A dishwasher that won’t drain properly can turn a simple kitchen chore into a frustrating mess. Instead of clean dishes, you’re left with standing water, unpleasant odors, and concerns about potential damage to your appliance or flooring.
For homeowners in San Francisco, where many kitchens are compact and plumbing systems can vary widely from building to building, dishwasher drainage problems are especially common. Below, the experienced technicians at Prime Fix explain the six most common reasons your dishwasher isn’t draining, what you can check yourself, and when professional repair is the smartest move.
1. Clogged Dishwasher Filter
One of the most frequent causes of poor drainage is a dirty or clogged filter. Over time, food particles, grease, and soap residue build up, restricting water flow.
Signs this may be the issue:
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Standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher
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Grit or food debris on dishes after a cycle
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Unpleasant smells coming from the unit
What you can do:
Remove the bottom rack and locate the filter (usually at the base of the tub). Rinse it thoroughly under warm water and gently scrub away buildup. Regular filter cleaning can prevent many drainage problems.
2. Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If it’s blocked, bent, or improperly installed, water won’t drain correctly.
Common causes include:
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Grease or debris buildup inside the hose
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The hose being pinched behind the dishwasher
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Improper loop height during installation
In San Francisco apartments and older homes, tight cabinet spaces often lead to hoses being bent or compressed.
What you can do:
Check behind the unit to ensure the hose isn’t kinked. If you’re comfortable, you can disconnect it and flush it with warm water. If access is difficult, it’s best to call a technician.
3. Clogged Garbage Disposal or Sink Drain
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a clog in the disposal or sink drain can stop water from flowing out of the dishwasher.
Important note:
If the dishwasher was recently installed, the knockout plug inside the garbage disposal may not have been removed — a surprisingly common issue.
What you can do:
Run the garbage disposal and check the sink drain for slow drainage. Clearing the disposal often resolves the dishwasher problem immediately.
4. Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the dishwasher at the end of each cycle. When it fails, water stays inside the unit.
Signs of a bad drain pump:
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Humming sound with no draining
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Water remaining after every cycle
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Dishwasher stops mid-cycle
This is a mechanical issue and not a DIY repair for most homeowners.
5. Dirty or Stuck Check Valve
The check valve prevents drained water from flowing back into the dishwasher. When it becomes stuck or clogged, water can return to the tub instead of draining out.
Symptoms include:
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Water draining slowly or inconsistently
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Water reappearing after you manually drain it
Cleaning or replacing the check valve usually requires partial disassembly, which is best handled by a professional.
6. Control Board or Timer Problems
In some cases, the issue isn’t mechanical but electrical. A faulty control board or timer may prevent the dishwasher from entering the drain cycle at all.
You may notice:
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The cycle completes, but water remains
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The dishwasher behaves unpredictably
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No error codes, yet draining fails
Electrical diagnostics require specialized tools and experience, especially with modern dishwashers.
When to Call a Dishwasher Repair Professional
You should consider professional dishwasher repair if:
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Basic cleaning doesn’t fix the issue
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Water remains after multiple cycles
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The dishwasher is making unusual noises
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You notice leaks or water under the unit
Standing water can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and damage to your kitchen floors — especially risky in multi-unit buildings common throughout San Francisco.
Dishwasher Repair in San Francisco by Prime Fix
At Prime Fix, we provide reliable dishwasher repair services throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our technicians work with all major brands, including Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, and high-end built-in models. We understand local plumbing configurations, older buildings, and modern smart appliances — allowing us to diagnose drainage issues quickly and accurately. A dishwasher that won’t drain is more than an inconvenience — it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it should. While some causes are simple and easy to fix, others require professional attention to avoid bigger problems. If your dishwasher is holding water and you’re unsure why, addressing the issue early can save time, money, and stress.
