KitchenAid Dishwasher Won't Drain
Dishwasher Won't Drain is usually one of a small number of specific, repairable causes — here's what to check and when it's worth calling a professional.
Common Causes
Detergent dosed as if the water were hard
At 1 to 7 grains per gallon far less is needed, and over-dosing leaves the film that gets reported as a wash-pump failure.
A clogged filter or drain line
The single most common cause of drainage and cleaning-performance complaints.
A failed door latch or control fault
Many dishwashers won't start at all if the door sensor doesn't register a full, secure close.
Local conditions that matter here
EBMUD's Mokelumne supply runs 1 to 7 grains per gallon — soft to moderate, and well below the Contra Costa side of the tunnel. Scale is seldom the explanation here, which usually points the diagnosis at the valve, the filter or the line rather than at mineral.
What You Can Check Yourself
Parts That Most Likely Need Replacing
Based on symptoms like this, these are the components our technicians check first. The exact part depends on your model and what we find during diagnosis.
In and around San Pablo
San Pablo — A small dense city surrounded by Richmond, largely post-war single-storey stock. We also cover El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules across West Contra Costa.
ZIP codes we cover in San Pablo: 94806
Most cases like this are fine to schedule within a day or two, though it's worth having looked at before it gets worse. If you're seeing a code on the display alongside this issue, our KitchenAid error code guide can help narrow down the cause before we arrive. Either way, our repair service covers same-day diagnosis and a flat-rate quote before any work begins.
Common Questions About Dishwasher Won't Drain
Can I keep using my KitchenAid appliance while this happens?
Will dishwasher won't drain go away on its own?
How much does this repair typically cost?
How long does a typical repair visit take?
Do you offer a warranty on the repair?
Do you service KitchenAid appliances in my area?
Still having this issue?
Same-day diagnosis, genuine OEM-compatible parts, warranty of up to 1 year.
*SubZero Repair Oakland is an independent repair company and is not affiliated in any way with Sub-Zero, Inc., Wolf Appliance, Inc., or any of their distributors. We are not a factory service provider and specialize exclusively in out-of-warranty appliance repairs.