Standing water at the end of a cycle usually means something is blocking the path between the tub and your sink drain. Several common blockages are safe to check yourself. A pump that hums without moving water, or makes no sound at all, needs professional diagnosis.
Safe first checks
Start here before scheduling service.
- 01Confirm the cycle has fully finished; some dishwashers pause with water in the tub mid-cycle.
- 02Remove and clean the filter and the sump area beneath it.
- 03Run the garbage disposal for a few seconds, since many dishwashers drain through it.
- 04If a disposal was just installed, ask whether the knockout plug in its dishwasher inlet was removed. A plug left in place blocks drainage completely.
- 05If there is an air gap (a small chrome cap on the sink deck), lift the cover and clear any debris.
- 06Check that the drain hose under the sink is not kinked or crushed by stored items.
Safety note
Turn off power to the dishwasher before bailing out water or removing the filter. Do not pour chemical drain cleaners into a dishwasher; they can damage seals, hoses and the pump.