If water pools in the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle ends, here are possible causes to check.
A clog in the flow path
A clogged sink drain won't allow water to drain from the dishwasher. If there's no clog, try pressing the Cancel button; most dishwashers run the drain pump when the Cancel button is pressed.
If the kitchen sink drain is clear, check the drain hose for clog. Our dishwasher not draining video shows how to check the drain hose.
On some dishwashers, water flows to the drain pump through the upper sump assembly. A clog in the upper pump assembly can prevent water from reaching the drain pump. Check the upper sump assembly for a clog and clear any debris that blocks drain water flow.
Some dishwashers have a chopper blade that shreds debris as the circulation pump runs. The chopper blade sometimes fails to break up large debris and some items such as jar labels and glass. When the chopper blade area gets clogged with debris, water may not reach the drain pump so the dishwasher won't drain out the water. Check the chopper blade area and clear any debris from that area of the sump.
A malfunctioning check valve
The drain hose on many dishwashers includes a check valve that prevents water from backing up into the dishwasher sump through the drain hose. You might find the check valve in the upper sump assembly or next to the chopper blade assembly.
If the check valve is damaged, water may initially drain out of the dishwasher while the drain pump runs but then flow back into the dishwasher after the drain pump stops. Examine the check valve and replace it if it's damaged.
A failed dishwasher drain pump
A failed drain pump can prevent the dishwasher from draining.
Follow these tips to know if your dishwasher drain pump is bad:
Press the Cancel button on your dishwasher. The drain pump runs when you press the cancel button on most dishwasher models. If your dishwasher has a timer, turn the timer dial to the drain portion of the cycle to run the drain pump.
Listen for the drain pump running. If the drain pump runs but doesn't pump water and the drain path is clear, then the drain pump is likely bad.
If the drain pump doesn't run, unplug the dishwasher and check the drain pump wiring connections. If the drain pump wiring connections are okay, then the drain pump is likely bad because its motor isn't running even though it's getting electrical current through its wires.
If the drain pump doesn't run or doesn't pump out water when activated, replace the drain pump.
Some dishwashers use the same pump to circulate water through the spray arms and drain the dishwasher. The pump runs one direction to move water through the spray arms and the opposite direction to drain the water. If the pump doesn't run in the drain direction when activated, replace the pump assembly.
A malfunctioning control or timer
If the timer or electronic control doesn't activate the drain pump during the drain portion of the cycle, replace the control device.
