How to Fix a Dishwasher With Water That Stays at the Bottom
- 1). Turn off the power going to the dishwasher by either unplugging it or turning it off at the circuit panel.
- 2). Remove the dish racks from the dishwasher.
- 3). Look at the bottom of the dishwasher bed and locate the drain valve. Check the drain for debris. Sometimes a lid or silverware drops down and may be clogging the drain. Run your finger around the edges of the drain and try to loosen anything lodged there.
- 4). Remove the kickplate panel. This panel sits under the door on the outside of the dishwasher. Remove the screws and pull the kickplate off.
- 5). Locate the drain hose in the open kickplate area. This hose runs from the pump up to the kitchen sink. Place a pan under the hose to catch water. Grasp the clamp holding the hose to the pump with pliers and push the clamp towards the pump, off the hose. Shake the hose to dislodge any debris blocking the water. If necessary, pull a garden hose into the kitchen and run water through the drain hose into the sink. The water pressure may dislodge a clog. Reattach the hose to the pump.
- 6). Unscrew the spray arm and arm support on the inside of the washer. Remove both parts.
- 7). Look at the area that held the arm and remove any debris. There are two plastic fan-like pieces under the arm. One forces water upwards and one forces water down through the drain. These are the impellers. If they are cracked or worn, your will need to unscrew and replace them.
- 8). Reinstall any parts you have removed and restore the power to the dishwasher.
- 9). Turn the unit on and see if water is draining. If not, you may have a bad pump or motor and will require the help of a service professional.
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