Dishwasher not draining — likely causes and safe checks (UK)

Skip to content

Appliance Fault Codes

What that error code means — and what you can safely check

Water left in the bottom of a dishwasher is almost always a blocked filter or a blocked drain path — both are safe to check yourself.

Likely causes, ranked

Blocked filter in the tub floor Most likely — Food debris collects in the cylinder filter; rinse it under the tap.
Blocked drain hose or sink spigot Likely — A blocked kitchen sink or trap backs up into the dishwasher hose.
Blocked drain pump impeller Likely — Glass shards or seeds jam the impeller (Bosch E25).
Failed drain pump Less likely — If the path is clear and the pump makes no sound, it has failed.

First checks

Unplug or switch off at the socket.
Remove the filter cylinder in the tub floor and rinse it under the tap.
Check the kitchen sink drains freely — clear the trap if not.
Check the drain hose at the sink connection for kinks or blockage.
Run a Rinse programme and watch the sump empty.

Safety

Unplug before reaching into the tub. Beware of broken glass around the pump area — use a torch, not fingers.

Call a professional when…

Call a professional if the sump still holds water after filter and hose checks — the pump needs testing or replacing.

Error codes that point here

Sources