Kenmore Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dishwasher not draining properly? After a wash cycle, you may find standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. This issue can arise from clogged filters, blocked drain hoses, or malfunctioning pumps, leading to poor drainage and even unusual noises. Understanding the root cause is essential to restoring proper function.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • No major unique drain issue; follows general dishwasher drainage problems seen across brands

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or food debris blockage

How to Identify: Water doesn’t exit the tub normally; visible food debris in filter; standing water after cycle; smells can be present.

Part: Dishwasher filter / sump area

Clogged or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Standing water persists; hose may show kinks or bends under sink; debris visible when hose disconnected.

Part: Drain hose

Blocked garbage disposal or removed knockout plug

How to Identify: Dishwasher drains into sink disposal; disposal clogged or plug not removed on new install.

Part: Garbage disposal connection / knockout plug

Faulty or jammed drain pump (impeller)

How to Identify: Pump makes humming/noise without water movement; no sound during drain cycle; debris around impeller.

Part: Drain pump assembly

Malfunctioning check valve or backflow prevention device

How to Identify: Water drains but returns back into tub after cycle.

Part: Check valve

Faulty electronic control board or timer

How to Identify: Drain pump does not activate at all; no response during drain cycle.

Part: Control board / timer

DIY Solutions

Clean the dishwasher filter

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves
  1. Turn off power and open dishwasher.
  2. Remove lower rack; locate and remove filter.
  3. Rinse filter under running water; scrub debris.
  4. Replace filter and rack; run test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Cut power before handling filter.

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towel, bucket
  1. Disconnect dishwasher power and water.
  2. Access drain hose under sink and inspect for kinks.
  3. Disconnect hose at both ends and flush with water.
  4. Remove any debris; reconnect hose ensuring no sharp bends.
  5. Restore power and run a drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Catch spilled water; ensure tight reconnections.

Check garbage disposal connection and knockout plug

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Ensure garbage disposal is clear of clogs.
  2. If disposal was recently installed, verify knockout plug is removed.
  3. Run disposal and then dishwasher to test drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect disposal power before inspection.

Clean or free the air gap

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: screw, brush
  1. Remove air gap cover on countertop.
  2. Clear debris inside with brush.
  3. Rinse and replace cover; run dishwasher drain cycle.

Professional Repairs

Drain pump replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Check valve or hose replacement

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Control board or timer repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump hums but doesn’t pump after DIY checks
Control board or wiring issues suspected by lack of drain activation
Repeated blockages after thorough cleaning

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Future drain blockages
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run hot water at sink before dishwasher cycle: Grease buildup in lines
    Frequency: each cycle
  • Inspect drain hose position: Kinks and backflow issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dishwasher not draining?
Common causes include a clogged filter, kinked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Kenmore Dishwasher not draining myself?
You can clean the filter, inspect the drain hose for kinks, or check the garbage disposal connection.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repair costs range from $30 for hose replacement to $400 for control board repairs.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if the problem involves complex components, 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?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water fill valve malfunction due to sediment (1 mentions)
  • Drain pump failure (1 mentions)
  • Clogged drain hose (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replacing the drain pump resolved the issue

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Dislodging debris from the drain hose connection

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Cleaning sediment from the water fill valve

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 5 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Where is my dishwasher clogged? It doesn't even HAVE a filte...
  2. Kenmore Dishwasher W10297956A won’t drain
  3. Kenmore dishwasher keeps filling with water
  4. Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Not Draining
  5. Kenmore Elite Dishwasher not draining, water in slow leak?

Community Discussions

standing water that seems to slowly build up over time

The water fill valve had sediment in it and didn't close properly.

DIY View on Reddit →

won’t drain

Dislodged debris from the drain hose connection at the dishwasher, resolving the drainage issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't drain

replacing the drain pump resolved the issue

DIY View on Reddit →

keeps filling with water

The solenoid controlling water flow is stuck open, allowing water to continuously fill the dishwasher.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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