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Last updated: 2026-05-01

🛠️ Can you fix this?

DIY confidence 0%
🍽️

Dishwasher Not Draining

Dirty water sits in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle

90%

90% chance this is caused by:

Clogged drain filter or failed drain pump

Fix it this weekend. Most parts ship same-day on Amazon.

A service call costs $150-300. This repair takes about 20-30 minutes and the part runs $45. Order the part tonight, fix it Saturday morning.

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Drain Pump

$30

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Drain Filter

$15

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Total parts cost: $45. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔍

Find the Right Part for Your Dishwasher

Parts vary by model. Search with your model number for the best match.

Tip: Add your model number (e.g. "GE GSS25GSH") for more precise results.

🔥 Parts for Dishwashers move fast on Amazon — especially common failure parts like these.

Easy · 20-30 minutes
Parts: $45 vs $$400-1,200 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Turn off power at the breaker

2

Remove the lower dish rack

3

Locate and remove the drain filter at the bottom

4

Clean out food debris, glass, and buildup

5

Check the drain pump impeller for obstruction

6

If pump hums but doesn't drain, replace it

7

Reassemble and run a short cycle

⚠️

Don't put this off.

A Dishwasher that's failing can cause water damage, electrical issues, or food spoilage — each costing 10x what the replacement part costs. The fix is straightforward. The part is cheap. The risk of waiting isn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that's not draining?
The part costs about $30. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $180.
How long does this dishwasher repair take?
This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 20-30 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.
What if this isn't the problem?
Our diagnosis is 90% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "dirty water sits in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.
Should I just replace my dishwasher instead?
A new dishwasher costs $400-1,200. If yours is well under 9-12 years old, a $30 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.

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