Dishwasher Not Draining

Often an Easy Fix!

Most dishwasher drainage problems are caused by blockages you can clear yourself. Follow this guide before calling for repair.

This is the Most Common Cause!

Food particles clog the filter and prevent drainage. Clean it regularly!

How to Clean

1. Remove the bottom rack
2. Locate the filter assembly (center bottom of dishwasher)
3. Turn the filter anticlockwise to remove
4. There may be a coarse filter and a fine mesh filter
5. Rinse under warm water
6. Use a soft brush to remove stuck food
7. Check inside the filter housing for debris
8. Reinstall filter - ensure it's locked in place

Pro tip: Clean your filter weekly for best results!

What to Check

• Hose isn't kinked or crushed (especially if dishwasher was recently moved)
• High loop is maintained (hose should go up before going down to drain)
• Connection to sink drain/waste disposal isn't blocked

How to Fix

1. Pull dishwasher out carefully (disconnect power first)
2. Inspect the drain hose from dishwasher to sink
3. Straighten any kinks
4. Disconnect hose and flush with water if blocked
5. Check where hose connects to sink drain - often blocked here

The Dishwasher Shares Your Sink Drain

If your sink is draining slowly, your dishwasher might not drain either.

What to Do

1. Run water in the sink - does it drain quickly?
2. If slow, clear the sink drain first
3. If you have a garbage disposal, run it to clear any blockage
4. Check the knockout plug if disposal was recently installed

Signs of Pump Issues

• No draining sound during cycle
• Humming but no water movement
• Pump impeller blocked by glass, bones, or debris

How to Check

1. Remove the filter assembly completely
2. Look down into the sump area
3. You may see the pump cover or impeller
4. Remove any visible debris (be careful of broken glass!)
5. Some pumps have a removable cover for easier access

If pump is damaged: Professional replacement required.

E15 is a Water Leak Detection Error

E15 on Bosch/Siemens dishwashers means water has leaked into the base, triggering the anti-flood system.

How to Fix E15

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher
2. Remove the dishwasher from the cabinet
3. Carefully tilt it backward at 45 degrees
4. Let water drain out from the base
5. The float switch should reset
6. Level the dishwasher and test

If E15 returns: There's an ongoing leak that needs professional diagnosis.

Full E15 troubleshooting guide →

Prevent Future Drainage Problems

• Scrape plates first: Remove large food pieces before loading
• Clean the filter weekly: Takes 30 seconds, prevents 80% of problems
• Run hot water first: Before starting a cycle, run your sink hot water
• Monthly cleaning cycle: Run empty with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar
• Check spray arms: Ensure holes aren't blocked with food

Call JHB Appliances if:

• Filter is clean but still not draining
• Drain pump isn't making any noise
• Error codes persist after troubleshooting
• Water is leaking from the dishwasher
• You've tried the E15 tilt procedure but error returns
• The pump sounds like it's running but no drainage