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DishwasherDishwasher won't drain — standing water in the bottom
Water left sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle means it isn't draining. On most machines, this is one of the more straightforward faults to sort out.
What it usually means
A dishwasher empties through a filter, a pump and a drain hose. A blockage anywhere along that path leaves water behind. Genuine pump failures happen, but blockages are far more common — which is why this is often a same-day fix.
Common causes
- Blocked filter
Food debris in the filter at the base of the machine is the usual culprit, and clears in minutes.
- Blocked or kinked drain hose
A clogged or pinched hose stops water leaving the machine.
- Blocked sink waste spigot
If a new sink or waste disposal was fitted recently, the blanking plug on the spigot is sometimes left in — a classic catch.
- Faulty drain pump
Less common, but the pump can jam or fail. It's an inexpensive part.
Nine times out of ten this is a blockage you can clear yourself with the right guidance — no part, no engineer in your house. We'll show you on the call.
Note: exact fault behaviour varies by model and age — the only way to be sure is to have someone look. That's what the £29 call is for.
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