Electrolux Dishwasher: not stopping draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux dishwasher not stopping draining? This issue can occur when the drain pump continues to run after a cycle ends or unexpectedly while idle. Common causes include a malfunctioning flood/float switch, water in the base triggering the anti-flood circuit, or a blocked drain hose. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux documentation focuses on drainage issues like hose kinks and filter clogs but doesn’t explicitly cover continuous draining; community sources note the flood switch behavior as a common brand‑agnostic cause.

Possible Causes

Faulty or stuck flood/float switch

How to Identify: Dishwasher continues to drain even with little or no water; the float doesn’t move freely or is stuck up.

Part: Flood switch / float assembly

Water in base triggering anti‑flood circuit

How to Identify: Pump runs continuously even without sump water; water may be present in the base pan (below tub indicating a leak or moisture accumulation.

Part: Anti‑flood sensor / base pan

Improper drain hose installation causing siphoning

How to Identify: Drain hose end positioned below the dishwasher water level; water siphons out continuously.

Part: Drain hose/air gap/high‑loop

Clogged or restricted drain hose/check valve

How to Identify: Drain pump runs long because water can’t exit normally; visible kinks or blockages in the hose.

Part: Drain hose / check valve

Faulty control board or timer sending incorrect drain signals

How to Identify: No other mechanical causes found; dishwasher repeatedly enters drain even when conditions normal.

Part: Control board/timer

DIY Solutions

Clean and test the flood/float switch

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter (optional)
  1. Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker.
  2. Remove lower kickplate to access the float/flood switch assembly.
  3. Check for debris or obstruction preventing float movement and clean.
  4. Verify the float moves freely; test continuity with a multimeter if available.
  5. Reassemble and test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal components.

Reposition drain hose with proper high loop or air gap

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Pliers
  1. Ensure power is off to dishwasher.
  2. Inspect drain hose routing under sink; raise the hose to create a high loop above the dishwasher base.
  3. If required by local code, install or clean air gap assembly at sink.
  4. Secure hose and test dishwasher cycle to observe if draining stops normally.

Clear drain hose and check valve for obstructions

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Pliers, Flexible brush or plumbers snake
  1. Turn off power and pull dishwasher forward if needed.
  2. Disconnect drain hose and place in bucket to catch water.
  3. Flush hose and remove debris; inspect check valve for blockage.
  4. Reattach hose securely and test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Be careful of sharp edges when accessing under dishwasher.

Professional Repairs

Replace flood/float switch or anti‑flood sensor

Estimated Cost: $30–$120

Diagnose and repair control board/timer

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Drain hose or check valve replacement

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher continues to drain after all visible checks completed
Water present in base pan triggering anti‑flood repeatedly
Electronic control panel exhibits faults or error codes

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain filter and sump regularly: Clogs that confuse water‑level sensors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect and maintain drain hose routing: Siphoning and improper drainage
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Dishwasher not stopping draining?
Common reasons include a faulty flood/float switch, water in the base, or a clogged drain hose.
How do I fix Electrolux Dishwasher not stopping draining myself?
You can clean the flood switch, reposition the drain hose, or clear obstructions from the drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix not stopping draining?
Professional repairs can range from $30 for a switch replacement to $400 for control board diagnostics.
When should I call a technician for not stopping draining?
If DIY solutions don't work or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty flood sensor causing continuous drainage
  • Clogged drain hose or filter preventing proper drainage
  • Malfunctioning control board sending incorrect signals

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the flood sensor. Disconnect the dishwasher from power, remove the cover to access the sensor, and clean it. Reassemble and test the dishwasher.

  2. Check and clean the drain hose and filter. Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and sink, inspect for clogs, and clean thoroughly. Reconnect and test.

  3. Examine the control board for faults. If visible damage or burnt components are found, replace the control board. This may require professional assistance.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. [Electrolux] Dishwasher Continuously Draining After Putting ...

Community Discussions

continuously draining after putting in dish soap

Remove water from the base to reset the flood sensor, then run a cycle with vegetable oil.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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