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Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Whirlpool dishwasher not draining: check the drain filter and food trap at the bottom of the tub first. Remove and clean under running water. Also check that the drain hose has a high loop under the counter to prevent backflow. Most common cause: drain pump filter clogged with coins, hair ties, or fabric.

Whirlpool dishwasher not draining has brand-specific causes related to Whirlpool's proprietary technology and component design.

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver set

What Does the NOT-DRAINING Code Mean?

Whirlpool dishwasher not draining - see the detailed diagnosis steps below for Whirlpool-specific causes and fixes.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Drain pump filter clogged with coins, hair ties, or fabric40%
Drain hose kinked or positioned too low24%
Drain pump impeller jammed by a foreign object14%
Standpipe or disposal drain connection blocked12%
Drain pump motor winding burned out10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Not Draining on Whirlpool dishwasher
  • Performance degradation
  • Unusual sounds or behavior
  • Error code may appear

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the NOT-DRAINING code?

Unplug for 60 seconds. Some Whirlpool models have specific reset sequences - check the diagnostic mode entry above.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriver setFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Check the most common Whirlpool-specific cause for not draining

Check the most common Whirlpool-specific cause for not draining on Whirlpool dishwashers. See the detailed guide above.

2

Check secondary causes common across all dishwasher brands but

3

If basic checks do not reveal the cause, run the brand

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining?
Most Whirlpool dishwasher not draining repairs cost $100-400 depending on the cause. Simple fixes (cleaning, resetting) are free. Part replacements range from $10-200 plus $100-200 labor.
Is it worth repairing a Whirlpool dishwasher not draining?
If the dishwasher is under 8 years old and the repair is under 50% of replacement cost, repair is worthwhile. Whirlpool has a standard 1-year warranty.
Can I fix Whirlpool dishwasher not draining myself?
Many Whirlpool dishwasher issues are DIY-fixable with basic tools. Water-related repairs may require turning off the water supply.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience NOT-DRAINING Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WDT730PAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF520PADM

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026