Siemens Dishwasher: not draining

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or sump area

How to Identify: Standing water after cycle; visible food debris in the bottom filter area; water not flowing when filters are removed

Part: Filter assembly / sump

Kinked or blocked drain hose

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle; drain hose shows bends, crimping or blockage; no water flows when hose is detached into a bucket

Part: Drain hose

Wastewater (drain) pump obstruction or malfunction

How to Identify: Humming sound during drain cycle but no water movement; debris like glass or food visible in pump housing

Part: Drain pump

Electronic or control error preventing pump activation

How to Identify: No sound from drain pump when system should be draining; error codes displayed

Part: Control board/ electronics

DIY Solutions

Clean the filter assembly

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush

1. Turn off and disconnect the dishwasher from power.
2. Remove the bottom dish rack.
3. Unlock and remove the filter assembly at the base of the dishwasher.
4. Clean rinse and scrub the coarse and fine filters under running water.
5. Reassemble the filter and ensure it is correctly seated.
6. Run a short cycle to test if drainage is restored.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal parts.

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: bucket, flashlight, pliers

1. Turn off and disconnect the dishwasher from power.
2. Locate drain hose behind the dishwasher.
3. Straighten any kinks and disconnect the hose from pump/sink connection (bucket under to catch water).
4. Flush the hose with water and clear blockages with flexible brush or by blowing air.
5. Reconnect hose ensuring correct high loop or air gap position.
6. Run drain test.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reconnection to avoid leaks.

Clear debris from drain pump area

Advanced 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver set, bucket, gloves

1. Disconnect power.
2. Remove bottom access panel to expose pump area.
3. Locate drain pump and remove visible debris from housing or impeller.
4. Manually spin impeller if possible to check movement.
5. Reassemble and test drain cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious around sharp components; ensure correct reassembly.

Next step

Choose the next step for not draining

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Dishwasher Filter

Screens food debris from recirculating wash water and protects the pump system.

Typical part-only price

$15 - $65

DIY difficulty

Easy

Estimated time

5-15 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

$15 - $30 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Main Control Board

The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.

$120 - $280 · Medium · 20-40 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

Model-compatible Dishwasher parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler

Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose

For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Service control board or electronics

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If DIY filter and hose cleaning do not resolve and standing water persists

Humming from pump with no water movement after clearing debris

Electronic errors preventing drain pump operation

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filter weekly: Filter-based clogs that inhibit drainage
  Frequency: weekly
• Inspect drain hose position: Hose kinks or improper installation leading to drainage issues
  Frequency: every 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Siemens Dishwasher not draining?

Common causes include a clogged filter, kinked drain hose, or a malfunctioning drain pump.

How do I fix Siemens Dishwasher not draining myself?

You can clean the filter, inspect the drain hose for kinks, or clear debris from the pump.

How much does it cost to fix not draining?

Professional repairs for a non-draining dishwasher can range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining?

If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or if the pump or electronics need replacement, it's time to call a pro.

References & Sources

• Dishwasher is not draining | Siemens Home Official

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Drain pump failure (1 mentions)
• Water level sensor malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Remove from installation and check for leaks

Community Discussions

E17 error and not fully draining

Remove from installation and check for leaks.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair