Why is there water left in the bottom of my dishwasher?

Common causes include a blocked filter or sump, a restricted drain hose, a blocked sink connection, a drain-pump fault, or a control or wiring fault preventing the drain cycle from completing.

Can I check anything safely before booking a repair?

If the appliance is switched off and safe to access, you can check and clean the removable filter and make sure the sink waste connection is not obviously blocked. Do not dismantle the pump or internal electrical parts.

Why does my dishwasher hum but not drain?

A humming sound can mean the drain pump is trying to run but is obstructed or failing. It can also indicate another blockage in the drainage path, so diagnosis is needed if basic filter checks do not resolve it.

How much is the PrimeFix call-out and diagnostic fee?

The PrimeFix call-out and diagnostic fee is £35.

Dishwasher Fault Help

Dishwasher not draining?

If your dishwasher finishes with water in the bottom, stops before the end of the cycle, shows a drainage error or makes a humming noise when it should be emptying, PrimeFix can diagnose the cause and advise on the right repair.

Book an Engineer → Dishwasher Repairs

Common reasons a dishwasher will not drain.

Standing water does not automatically mean the drain pump has failed. The full drainage path needs to be checked so the actual restriction or component fault can be identified.

Blocked filter or sump

Food debris, labels, fragments of glass or other material can restrict the filter area and prevent water reaching the pump correctly.

Drain hose or sink connection

A kinked hose, blocked waste spigot or restriction where the dishwasher joins the sink waste can stop or slow the drain flow.

Drain pump fault

The pump may be obstructed, mechanically damaged or electrically faulty. A hum without drainage can be a useful symptom, but it still needs checking.

Control, wiring or sensor issue

If the drainage path is clear, a wiring fault, control issue or another component preventing the drain command from completing may be responsible.

Safe checks first

A couple of simple checks can rule out obvious blockages.

Switch the dishwasher off before reaching into the filter area. Remove and clean the filter in accordance with the appliance instructions, and check whether the sink is draining normally. If water remains, the error returns, or access requires dismantling the appliance, arrange a diagnosis rather than forcing parts or repeatedly restarting cycles.

Clean the removable filter

Clear visible food debris and check that the filter is seated correctly before another test.

Check the sink waste

If the sink is also draining slowly, the restriction may be in the shared waste connection rather than the dishwasher itself.

Do not dismantle the pump

Internal pump access, electrical testing and appliance removal should be left to an engineer where needed.

PrimeFix Diagnosis

£35 call-out & diagnostic fee.

PrimeFix checks the drainage path and the appliance rather than assuming a pump is required from the symptom alone. The aim is to identify whether the problem is a blockage, installation issue or failed component before recommending parts.

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Drainage-path checks

Filter, sump, hose and waste connection can be assessed as part of fault finding.

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Pump and electrical diagnosis

Where required, the pump and related electrical components can be tested safely.

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Repair or replacement route

If repair is not sensible, PrimeFix can also help with a replacement dishwasher installation and removal.

Repair, replace or install.

Useful next steps depending on what the diagnosis shows.

Need a dishwasher fault diagnosed?

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