Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
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Why won't my dishwasher drain?
A dishwasher that won't drain usually has a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a clogged garbage disposal or air gap, or a failed drain pump. Most of these can be checked in about 15 minutes.
Your dishwasher pumps dirty water through a hose to your sink drain or garbage disposal. A clog anywhere along that path can leave water in the tub.
What are the 5 most common causes?
1. A clogged filter
The filter at the bottom of the tub catches food, glass, and labels. When it fills, water drains slowly or not at all. This is the most common cause.
2. A clogged garbage disposal
Most dishwashers drain into the disposal. If the disposal is full of food, the water has nowhere to go. Run the disposal with water before you start the dishwasher.
3. A new disposal with the plug still in
New disposals come with a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet. If no one removed it, the dishwasher cannot drain at all.
4. A kinked or blocked drain hose or air gap
The drain hose runs under the sink. It can kink when items are pushed into the cabinet. Some homes also have an air gap on the sink deck, which can clog with food.
5. A failed drain pump
If you hear a hum but no water moves, or the pump is silent, it may be jammed by glass or failed. This repair needs a technician.
What can you fix yourself?
Turn off the power to the dishwasher, remove the standing water, then clean the filter, run the disposal, check the drain hose under the sink, and clean the air gap if you have one.
- Turn off the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug it before you reach inside.
- Remove standing water with a cup and sponge. Lay towels on the floor.
- Twist out the filter, rinse it under hot water, and scrub it gently.
- Run the garbage disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks.
- Remove the air gap cap on the sink, if you have one, and clear any debris.
Do not leave dirty water sitting in the tub for days. The EPA's mold guide explains that moisture is what lets mold grow, so dry the tub and the floor around it.
Filter clean and still full of water? Call us and a technician can test the drain pump and clear hidden clogs.
What if the kitchen sink is backing up too?
If your kitchen sink drains slowly or backs up when the dishwasher runs, the clog is likely in your home's plumbing, not the dishwasher. Call a plumber. If you see sewage backing up in Mountain View, report it to the City.
The City's wastewater and sewer page lists the number for sewer backups, which the City responds to at all hours.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the filter, disposal, and hose are clear but the water stays, if the pump hums or grinds, or if the dishwasher shows a drain error code. Our dishwasher repair service fixes Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, and LG dishwashers.
If your dishes drain fine but still come out cloudy or dirty, read our guide on dishwashers and Mountain View water. If your washer has the same problem, see our guide on washers that won't drain. If you are replacing an old unit instead, the ENERGY STAR dishwasher guide lists efficient models.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to have some water in the bottom of a dishwasher?
A small amount of water around the filter area is normal on many models. Water covering the bottom of the tub after a full cycle is not.
Can a new garbage disposal stop my dishwasher from draining?
Yes. New disposals have a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet. If it was not removed during installation, the dishwasher cannot drain.
How do I get the water out of my dishwasher?
Turn off the power, lay down towels, and scoop or sponge the water out. Then remove and clean the filter before you run another cycle.
