If you’d like, spread towels on the floor around the dishwasher to catch splashes or spills.
The drain (also known as the sump) is the hole beneath the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher. Put on a pair of gloves and clean out the drain with your fingers. Remove solid chunks of food and any other debris inside it. If you’re having trouble identifying the dishwasher parts, check online for your model number and download the user manual.
Your plumbing may not feature an air gap, so don’t panic if you don’t see one. [5] X Research source
If the garbage disposal makes unusually loud sounds and struggles to function normally, try cleaning out your drains.
You may need to remove the kick plate on the front of the dishwasher to access the drain hose.
If the drain hose or connection points look damaged, you may need to replace the drain hose altogether. Be sure to put the drain hose back in place when you’re done! Otherwise, water will go all over the place when you turn the dishwasher on.
If your dishwasher is pretty dirty after having standing water in it, pour 3 cups (710 ml) of white vinegar in the bottom before you run the dishwasher using the hottest cycle. [10] X Research source A very small amount of water in the bottom of a dishwasher is normal. If the water is still deep and won’t drain, a faulty drain valve may be to blame. Working on the drain valve is best left to a professional, so call a plumber for assistance. [11] X Research source
