Dishwasher Not Draining? It Might Just Be a Clog.
In many dishwasher repair cases, the issue isn’t a failed part — it’s a blockage. Food particles, broken glass, grease, or even bits of labels from containers often clog the drain pump or sump area. This restricts water flow and can cause the unit to stop draining, throw error codes, or shut down mid-cycle.
The problem is that it mimics pump failure, and many customers are told they need a replacement. But in reality, the motor may still be perfectly fine — it’s just struggling against a physical blockage. We’ve pulled out everything from lemon seeds to bone fragments, zip ties, and even fragments of broken dishes that jammed the impeller.
Before replacing a drain pump, always inspect the filter, pump intake, and lower spray arm area. In most cases, a thorough internal cleaning can fully restore normal function. It saves you money, avoids unnecessary parts, and keeps your dishwasher running as intended.
