By Deborah Cohn
Overview
Standing water in a dishwasher is usually a sign that the drain line is clogged with food or debris. The drain line that connects the garbage disposal to the dishwasher must be cleared and cleaned for the water to drain properly and wash dishes thoroughly. With a few simple steps, you can clean the line in a short time.
Step 1
Bring 1 qt. of water to a boil.
Step 2
Turn off the power to the dishwasher. This is recommended, though not absolutely necessary.
Step 3
Remove all dishes and the washer's racks for easy access to the appliance's interior.
Step 4
Soak up as much of the standing water as possible with paper towels or rags. Wear rubber gloves as standing water may be unhealthy.
Step 5
Locate the rotating sprayer arm at the base of the dishwasher. Unscrew and remove the spayer arm. Rinse the arm completely, including screws and seals. Put it aside to dry.
Step 6
Find the filter screen located in the back of the dishwasher base. Use a screwdriver to loosen bolts and remove the screen. Clean the screen and set it aside.
Step 7
Remove any food and debris from the base of the dishwasher and wash the base down thoroughly. Replace the screen, and then the sprayer arm.
Step 8
Find the drain line near the back of the dishwasher base. It should be behind the filter screen.
Step 9
Mix water and ½ cup of baking soda until it forms a thin paste. Pour the paste through the screen into the drain. Then, pour ½ cup of vinegar into the drain line. Let the baking soda/vinegar mixture stand for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 10
Take the boiling pot of water off the burner. Wait a few seconds for the boiling to subside a bit, then pour the whole pot carefully down the drain line.
Step 11
If the water is not draining, or is draining too slowly, go through the baking soda/vinegar process again, and then pour a second pot of water down the drain line.
Step 12
Once the draining appears to be working, replace the dishwasher racks (but not the dishes). Turn on the power to the dishwasher. Put the dishwasher through a cycle. The drain should now be working properly.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Has Standing Water by all-about-dishwashers.info