Quick answer
Standing water in a dishwasher is usually a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, or — the classic — a garbage disposal installed without removing the knockout plug. All three are checkable in minutes.
The 6 checks
1. Clean the filter. Twist out the cylindrical filter at the dishwasher floor and rinse it. A filter caked in food debris is the #1 cause of poor draining.
2. Garbage disposal knockout plug. If the dishwasher drains through a new garbage disposal and never drained properly, the knockout plug is probably still in place. Disconnect the drain hose from the disposal, punch out the plug inside the disposal inlet, and reconnect.
3. Drain hose loop and clogs. The drain hose should loop up high under the sink to prevent backflow. Check for kinks, and detach and flush the hose if you suspect a clog.
4. Air gap (if you have one). The little chrome cylinder on the sink rim can clog with debris. Pop the cap, clean it out, replace.
5. Check the drain basket / sump. Under the lower spray arm, food and glass shards collect in the sump. Clear it by hand — carefully, broken glass hides there.
6. Drain pump. If everything above is clear and you hear humming but no draining, the pump motor may have failed.
What NOT to do
Don’t use chemical drain cleaners in a dishwasher — they damage seals and hoses and leave residue on dishes. Don’t keep running cycles hoping it’ll clear; standing water plus heat breeds odor fast.
When to call a pro
Pump replacement and control diagnostics are straightforward professional repairs. If the dishwasher is under 10 years old, repair almost always beats replacement.
FAQ
Why is there an inch of water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
A small amount after a cycle can be normal; a persistent inch or more means a drainage blockage.
My dishwasher worked fine until the new disposal was installed — why?
The knockout plug. It accounts for a huge share of “suddenly won’t drain” calls after kitchen work.
Dishes smell even after running — related?
Often yes. Standing water and food debris in the filter and sump cause odor. Clean the filter monthly.
Water won’t budge? We can help.
Repliance Pro offers same-day dishwasher repair across Savannah, Pooler, Rincon, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas. Call (912) 999-3811 or book online.
We offer same-day dishwasher repair in Savannah and dishwasher repair in Rincon — explore our full range of appliance repair services.
