Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.
ErrBase

Whirlpool Dishwasher Wont Drain: 5 Causes Ranked by Likelihood

Quick Answer

A Whirlpool dishwasher that will not drain has standing water at the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends. The most common cause is the twist-lock filter cylinder being clogged with food debris. Second is the drain hose lacking a high loop, allowing back-siphoning from the sink drain.

A Whirlpool dishwasher that will not drain has standing water at the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends. The most common cause is the twist-lock filter cylinder being clogged with food debris. Second is the drain hose lacking a high loop, allowing back-siphoning from the sink drain. Third is a garbage disposal with the knockout plug still in place (on new installs). Only after all three checks should the drain pump itself be tested (10-15 ohm winding resistance).

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: moderate90% DIY Success
Time to Fix
5–50 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$28 – $45
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Flathead screwdriver

What Does the WONT-DRAIN Code Mean?

Standing water in the tub at cycle end. Clean the filter first - it is the cause in 55% of drain failures. Then check drain hose routing and the garbage disposal knockout plug before testing the pump.

Most Likely Causes

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

Filter cylinder clogged blocking pump suction40%
Drain hose without a high loop allowing back-siphoning24%
Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed after installation14%
Drain pump motor failed12%
Drain pump impeller jammed by debris10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Inch or more of standing water at tub bottom after cycle
  • E1 F9 or F9 E1 error code at cycle end
  • Drain pump heard running at cycle end but water not moving
  • Water drains very slowly over the hour after the cycle

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the WONT-DRAIN code?

Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds to activate the drain pump manually after clearing an obstruction. This pumps out any standing water without running a full cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFlathead screwdriverSoft-bristle brush

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Remove the lower rack

Remove the lower rack. Twist out the filter cylinder counterclockwise and remove the flat mesh screen below it. Rinse both under running water with a brush. Reinstall and run a short cycle (Rinse cycle works well for testing).

2

Open the cabinet under the sink

3

Disconnect power

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Drain PumpW10348269 · $28–$45

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $37 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manually drain my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds. This activates the drain pump without starting a full cycle. If the tub has standing water, this will pump it out (assuming the pump and drain path are functional).
Is it normal to have a little water at the bottom of the dishwasher?
A small amount of water (less than half an inch) in the very bottom sump area after a cycle is normal - it is there to keep the drain pump seal wet. More than that indicates a drain issue.

Related Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E1 F9Whirlpool Dishwasher E1 F9 Error Code: Drain Timeout FixCode: F9 E1Whirlpool Dishwasher F9 E1 Error Code: Drain Timeout

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Maytag washerMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds (Fix It Fast)Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup GuideMaytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common ProblemsMaytag washerMaytag Washer LOC Code: How to Unlock the ControlsMaytag washerMaytag Washer Not Draining? Here's What to Check

Models Known to Experience WONT-DRAIN Errors

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

WDT780SAEM, WDF550SAHZ, WDT730PAHZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF518SAHM, WDT720PADE

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026