I Fixed Our Dishwasher! Here's How I Did It...
Jim and I are definitely do-it-yourselfers. In our six (plus 1) years of marriage, we have never once called a repairman to our home whenever something broke or stopped working.
Around the house, if something goes wrong, Jim usually has enough handyman skills in him to get us out of practically any jam.
And with my research skills, I'm usually able to point him in the right direction anytime he's unsure about something. I guess we're a pretty good team.
But last week, Jim was out of town -- for a total of 10 days.
Just my luck... on Day 1 the dishwasher decided to quit working!
The water would not drain from the bottom of the dishwasher. The entire tub was FILLED with water... all the way up to the point where the door opens. Ugh!
Believe it or not I managed to fix it myself.
Here's what I did...
First, I ran the dishwasher again -- thinking maybe it was just a fluke. Maybe the dishwasher just hadn't properly cycled through all its stages the last time.
Naaa... even after another full cycle, the water remained piled up on the tub floor.
Dishwasher Water Won't Drain?
I found out that the most common reasons the water won't drain from a dishwasher are:
1. Food & debris are blocking the drainage basket (or drain screen) inside the tub, in the far back
2. Food is clogging the drain hose -- the long tube that runs under the sink
So I started with #1 -- despite the fact that I feared I wouldn't have the strength to loosen the tight bolts which keep keep the basket securely in place throughout wash after wash.
First, I had to use a small plastic bowl to bail out the now-smelly water. I would scoop it out and pour it into a larger bowl resting on the open dishwasher lid. Then, when the big bowl got full, I'd empty that into the sink and get back to scooping. (It's actually fairly tight quarters inside a dishwasher; there's definitely not much elbow room in there.)
Eventually, even a tiny scoop bowl becomes too big to capture the last layer of water lining the tub. So, for what seemed like forever, I used a turkey baster to suction out the remaining water from the dishwasher.
How To Remove The Drainage Basket
Finally, with all of the water removed from the dishwasher -- at least from the drainage basket and higher -- I was ready to tackle the bolts that were holding the drain basket in place.
I went to our handy-dandy Craftsman toolbox (we actually have a "big" tool box which serves as a shelf for the "little" toolbox in our garage... see we're handy!) and dug out our set of tiny wrenches. Found the perfect size (1/4-inch) and started wrenching.
There are two VERY long screws which keep the drain basket in place in our GE dishwasher... so it seemed like it took forever.
Once the two screws were loosened and the basket was removed, I discovered a separate "flapper" thing that was resting inside the drain area. So I removed that too. Both the flapper and the drain basket needed a serious cleaning -- there was a very thick film of food & grime covering most of the edges.
Then, I had to precisely lodge my upper body way into the dishwasher in order to suction the remaining water that was at the very bottom inside the drain basket. I noticed small bits of food & grime coming up with the water too.
When I couldn't get any more water out of the drain, I held a large makeup mirror in the back of the dishwasher -- over the drain/basket area -- to see if I could find any large pieces of food in there. None.
What If The Problem Is In The Tubes?
Since I hadn't dislodged any large particles of food, I figured my efforts had been in vain. I thought the reason the water wouldn't drain from the tub of the dishwasher was due to a clog in the lines, as opposed to a clog in the drain basket.
At first, that bummed me out... because I was sure that I wasn't going to have the muscle power to adequately loosen and then re-tighten the hose clamps that kept the drain tubes in place under the sink. But I didn't want to wait 9 more days for Jim to get back and use his manly man strength.
So, what's a girl to do?
First, jiggle the drain tubes a bit (...at which point I noticed some of the water drained through -- like maybe there was just some air in the lines?)
Then, put the drain basket (and the flapper!) back in place and run the dishwasher and hope for the best.
Believe it or not, it ran... full cycle.
And it drained... completely empty.
End of the story:
There was no more water resting in the tub of the dishwasher!
This was the best source I found for dishwasher repairs and tips for fixing things yourself.
UPDATE 6/2/08:
I had to remove the basket from the back (inside) the dishwasher and clean it again. This time, it was just something I noticed during a routine "spring cleaning" procedure, rather than an emergency -- because the dishwasher wasn't backing up with water.
But let me tell you, your dishwasher is backing up or not isn't the only "sign" that something's going wrong with your dishwasher. It can also run less efficiently simply from the amount of build-up that accumulates from all of the food particles and grime that collect at the dishwasher basket area itself.
Afterward, it drained fine but it was doing a terrible job of cleaning. I used some dishwasher cleaner I found at a decent hardware store--it's 25% acetic acid, in a bottle you put upside-down on the top rack--with a wax plug that melts open when the hot water starts in the dishwasher (no dishes--just this stuff). That helped, but it wasn't great, so I got another bottle and did it again. Dishwasher is good enough now!
Oh my gosh it worked! I think mine was an air bubble, since the drain was practically spotless, but it worked! On a side note to another comment, Draino is a very, very bad idea. It foams up in the dishwasher and causes a chemical bubble explosion.
First time using my dishwasher in my NEW APARTMENT (and on a Sunday, too), I was crestfallen when I opened it and saw that it didn't drain. Short story: it was COMPLETELY clogged where the drain pipe empties into the disposal! I took the hose off and scraped out all the gook in the neck of the disposal (hose itself looked pretty clean). You can check this by sticking your finger through the hole from INSIDE THE DISPOSAL (mine wasn't even a hole, it was that clogged. Just a solid, gritty PLUG of goo). I would never have found that if it weren't for this excellent article. Thanks!
You are my hero. I did exactly what you said, and it worked. The filter screen was clogged and I found a paper clip stuck in the valve. I
ran a complete cycle and its fixed. If I can do this with a broken arm, anyone can do this. Thanks again!
Thank you!
This article is SO helpful! I fixed my Maytag drain issue this morning!!!!!!!!
I had the same problem. Unfortunately I had to pay the ridiculous amount for the GE man to replace the $15 part in less than 5 minutes. He did point out the electrical recall as well...they came out in a week to fix that....they fedex'ed the parts for that before they arrived....but now...thankfully my machine drains!
what about draino
I just had the GE repair guy out, very congenial. My dishwasher not draining problem was the check-valve that was worn out. Quick replacement, and it drains well. The repairman said there are 2 check-valves, the one inside the machine under the drain cover is the one that usually wears out. But better then anything, I found out that my dishwasher was under recall for a potential electrical problem, and now this is scheduled to be fixed free. Would not have known this without the repairman telling me as I missed all the TV/radio ads informing the public of this. Yeah for good repairmen.
Thanks alot. I praise God for this article. I had already scheduled for a GE repairman to come out but, after I looked at the price for him to simply come out (approx. $90 plus parts and labor) I began searching for "do-it yourself" sites for my husband to fix, of course. The good news is when I came across your story, I was encouraged by you being a woman fixing your problem yourself. So, I clicked on "the best source" from your website and got to work. I cleaned the greasy residue from the drain line and presto. It worked!! Wow, thank you for posting this. I truly thank God too for leading me here. Thanks.
wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm right there with you on not calling a repair person, I get that from my Dad. I'm a single gal - do it yourselfer and I found your guidance on this icky situation easy to follow and so far the outcome is fabulous!
It worked! Thanks so much!
I followed your steps and viola! My dishwasher is fixed!! You inspired me so much that I ordered the parts to change out the rusty rack and cracked spray arm. Thanks!
p.s.- cut a soda bottle in half to scoop the water out and with the help of towels I was able to drain the tub very easily and quickly
Christmas day and as usual-the ge is on the fritz and this time it was not draining-took your advice and sure enough-it was up and going-waited until the 26th to do this(why ruin Christmas over some dishes) but we left the dishes from the night before and cleanup was snap- I took the conduit? (all terms are approximate)that runs from the bottom center sprayer to the top sprayer and removed the two screws-one on top (1st) and one in the back wall(2nd) holding the conduit on.This allowed the basket to be removed and allows you to stick your fingers down there and pull some junk out. the bottom sprayer and mesh filter? i let soak in some in some sudsy water because they were also filled with junk. a cordless drill with a ratchet bit made the nuts a breeze- not as much junk as i thought came out and i even tried to blow through the drain hose to push the alleged block but to no avail and onle once did I see some air bubbles come back into the machine- so I put it back together in reverse order and never expecting it to drain but sure enough-it worked so thank you very much
Thanks for the great tips.
-rob
my dishwasher is hit or miss in the draining dept. I used your advice and jiggled the tube and it worked! my only problem is that I can't run it without wondering if it will drain or not - I jiggle it almost every second time it runs. It isn't that old so I doubt there is alot of build up. Any other suggestions?????
Hi, it's me again. Well, I took the entire basket area apart and there was absolutely NO debris whatsoever (I've always been very anal about cleaning dishes before putting them in there), so I"m thinking that it must be the motor. I am now looking to be a newer used portable dishwasher as a replacement. Thanks for posting all these tips - I wish it had only been a clog! Oh well, the thing lasted for almost 17 years and I bought it used to boot!
My portable Maytag dishwasher (which I haven't even used in over a year!) is not draining water out. Not sure if it's even washing properly either! It's the one from 20 years ago with the real wood butcher block top and I only use it maybe 4X a year, if that. I have taken the racks out and taken off the whirly-gig water sprayer and the parts underneath it. I think what I am looking at is the "basket"? There is no food or anything else in there, so I"m wondering if I'm looking at the right thing. It's like a flat-bottomed bowl. It's at the very bottom of the machine and is held on with bolts. I appears that, if I remove it, I will be looking at my kitchen floor. Before taking the machine apart, I ran it empty with the water turned off, in hopes that it would drain. I heard the motor going on and off, but no draining occurred. I have no way to check if the lines are clear, because one end is attached deep inside the machine and the other ends are attached to the thingy which I hook up to the special attachment at the end of my kitchen faucet.
What I don't understand, is why didn't the machine flood completely, if it is the motor that isn't working? The machine drains from the bottom UP, right into my kitchen sink. Why just a few inches of water in the bottom of the machine (thanks for the bailing tips, BTW!).
I'm so confused.
The repair people want $40 just to come and take a look, not even to do the actual repair. If it turns out to be the motor, I'd rather just buy a new one, I think. Or maybe none at all. I hardly use the thing.
Michelle - Definitely with the machine in place. I didn't unplug anything or move it or anything. Just reached in and did the dirty work. :o)
Hello- Did you have to pull the machine out to check the drain hose or were you able to do all the de-gunking steps with the machine in place?
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips. A wet/dry vac really facilitates removing all the built up water (and gunk). Quicker than bailing.
Lynnette, thanks so much for your step by step instructions. The turkey baster was key to getting all the yucky water out. I did as you instructed and ran the cycle and it works...no more water on the floor. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks for the brilliant, and simple, advice. I shook the drain tube to buggery and now have a working dishwasher again.
Your advice was GREAT !!! Had my son fix the stupid thing for me. Got out onion and pepper trash. Yep, you really need to shake the hose alot, but it sure worked. THANKS
Love your site.
I would like to thank you for posting this. I took your advise and shook the hose to kingdom come and it worked, Thank you for sharing this info!
Well, I want to thank you for posting your success! However, when I tried taking off the basket and cleaning everything inside, unfortunately, my dishwasher still did not drain! I guess I will try to work on the hose next...fingers crossed I fix this thing!
OMG!
My first home, and I had bubbles pouring out of the dishwasher. I've noticed that it doesn't drain, so this was the first attempt to run it. Thank goodness it wasn't major. So, I'll have to try this. I went to that site you listed and Bob Vilas, but I don't see anything about a basket. They do recommend turning the washer off at the service panel FIRST! Water + electricity, not good. So, I'll see what happens. Recommendations welcome!!! I'll check in later.
Thanks so much!! I was just about to call a repairman, which I knew would be spendy. I decided to google "dishwasher won't drain" and you were the first one. I tried all the things you said, and it works perfectly! We've ran several cycles and no water build up! Thanks so much!
Thank you MUCH! After a long weekend working, I came home to the undrained dishwasher. I just wasn't in the mood to tackle fixing it but did a little internet research and found your directions. The hardest things to do were (1) bailing out enough water to uncover the screws fastening the cover over the drain; (2) finding the right switch at the powerbox to switch off the electricity to the dishwasher;and, (3) finding the tool box and the right size tool to unscrew the cover. The rest was a snap and took less than 5 minutes. A piece of cellophane was blocking the drain hole under the cover. An easy fix. Thank you for showing the way...
I just can't believe it, I did exactly what you said, and it worked. What a saving, and I would like to thank you so much. You also gave me the courage to find out, what was in my garabe disposal, so i use a some toughs, and I was able to pull out, a screw, and metal bottle opener, and the disposal, is working just fine. WHAT A SAVINGS!!!
I can't figure out how to put those 3 pieces back together. I eventually gave up and put the flap one and the cover on, leaving the ovular one out. oops! I hope it's not important. But the dishwasher is draining - thanks for your help!
Thank you SO much for your tips. I had the same problem and I've been lamenting over what to do: get the plumber over again for $90/hr or just get a new dishwasher. I followed all your steps with blood, sweat, and (almost) tears, I managed to open up the piece that leads to the drain. I cleaned out a dime-sized gunk and thought it would have done nothing. I put everything back (mine is a GE too) and miraculously, the DW worked and drained. I am so grateful -- for I am a working single-mom of deployed military service member and it seems like everything is breaking in my life! Thank you again. I feel empowered that I actually fixed this myself. Wooo-- hooo!
to replace basket, two pices go under the big screen, then the part that the screws go trough goes on top all by it's self.
Hey, I followed your suggestions and fixed my dishwasher yesterday. It wouldn't drain, so I took a bunch of the inside parts out, cleaned them, and put a small propeller back on a shaft from where it had come loose. It drained fine after that.
Thanks for the tips.
Jose -
Well... perhaps I should have unplugged the dishwasher first. But I didn't.
Did you ahve to unplugged the dishwasher before you did the repair?
Laurie -
Gosh, I've slept since then, so it's hard for me to remember.
But I do recall when I took the flapper off/out, I made a mental note about exactly how to put it back on.
I seem to remember there was only one way that it should go -- despite the fact that any direction LOOKED right to the naked eye.
I wish I could be more specific, but without getting back in there and taking it apart again, I can't be more detailed than that.
lynette, can you explain how you put the flapper and drain basket back together? ours has three parts and we can't figure out how to reassemble it....