Kitchenaid Dishwasher: not completing cycle, slow draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your KitchenAid dishwasher not completing its cycle and draining slowly, leaving standing water at the bottom? This frustrating issue can stem from common problems such as a clogged filter, a malfunctioning drain pump, or even a faulty control board. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kitchenaid Models

KitchenAid official troubleshooting recommends cleaning filters and drain path for drainage issues and consulting professional if persistent.
Incorrect installation details such as missing garbage disposal knockout plug or misrouted drain hose can lead to drainage issues, especially on newly installed units.

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or drain path

How to Identify: Standing water in tub after cycle, visible food debris at filter area, slow drainage

Part: Dishwasher filter, drain path

Malfunctioning drain pump or impeller

How to Identify: No humming sound or weak noise during drain cycle, still water after clearing simple clogs

Part: Drain pump assembly, drain impeller

Faulty control board failing to run drain sequence

How to Identify: No drain operation despite clearing clogs and pump inspection, no response to drain commands

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Clean filter and drain area

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, towel

Remove bottom rack and locate dishwasher filter
Lift and remove filter, rinse under running water
Use brush to remove food debris in drain area
Reassemble filter and run short cycle to test drainage

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power by turning off dishwasher before working inside

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, hose brush

Turn off power and water supply
Access drain hose under sink and check for kinks
Disconnect hose and flush with water to remove clogs
Reattach hose ensuring proper high-loop routing

⚠️ Safety First: Have towels or bucket ready for residual water

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump or impeller

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after clearing filter and hose clogs

Dishwasher does not attempt to drain (no pump noise)

Electronic errors or control panel failures present

Preventive Maintenance

Clean filter: Slow draining and standing water
Frequency: monthly
Inspect drain hose routing: Hose clogs and drainage restriction
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my KitchenAid Dishwasher not completing cycle, slow draining?

Common causes include a clogged filter, malfunctioning drain pump, or a faulty control board.

How do I fix KitchenAid Dishwasher not completing cycle, slow draining myself?

Start by cleaning the filter and drain area. Inspect and clear the drain hose for any clogs.

How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle, slow draining?

Professional repairs for this issue can cost between $100 and $500 depending on the problem.

When should I call a technician for not completing cycle, slow draining?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if the problem persists, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

KitchenAid Dishwasher Troubleshooting Guide Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Clogged drain hose or air gap
Faulty float switch
Malfunctioning drain pump

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clear any blockages in the drain hose or air gap. Ensure the hose is not kinked and is properly connected.
Inspect the float switch for any debris or malfunction. Clean or replace the float switch if necessary.
Test the drain pump for proper operation. If the pump is not working, it may need to be replaced.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Solution for Kitchenaid dishwasher 6-4, 6-3, and 9-1 not in ...

Community Discussions

stopping mid-cycle, slow drain, bad float switch

Cleared blockage in air gap that was causing slow drain and float switch issues.