Step-by-Step Guide to Eliminate Frustrating Standing Water in Dishwashers

Finding pools of foul-smelling water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a wash cycle is a common annoyance. Instead of reaching for the phone to call a repair person, tackle this drainage issue yourself with some simple troubleshooting steps.

Standing water typically means there is a clog or blockage preventing wastewater from properly draining out of the dishwasher. Left unresolved, the stagnant water can cause unpleasant odors, leak onto your floors, or damage dishwasher parts. The good news is that with a little DIY investigative work, you can diagnose and fix the problem.

Step 1 - Check the Dishwasher Filter

The first place to look when water is collecting at the bottom of the dishwasher is the filter. This part is responsible for trapping food particles and debris during wash cycles. Over time, the fine mesh openings can get clogged with grease, crumbs, and limescale.

To check the dishwasher filter:

• Locate the filter in the bottom basin or along the bottom edge of the dishwasher tub.
• Twist the filter counterclockwise to unlock and remove it.
• Rinse the filter under warm running water while scrubbing with a soft brush to dislodge debris.
• If the filter is cracked or deteriorating, replace it with a new one.
• Reattach the cleaned filter by placing it back into the housing and twisting clockwise to lock it into place.

Be sure to position the filter correctly so that water can flow through the drainage mesh. Reassembling it improperly can impede drainage.

Signs of a Clogged Filter

How can you tell if the filter is clogged? Here are some signs:

• Water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher
• Dishes feeling gritty or showing food residue after a cycle
• Reduced water pressure and flow from spray arms
• Dishwasher taking longer to drain
• Gurgling noises coming from the pump

Step 2 - Inspect the Drain Hose

The next likely culprit is a blocked drain hose. This flexible hose connects your dishwasher to the sink's garbage disposal or drainpipe. Over time, grease, food particles, soap buildup, and other gunk can coat the inside of the hose, narrowing its opening.

To check the drain hose:

• Locate the hose, typically at the rear bottom of the dishwasher.
• Detach it from the disposal or drainpipe connection.
• Check for cracks or crimps that block water flow.
• Use a hose brush to clear debris restricting the opening.
• Reattach the hose securely to its connection point.

Avoid kinking or tightly bending the hose when reinstalling it. Any disruptions to the smooth water flow can cause backups.

Signs of a Clogged Drain Hose

How do you know if the drain hose needs cleaning? Watch for these red flags:

• Standing water in the dishwasher
• Backed up water in the sink or bathtub
• Poor drainage even after dishes complete their cycle
• Bad smells coming from the drain hose area

Step 3 - Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms in your dishwasher distribute water jets throughout the wash cycle. When caked with hardened gunk and food particles, the spray arm nozzles can get blocked. This impedes water pressure and circulation within the dishwasher tub.

Here's how to clean them:

• Remove the upper and lower spray arms by twisting the retaining nut.
• Rinse under warm water while scrubbing with a soft brush.
• Use a toothpick to clear any debris clogging the nozzle openings.
• Replace the arms in their original positions.

Make sure both spray arms can rotate freely after cleaning. Align them properly so detergent dispensers are not blocked.

Signs of Clogged Spray Arms

Clues that your spray arms need to be cleaned:

• Poor cleaning results or spots on dishes
• Upper rack dishes are not getting clean
• Spray arms do not rotate smoothly
• Hardened debris blocking nozzle openings

Step 4 - Verify Drain Pump Operation

The dishwasher drain pump is responsible for pushing water out through the drain hose during and after a wash cycle. A malfunctioning pump impeller can't adequately do this job, resulting in standing water.

To check the pump:

• Remove the access panel to expose the pump.
• Rotate the impeller by hand to see if spins freely.
• If seized up, replace the entire drain pump assembly.
• Reattach the access panel once complete.

Test run your dishwasher after replacing the pump. Standing water should no longer collect now that the pump is circulating water properly.

Signs of a Bad Drain Pump

Here are indications your dishwasher's drain pump may be malfunctioning:

• Standing water at the bottom of the tub
• Failure to drain even when filters/hoses are clear
• Loud humming coming from the pump area
• Burnt smell from seized up motor

Step 5 - Prevent Future Problems

Take these steps to minimize standing water in your dishwasher going forward:

• Clean the filter monthly: Don't let debris accumulate over time.
• Inspect the drain hose regularly: Clear any buildup before it blocks drainage.
• Use dishwasher cleaner: Break down grease and limescale.
• Don't overload: Allow water to circulate properly.

Carrying out preventive maintenance makes your dishwasher run more efficiently and extends its life. You'll avoid having to deal with the headache of standing water again.

As you can see, most common causes of standing water come down to clogs in key dishwasher components. With some basic troubleshooting steps, you can tackle the problem yourself before a puddle of stagnant water damages your floors or leads to unpleasant odors.

By inspecting the filter, drain hose, spray arms, and drain pump, you can get to the root of the drainage issue. A little scrubbing and elbow grease will have your dishwasher emptying completely again. Next time your dishes are swimming, try these fixes before calling the plumber!