Dishwasher drain pump moves wash water to the household drain. Related symptoms include standing water, drain codes, humming or silence. Those symptoms do not prove the component failed: clean the approved filter and prove the air gap, disposal and hose.
What this covers
- dishwashers
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Dishwasher drain pump”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The filter or the sump is clogged with food or glass
What separates it Water stands in the tub after the cycle and the filter is packed.
How to confirm Remove and rinse the filter and look for debris in the sump.
- 2
The drain hose is kinked, or the air gap or the disposal is blocked
What separates it The water drains slowly or overflows at the sink, and the disposal knockout plug was not removed.
How to confirm Check the hose, the air gap and the disposal connection.
- 3
Backflow from the sink is refilling the tub
What separates it Dirty water appears after the sink runs and the drain hose has no high loop.
How to confirm Run the sink with the dishwasher idle and watch the tub.
- 4
The drain pump or its motor has failed
What separates it The pump does not run or hums with no water moving, with a clear filter and hose.
How to confirm This is a moderate service job with the water and power off.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- How much water remains and whether it is clean or dirty.
- The sounds at the drain stage.
- The state of the filter, the hose, the air gap and the disposal.
Try in this order
0 of 2 completedTest before you replace
ReversibleClean the approved filter and prove the air gap, disposal and hose.
Weigh the repair
ReversibleReplacement difficulty for the dishwasher drain pump is moderate with glass, water and isolation risks.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop for wastewater backup, glass in the pump area or leaks under the sink.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the dishwasher drain pump?+
Under the tub, beside the circulation pump on many models. The filter above it is the part an owner can clean.
Is it worth replacing a dishwasher drain pump?+
Often yes on a newer dishwasher, since the part is modest in cost. Get a quote and compare it with the value and age of the machine.
What does the drain pump do?+
It removes wastewater from the tub. If it fails, water stays in the bottom of the dishwasher.
What should I check first?+
The filter, drain hose and the air gap or disposal connection for a clog before blaming the pump.
What sounds point to a bad pump?+
A humming without draining, grinding or a pump that does not run at all point to the pump or a blockage in it.