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Unlocking the secrets: why my bosch dishwasher won’t drain

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

  • If it’s clogged, you can try cleaning it with a drain snake or pouring a cup of white vinegar into the hose and letting it sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with hot water.
  • If the door latch is faulty, it may not be able to hold the door closed properly, which can cause water to leak out and prevent the dishwasher from draining.
  • If cleaning the drain hose and impeller did not solve the problem, it’s possible that the drain pump is faulty or the electronic control board has failed.

If your Bosch dishwasher is refusing to drain, leaving you with a sink full of dirty dishes, don’t despair. This issue can often be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your Bosch dishwasher doesn’t drain and provide detailed instructions on how to fix it.

Clogged Drain Hose

One of the most common reasons for a dishwasher not draining is a clogged drain hose. Food particles, grease, and other debris can accumulate in the hose over time, blocking the flow of water. To check if your drain hose is clogged, disconnect it from the dishwasher and drain it into a bucket. If water flows freely, the hose is clear. If it’s clogged, you can try cleaning it with a drain snake or pouring a cup of white vinegar into the hose and letting it sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with hot water.

Faulty Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If the pump is faulty, it may not be able to generate enough pressure to drain the water. To test the drain pump, listen for a humming sound when the dishwasher is in the drain cycle. If you don’t hear any sound, the pump may be faulty and need to be replaced.

Blocked Drain Impeller

The drain impeller is a small propeller that helps to pump water out of the dishwasher. If the impeller is blocked by food particles or debris, it may not be able to spin properly, which can prevent the dishwasher from draining. To check the drain impeller, remove the lower spray arm and inspect the impeller for any blockages. If you find any, use a toothpick or small brush to remove them.

Kinked Drain Hose

If the drain hose is kinked or bent, it can restrict the flow of water and prevent the dishwasher from draining. Check the entire length of the drain hose for any kinks or bends. If you find any, straighten the hose and make sure it’s not pinched or crushed by any objects.

Blocked Air Gap

The air gap is a small device that prevents water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is blocked, it can create a vacuum that prevents the dishwasher from draining. To check the air gap, remove the cover and inspect it for any blockages. If you find any, use a small brush or toothpick to remove them.

Faulty Door Latch

The door latch is responsible for keeping the dishwasher door closed during the wash cycle. If the door latch is faulty, it may not be able to hold the door closed properly, which can cause water to leak out and prevent the dishwasher from draining. To check the door latch, open and close the dishwasher door several times. If the door doesn’t close securely, the latch may be faulty and need to be replaced.

Electronic Control Board Failure

In rare cases, a faulty electronic control board can prevent the dishwasher from draining. The electronic control board is the brains of the dishwasher and controls all of its functions. If the control board fails, it may not be able to send the correct signals to the drain pump, which can prevent the dishwasher from draining. If you suspect that the electronic control board is faulty, you will need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician to replace it.

Troubleshooting Tips

Before attempting any repairs, make sure to unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply. If you are not comfortable performing any of the troubleshooting steps yourself, it is always best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Why is my Bosch dishwasher not draining after I’ve cleaned the drain hose and impeller?

A: If cleaning the drain hose and impeller did not solve the problem, it’s possible that the drain pump is faulty or the electronic control board has failed. You will need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and repair the issue.

Q: How often should I clean the drain hose and impeller on my Bosch dishwasher?

A: It is recommended to clean the drain hose and impeller every 6 months to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.

Q: Can I use a chemical drain cleaner to unclog the drain hose on my Bosch dishwasher?

A: No, it is not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners on Bosch dishwashers. These cleaners can damage the dishwasher’s components and void the warranty.

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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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