Here’s how you can start cleaning your Dishwasher’s filter for blockage (if any):
- Start by emptying the Dishwasher completely. Along with that, disconnect the power supply, and remove the wire as well.
- Now remove the standing water from your Dishwasher to make the drain accessible. You can either use a cup and remove water or use towels to soak and remove the standing water. Remove all traces of water completely. The most common cause of your Dishwasher’s filter getting dirty or clogged is wet paper chunks or popcorn kernels.
- Now locate the filter assembly and remove the bottom dish rack. Some Whirlpool Dishwashers have filter assembly near the base of the spray arm, whereas others have it at the back corner.
- Once you find the filter, remove it. The filter is typically covered by the grill or a cage, and you will be able to remove it by hand. However, removing with hands is tough; use a screwdriver and carefully do the job. Once the cage/ grill covering is out, you will be able to bring out the filter easily by hand.
- After you remove the filter, check it for clogging. You may probably see soil, food particles, and other possible signs of dirt and debris. Suppose that’s how your Dishwasher’s filter assembly look; start cleaning it. Rinse the filter under running water. For ease of cleaning, you can also use a soft toothbrush with dish soap, though avoid using any hard brush or chemical.
- Now rinse the filter nicely again and fit it back into the Dishwasher and place the cage/ drill securely.
TIP: Cleaning your Dishwasher from the inside regularly is important to prevent clogging or blockage. Before placing dishes in the Dishwasher, always make sure you remove all the food particles from them. Take care of the paper/ plastic stickers that come stuck along with glass bottles. Also, run a hot water cycle on the Dishwasher.
- Besides filter assembly, do check the garbage disposal, drain pump, and sink’s air gap for blockage. Here are some tips for the same:
- Remove the drain pump, vacuum out the debris, and replace the pump at its original place. Also, do clean your drain hose using a drain-cleaning solution.
- If you have a built-in dishwasher that drains via garbage disposal, check it for any kind of blockage. Simply turn on your garbage disposal and let it clear away any leftover food. However, if the garbage disposal makes a loud sound, it is possibly clogged, and you need to clean it as well. You can either use a garbage disposal cleaning product or contact professionals for the same.
- Lastly, check your sink’s air gap for any kind of blockage. If found, clean out the blockage and secure the air gap tightly again.
How to tell if your Whirlpool Dishwasher is clogged?
You Dishwasher is clogged, and you can find it by looking at these signs:
- Standing water of an inch or more is the most obvious sign of a clogged dishwasher leading to no draining after the Cycle.
- Slow draining that takes longer than usual indicates that your Whirlpool dishwasher is probably clogged.
- If you consistently find food particles or residue on your dishes, it can be due to a clogged dishwasher.
- An unpleasant odor is a sign of a clogged dishwasher.
- A gurgling or bubbling sound during the drainage cycle is potentially a sign of a clogged dishwasher.
Reason 2: Ensure the Dishwashers’ Cycle is Complete
If the Dishwasher’s Cycle is incomplete, you may end up noticing water clogging at the bottom of the unit. This isn’t a technical issue but simply a human mistake. All you need to do is, close the dishwasher door again, press the Start button, and let the Cycle complete. You can check the indication “CLEAN light illumination” for further assistance. If the “CLEAN light” doesn’t lit, it means the Cycle may have been disrupted. Once you start it again, the action will resume the wash cycle from where it left off.
Reason 3: Due to Drain Pump Failure
Drain pump failure/ malfunctioning can be a reason to have standing water in your Whirlpool dishwasher. The drain pump allows propelling of water through the drain hose. However, if the drain pump fails, the water will not drain properly after the Cycle and thus clog inside the Dishwasher. But the issue is resolvable, and here’s how you can get through the same:
Firstly, inspect the drain pump for any debris or obstruction, and if found any, clean it carefully. You can either use a cloth to clean the drain pump or use a vacuum for thorough cleaning.
Although if that doesn’t help, use a multimeter and check the drain pump for continuity. You need to check whether the drain pump’s electrical circuit is intact and functioning properly. Upon finding no continuity, it is clear that the drain pump is malfunctioning, and you need to replace it. For replacement, check the manual of your Whirlpool dishwasher or contact a technician from the company.
Reason 4: Defective Drain Valve
Another potential reason why your Whirlpool Dishwasher isn’t draining after Cycle is a defective Drain Valve. The Drain Valve opens and closes during the Dishwasher’s wash cycle and allows water to exit through the drain pump. The same valve is designed as a one-way valve that permits water to drain but not back into the dishwasher. However, if the Drain Valve is clogged or probably stuck in a closed position, it may prevent draining after Cycle.
Here’s how you can address and resolve the issue within no time:
- Start by locating the drain valve in your Whirlpool dishwashers. The valve is typically behind the front kickplate, near the motor.
- Once you access the valve area, remove the drain hose connected to the valve. Now check the valve, ensuring it is free from any kind of obstructions. If there’s any debris found, remove it carefully and restart the function to check whether the issue is solved.
- Or, use a multimeter to test the drain valve for continuity. If it lacks continuity, the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced for the Dishwasher to function properly again.
Reason 5: Bent Drain Hose
A bent or kinked dishwasher drain hose is another reason why your Whirlpool Dishwasher isn’t draining after the Cycle. If the drain hose is bent, it will form an obstruction that restricts the flow of water. A bend drain hose restricts the flow of water, reducing the efficiency of the drainage system. And as water isn’t able to flow freely, it pools in the Dishwasher. Further, dishwashers typically rely on gravity to help drain water. If the drain hose is bent, it will disrupt the natural flow of water, creating back pressure. A Bent Drain hose pushes water back into the Dishwasher rather than letting it drain properly. Also, if the drain hose is bent, it will more likely clog, holding food particles, debris, or sediment. The situation will worsen over time until and unless it is addressed.
To address a bent drain hose:
- Start by examining the drain hose and see if it is bent, kinked, or damaged in any manner. The drain hose can be found connected to the Dishwasher’s drain pipe under the sink.
- If found bent, make sure you remove any twists/ bends allowing the drain hose to lie freely in a flow. However, if the drain hose is damaged, it is better to replace it with a new one to facilitate smooth water flow. Remember, the drain hose should be gradually downwards for easy water flow.
Reason 6: Broken Drain Impeller
Lastly, check if your Whirlpool dishwasher’s Drain Impeller is broken since it may lead to the “Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining After Cycle” issue. A Drain impeller force water through the drain hose, and if it is broken, it can keep the water from draining at all. Check the impeller, and if it is broken, get it replaced immediately.
Wrapping up…
These were the 6 common reasons why your Whirlpool Dishwasher is not draining after Cycle. These possible reasons aren’t just associated with Whirlpool dishwashers but most dishwashers in general.
However, if none of the above reasons doesn’t resonate with your situation, schedule service online or by contacting the customer care through phone call. You can also visit your nearest Whirlpool store or service center for assistance.
