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Common Dishwasher Problems and What Causes Them
Pick the symptom that matches yours. Each guide covers the usual causes in the order a tech checks them, the safe things you can try first, and the point where it’s time to call.
Quick answer
Most dishwasher breakdowns come down to a handful of symptoms: it won’t drain, it leaks, it won’t start, or it stops cleaning. Many start with something simple, like a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose or a tripped breaker, so check those before booking a repair.
Choose your symptom
- Dishwasher not drainingStanding water after a cycle. Filter, drain hose, disposal or drain pump.
- Dishwasher leakingWater on the floor or under the door. Gasket, hoses, suds or a pump seal.
- Dishwasher won’t startDark panel or no response. Breaker, latch, control lock or the control board.
- Dishwasher not cleaningFood left on dishes or cloudy film. Spray arms, filter, detergent or water temperature.
Other symptoms
Detailed guides for these are on the way. In the meantime, here’s what usually causes them:
| Symptom | Most common causes |
|---|---|
| Fills and drains but doesn’t wash | Wash motor, circulation pump or the control |
| Dishes come out wet | Empty rinse aid, failed heating element, or plastics (they don’t dry well in any dishwasher) |
| Hums but no water comes in | Valve under the sink partly closed, or a failed inlet valve |
| Stops partway through | Door latch, a sensor, or the control board |
| Grinding or loud noise | Something caught in the pump, or a worn wash-arm bearing |
| Bad smell | Dirty filter, food trapped in the sump, or a drain hose without a high loop |
| Beeping or blinking lights | An error code; check the manual for your exact model |
| Burning smell or trips the breaker | Electrical fault. Stop using it, cut the power and call |
Safe checks for any problem
- Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub.
- Check the breaker, and that the door latches with a firm click.
- Make sure the water valve under the sink is fully open and the drain hose isn’t kinked.
- Look for a lock or delay-start light on the panel.
- Run the kitchen tap until it’s hot before starting a cycle.
If water is spreading or you smell burning, skip the checks: shut off the water and the breaker and call us.
Reviewed by [TECH NAME], appliance technician. Last updated October 27, 2026.
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