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Dishwasher 5-step visual guide

Dishwasher not draining?

Trace the visible drain path before blaming the pump.

STEP 01

Cut real power.

The control button is not a disconnect.

STEP 02

Clear the floor.

Remove water. Clean and reseat the filter.

STEP 03

Trace the exit.

Hose → air gap → disposal connection.

STEP 04

Listen once.

Water returns or the pump sounds wrong? Stop.

Service boundary
01 / 04
Model-aware safety, reasoning, and sourcesOpen exact notes

1. Cut real power

The control button is not a disconnect.

Switch off the breaker or unplug, close the water supply, wear cut-resistant gloves, and use the exact model manual.

2. Move through the drain path

  1. Confirm the cycle completed. Cancel or reset only as the manual directs; record any code.
  2. Remove standing water safely. Use a cup, sponge, and shallow container. Never reach blindly through cloudy water.
  3. Clean and reseat the documented filter. An incorrectly seated filter can create another problem.
  4. Inspect visible hose routing. Look for kinks, crushing, a blocked air gap, or a disposal connection changed by recent work.
  5. Stop at the pump boundary. Persistent humming, grinding, silence during drain, or recurring water warrants service.

3. Read what changed

Filter or air gap fixed itMaintenance
Recent disposal workConnection
Clear path, water remainsDiagnosis needed

A clear visible path with standing water can involve the pump, wiring, controls, or an internal hose. The symptom alone cannot identify which.

4. Price the diagnosis

Do not price a guessed pump.

Use the complete estimate, warranty, and installed replacement price in the decision map.

Sources and review notes

Last source review: August 26, 2026.