Electrolux Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux dishwasher not draining? If water remains in the bottom after a cycle, it might be due to common issues like a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or garbage disposal problems. This guide will help you identify and resolve the issue efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Many models require removal of the garbage disposal knockout plug for proper drainage
  • Filter/glass trap must be properly seated and maintained to allow drainage

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or sump area

How to Identify: Water remains in tub; visible food debris in filters; slow draining during cycle

Part: Filter assembly (coarse and fine filters, sump)

Kinked or blocked drain hose

How to Identify: Water stays in dishwasher; hose appears bent/kinked under sink; possible odor or slow drain

Part: Drain hose

Garbage disposal or sink drain blockage including unremoved knockout plug

How to Identify: Dishwasher water won’t drain and sink drains slowly; new disposal installed without removing knockout plug

Part: Garbage disposal connection/air gap

Faulty drain pump or impeller

How to Identify: Pump doesn’t run or hum during drain phase; multimeter shows no continuity; visible damage to impeller

Part: Drain pump and impeller

Check valve or drain solenoid failure

How to Identify: Water doesn’t exit even when pump runs; check valve stuck; solenoid fails to actuate drain path

Part: Check valve/drain solenoid

Control board malfunction preventing pump activation

How to Identify: Pump doesn’t activate despite proper cycle; inconsistent electrical behavior

Part: Electronic control board

DIY Solutions

Clean filters and sump

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, warm water, brush
  1. Turn off power and open dishwasher
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filter assembly
  3. Remove coarse and fine filters, rinse and brush away debris
  4. Reassemble filters properly and run a test drain cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing interior

Clear drain hose and check for kinks

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: bucket, screwdriver, possibly hose brush
  1. Turn off dishwasher power
  2. Place bucket under sink and loosen hose clamps
  3. Disconnect drain hose and inspect for kinks or clogs
  4. Flush hose with water or use a brush to clear blockage
  5. Reattach and secure hose, then test drain
⚠️ Safety First: Watch for water spills

Remove and clean air gap or garbage disposal inlet

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, brush, gloves
  1. Remove air gap cover and clean debris from air gap tube
  2. Run garbage disposal to clear sink drain blockages
  3. Ensure the knockout plug was removed if recently installed
⚠️ Safety First: Keep fingers clear of disposal blades

Reset dishwasher to clear minor electronic glitches

Easy 2-3 minutes
  1. Press and hold Cancel or Start button for 3–10 seconds
  2. Wait for cycle reset and then start a new drain cycle
  3. Observe if water drains

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace check valve or drain solenoid

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump does not activate or hum when expected
Water remains after all DIY clogs are cleared
Electrical or component testing with multimeter is required

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean dishwasher filter regularly: Clogs that result in drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose alignment: Hose kinks that block drainage
    Frequency: quarterly
  • Run garbage disposal before dishwasher cycle: Sink drain blockages affecting dishwasher
    Frequency: each use
  • Clean air gap: Air gap blockages that impede drain
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Dishwasher not draining?
Common causes include clogged filters, blocked drain hoses, and garbage disposal issues.
How do I fix Electrolux Dishwasher not draining myself?
You can clean filters, clear the drain hose, and reset the dishwasher to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions fail or if issues seem complex, contact a technician for assistance.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Failing drain pump (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the drain pump due to potential failure of the ball clutch

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Electrolux Dishwasher Not Draining Fully
  2. Umpteenth Dishwash Drain Fail
  3. Dishwasher stopping after first rinse

Community Discussions

will not drain, loud clicking/rattle/grinding sound from sump during drain phase

The drain pump may have a failing ball clutch; replacing the drain pump is suggested.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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