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Unclog your dishwasher in minutes! how to fix a whirlpool dishwasher not draining

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • A non-draining Whirlpool dishwasher can be a major inconvenience, leaving you with a sink full of dirty dishes and a smelly kitchen.
  • The air gap is a small device installed on the kitchen sink to prevent water from siphoning back into the dishwasher.
  • Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in and restart it.

A non-draining Whirlpool dishwasher can be a major inconvenience, leaving you with a sink full of dirty dishes and a smelly kitchen. But don’t worry, fixing this issue is often easier than you think. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining, from simple troubleshooting to more advanced repairs.

Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose is often the culprit when a Whirlpool dishwasher fails to drain. Ensure that it’s not kinked, crushed, or clogged. If it is, straighten it out or replace it if necessary.

Clean the Drain Filter

Over time, food particles and debris can accumulate in the drain filter, blocking the flow of water. Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove it. Clean it thoroughly with hot, soapy water and reinstall it.

Inspect the Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If it’s not working properly, the dishwasher won‘t drain. Listen for a humming noise when the dishwasher is running. If you don’t hear it, the pump may be faulty and need to be replaced.

Check the Air Gap

The air gap is a small device installed on the kitchen sink to prevent water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged or blocked, the dishwasher won‘t drain properly. Clean or replace the air gap if necessary.

Test the Dishwasher Switch

The dishwasher switch controls the flow of water to the dishwasher. If it’s faulty, the dishwasher won‘t drain. Remove the switch and test it with a multimeter. If it’s not working, replace it.

Reset the Dishwasher

Sometimes, a simple reset can solve the problem. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and restart the dishwasher.

Advanced Repairs

If the above steps don‘t solve the problem, you may need to perform more advanced repairs. These include:

  • Replacing the drain motor
  • Repairing or replacing the control board
  • Checking the wiring harness for damage

Recommendations

Fixing a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining can be a DIY project that most homeowners can handle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the issue quickly and effectively. If you’re not comfortable performing advanced repairs, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher not draining?
A: Common causes include a clogged drain hose, dirty drain filter, faulty drain pump, blocked air gap, or a malfunctioning dishwasher switch.

Q: How do I clean the drain filter in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
A: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, remove it, and clean it thoroughly with hot, soapy water.

Q: What does it mean if my Whirlpool dishwasher is humming but not draining?
A: This could indicate a faulty drain pump that needs to be replaced.

Q: How do I reset my Whirlpool dishwasher?
A: Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in and restart it.

Q: When should I call a repair technician for my Whirlpool dishwasher?
A: If you’re not comfortable performing advanced repairs or if the above steps don‘t solve the problem, it’s best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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