Amana Dishwasher: not draining

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose or air gap

How to Identify: Water pooling at bottom, visible kinked hose, food/debris in hose/air gap

Part: Drain hose, air gap fitting

Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed or disposal blockage

How to Identify: New installation not draining, disposal hissing or backing up

Part: Garbage disposal connection

Clogged filter or debris in drain pathway

How to Identify: Visible food debris in filter, slow draining

Part: Dishwasher filter/drain basket

Faulty drain pump or impeller

How to Identify: No humming/drain noise during drain cycle; motor not running

Part: Drain pump assembly

Faulty drain solenoid or control board

How to Identify: Pump runs but valve doesn’t open; electronics show faults

Part: Drain solenoid, control board

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose and air gap

Moderate 15-40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, flashlight

1. Turn off power to dishwasher and water supply.
2. Locate and inspect air gap on sink top; remove cap and clean debris.
3. Disconnect drain hose under sink and visually check for clogs; clear any debris.
4. Ensure there are no kinks and reattach hose securely.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working under sink

Clean dishwasher filter/grate

Easy 5-15 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush

1. Remove bottom rack to access filter.
2. Twist and lift out filter assembly.
3. Rinse filter under warm water and use brush to remove trapped food particles.
4. Reinstall filter and run a rinse cycle to test.

⚠️ Safety First: Do not force filter removal

Check garbage disposal connection

Moderate 10-30 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver

1. Inspect disposal inlet where dishwasher drain connects.
2. Ensure knockout plug has been removed if newly installed.
3. Run disposal to clear any clogs that might affect dishwasher drainage.

⚠️ Safety First: Turn off disposal power before inspection

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $220

Replace drain solenoid or control board

Estimated Cost: $120 - $350

When to Call a Professional

No draining after clearing hoses, filters, and garbage disposal clogs

Pump making unusual noises or not operating after DIY inspection

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filter regularly: Food debris buildup that can lead to drain blockage
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect drain hose/air gap: Hose kinks, clogs that prevent proper drainage
  Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not draining?

Common causes include a clogged drain hose, blocked garbage disposal, or a dirty filter.

How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not draining myself?

Clear the drain hose, clean the filter, and check the garbage disposal connection for clogs.

How much does it cost to fix not draining?

Professional repairs can range from $80 to $350 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining?

If DIY fixes don't work or if the problem seems complex, contacting a technician is advisable.

References & Sources

• Newly Installed Dishwasher Not Draining - Product Help | Amana Official

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Blocked drain hose (2 mentions)
• Faulty pump (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Remove and check drain hose for blockages

   Success rate: 50.0%

2. Inspect and possibly replace the pump

   Success rate: 0.0%

Community Discussions

stopped draining

User managed to remove the dishwasher after some effort, possibly by wiggling it or cracking brackets.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair