Match your symptom to narrow down the likely cause before calling us.
These checks are safe for homeowners. Do not attempt to open sealed refrigerant systems, touch electrical components behind access panels, or work on gas lines — always call a licensed technician for those.
Remove the lower rack and the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub. Rinse the filter under warm running water and use a soft brush to clear debris. While it's out, inspect the sump area below for glass shards, seeds, or debris that may be jamming the pump impeller.
The dishwasher drain hose must loop up to near the underside of the counter before connecting to the drain or disposal — this prevents backflow from the sink. Under the sink, confirm the hose forms a high loop secured with a clamp, or connects to the air gap fitting on the sink.
If your dishwasher drains into the disposal, run the disposal for 20 seconds before starting a wash cycle. If the disposal is clogged, water has nowhere to go. Also confirm the disposal's dishwasher inlet knockout plug was removed at installation.
If the dishwasher drains but slowly, pour one cup of baking soda in the bottom of the tub and run a short hot cycle. This can dissolve mild grease and detergent buildup in the drain path without chemicals.
A small amount of water — about 1–2 cups — sitting in the very bottom of the tub below the filter is normal. This is by design; it keeps the door seals from drying out. Water visible above the filter level, or water filling the entire bottom, is a drainage problem.
New garbage disposals ship with a knockout plug sealing the dishwasher drain inlet. If the plumber didn't remove it, the dishwasher has nowhere to drain. It's a very common oversight. The plug is knocked out by inserting a screwdriver through the inlet and tapping — it takes about 30 seconds.
Yes — a severely clogged filter can block water from reaching the drain pump entirely, leaving the tub full. Clean the filter first before assuming the pump has failed. In many cases, this is the entire fix.
A drain pump motor replacement in Charlotte typically costs $130–$220 including parts and labor, depending on the brand. Premium brands like Bosch and Miele have higher parts costs than entry-level models. HomeHeroes carries common pump assemblies on our service trucks.
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