Your dishwasher has stopped draining and you’re left with dirty water in the bottom frustrating, but usually fixable fast.
Is this your problem?
Water sitting in the base after the cycle finishes
What to do
- Switch off at the wall plug (UK safety first).
- Open the door and remove the bottom rack.
- Twist out the filter (usually anti-clockwise).
- Rinse it under a hot tap. Remove grease, rice, glass bits.
- Check the sump hole underneath for food or labels.
- Refit the filter firmly and run a short rinse cycle.
Safe DIY. This fixes most UK machines.
Is this your problem?
You can hear the pump, but water drains very slowly
What to do
- Pull the dishwasher out slightly.
- Check the grey drain hose at the back.
- Look for kinks, crushing, or sagging.
- Make sure the hose rises in a high loop under the sink (UK plumbing rule).
- Straighten or reposition, then test.
Safe DIY. No tools needed.
Is this your problem?
Dishwasher drains into the sink and then flows back
What to do
- Check if the sink empties slowly too.
- Remove and clean the sink trap (bucket underneath).
- Flush the waste pipe with hot water.
- Reconnect everything tightly.
- Run the dishwasher again.
Safe DIY. Common in UK shared waste pipes.
Is this your problem?
Dishwasher not draining after a recent installation
What to do
- Check the spigot on the sink waste.
- Remove the drain hose.
- Look inside the spigot for a plastic blanking cap.
- If present, remove it and refit the hose.
- Test immediately.
Very common UK install mistake. Safe DIY.
Is this your problem?
Humming noise, but no water movement
What to do
- Turn off power and water.
- Remove filter and sponge out standing water.
- Check for debris around the pump impeller (glass, bones).
- If jammed, gently remove with gloves.
- Reassemble and test.
DIY only if you can access safely. Stop if unsure.
Is this your problem?
No sound at all during drain stage
What to do
- Reset the machine (off for 10 minutes).
- Try a drain or cancel cycle.
- If still silent, the drain pump or control board may have failed.
Stop here. Call a repair engineer.
Quick UK fault guide
| Symptom | Likely cause | DIY or Call |
| Water left inside | Blocked filter | DIY |
| Slow draining | Kinked hose | DIY |
| Sink fills up | Blocked trap | DIY |
| New install issue | Blanking cap | DIY |
| Humming only | Jammed pump | Careful DIY |
| Dead silent | Pump/electrics | Call pro |
When to stop and call a professional
- Water leaking from underneath
- Burning smell or tripping electrics
- Pump still not draining after clearing blockages
- Integrated units you can’t safely access
Is it safe to fix this yourself in the UK?
Yes, most drainage issues are safe DIY checks.
You can clean the filter, inspect the hose, and check the sink trap.
Always unplug the appliance before touching anything.
If water leaks underneath or the pump hums loudly, stop and call an engineer.