How to Fix a Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining

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DanMarc
January 7, 2025
Dishwasher Repair

Dishwashers are super convenient appliances that save you a ton of time, but they can also be prone to malfunction. A dishwasher that isn’t draining properly can lead to improperly cleaned dishes, potential leaks, and even foul odors. If your Kenmore dishwasher is experiencing drainage issues, read our guide before you call a professional! There are several simple DIY fixes you can try that will solve your drainage issues quickly and efficiently—let’s get started!

This guide applies to all common models of Kenmore dishwashers, including:

465.13343600

587.15263900

665.13153K701

665.13213K901

665.13593K600

665.13742K601

665.13742K603

665.13743K601

665.13743K603

665.13749K601

665.15632000

665.15955793

665.15979992

665.16493300

665.17829000

665.74363K1

665.743822

665.77923K700

665.KUDI23HB0

665.KUDS23HBAL0

665.KUDS23HBWH0

Clean the filter 

If you’re having drainage issues, always start with the filter. If your filter hasn’t been cleaned recently, food particles build-up, preventing proper water flow throughout your dishwasher. This can lead to pooling water and drainage issues, which can cause foul odors and mildew. Ideally, you should clean your filter every couple of weeks for optimal cleaning results. To clean your filter:

  • Remove the lower rack of your dishwasher to gain access to the filter. 
  • Remove the filter. In most models, you will need to twist the filter counterclockwise. In some cases, you might also need to remove a filter cover. 
  • Dispose of any dirt or debris from the filter, then rinse it under running water. 
  • If the filter has residual dirt or grime, use a mild detergent and a scrubbing brush to remove any remnants. 
  • Thoroughly clean the filter housing, removing any remaining food debris, then put the filter back in place and replace the cover. 
  • Replace the lower dish rack, then run a test cycle to check if the dishwasher is draining properly. 

Check the drainage hose

If cleaning the filter didn’t fix the drainage problem, the next most likely culprit is the drainage hose. The drainage hose funnels the dirty water from the dishwasher into your home’s drainage system. The water won’t drain properly if the hose is kinked or blocked, causing standing water and bacterial and mildew growth. To fix:

  • Access your drain hose so you can carefully inspect it. You’ll probably have to pull it away from the wall for the best view. 
  • Inspect the hose for any damage, including any kinks, twists, or pinched portions that might prevent water flow. 
  • If the hose appears outwardly normal, it may still have interior blockages. Detach both ends of the drainage hose—but make sure you have an old towel on hand to catch any spills!
  • Once the hose is detached, try running water through it to check for blockages. If you encounter a blockage, use a length of wire or a plumber’s snake to remove the clogs. 
  • Once the clogs are cleared, reinstall the drainage hose and put the hose back in place, ensuring all connections are watertight.
  • Try running a test cycle to make sure the drainage issues have been fixed.

Ensure correct detergent use

A less commonly known reason behind Kenmore dishwasher drainage issues is incorrect detergent use. If you use too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent, it results in excessive suds, which will not dissipate by the time the cycle ends. This can lead to suds pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher, improperly rinsed dishes, and bacterial overgrowth. 

If you notice the water not draining from your Kenmore dishwasher is very soapy and bubbly, this is likely the culprit. Here’s what to do:

  • To help the suds dissipate, add a cup of white vinegar to your dishwasher and run a rinse-only cycle. This should remove the excess. 
  • For future loads, make sure you’re using a detergent labeled as high efficiency (HE). 
  • Always use the recommended amount of detergent for each load. Even a small amount of excess can cause excess suds, so ensure you’re measuring properly. If possible, we recommend using pods, as they make measuring a breeze. 

Check the air gap

If your dishwasher is located under the kitchen countertop near the sink, you may have an air gap installed. The air gap stops dirty water from flowing backward into your dishwasher during the drainage cycle. If it’s faulty, you can end up with dirty water pooling in the bottom of your Kenmore dishwasher. To check the air gap:

  • Take off the air gap cover—in most cases, the cover will either snap off or unscrew counterclockwise. 
  • Check for clogs in the air gap’s interior, and remove them with a soft brush or cloth. 
  • Rinse the air gap thoroughly, then put it back together. 
  • Run a test cycle to see if the dishwasher is now draining properly. 

Check the drainage pump impeller

If none of the above fixes work, you might have a problem with the drain pump impeller. Taking apart your dishwasher to access the drain pump is a little more tricky than the other fixes in this guide, so you may prefer to contact a professional for this one. 

  • Access the drain pump by removing the lower access panel at the bottom of your dishwasher. Make sure you disconnect your dishwasher from the power before you do this!
  • Locate the pump impeller and inspect it for blockages. It will look like a small plastic fan and should spin easily when manually rotated. 
  • If any blockages are preventing the impeller from spinning, remove them. Blockages are commonly hard debris and food particles, such as cherry pits or broken crockery. 
  • Once the blockages are removed, put your dishwasher back together, restore power, and run a test cycle to ensure it’s working correctly.
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