.
What should I do if my Whirlpool dishwasher still isn’t draining properly after cleaning the filter?
If cleaning the filter doesn’t work, the drain pump may be faulty. A professional technician can help replace the pump if needed.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

A middle-aged man ensures his dishwasher runs smoothly by loading it correctly, as part of regular appliance care to prevent drainage issues.

Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.

Banner image for blog article "Why Won't my Dishwasher Turn On?"

Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.

Photo of an open Kenmore dishwasher in white modern kitchen

If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.

Simple Steps to Replace a Blocked Dishwasher Spray Arm

If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.

Glossary Terms

A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.

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.

Whirlpool dishwasher drain clogged? Discover Quick Fixes & Expert Tips!