Newly Installed Dishwasher Not Draining
Amana Dishwasher is Not Draining
If your newly installed Amana dishwasher is not draining, this guide will help you pinpoint the cause and resolve it. Many users search “newly installed dishwasher not draining,” “how to fix dishwasher not draining,” or “my dishwasher won't drain” after first use. Most post-install drain problems trace back to simple setup details—such as a kinked or misrouted drain hose, a missing or low drain loop or air gap, or a disposer knockout plug that wasn’t removed. Below, you’ll find clear checks and step-by-step actions to correct clogs and understand how cycles affect draining. Use these tips to restore proper draining and ensure optimal performance from your Amana dishwasher if you notice a dishwasher not draining or a dishwasher not draining completely.
Common Reasons a New Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Check the Garbage Disposal
Built-in dishwashers typically drain via the garbage disposal, so removing the knock-out plug is critical for draining the dishwasher. This sometimes-neglected step is a common misdiagnosis for a clogged or not-draining dishwasher.
Review Connecting Dishwasher Drain to Garbage Disposal for more information.
A clogged garbage disposal can prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. Check for any food or obstructions caught in the garbage disposer. Run the disposer to clear the blockage. Once the garbage disposer is unclogged, start a drain cycle on the dishwasher to remove the water.
Check the Drain Hose
It must be installed with a proper high loop or connected to an air gap, as required by local codes. A hose that sits too low or is kinked can let water flow back into the tub, leaving standing water. Inspect the hose behind the dishwasher and under the sink to confirm it isn’t pinched, crushed, or sharply bent, and verify it’s securely clamped to the sink drain or garbage disposer inlet. Match the hose length, routing, and height to the installation instructions provided with your Amana dishwasher.
