goldenf1sh
Crafter
100
2
1 week ago
1 week ago
8
Problem
I'm experiencing an issue with my Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ dishwasher where it's not draining at all. I've tried a few things, but the problem persists.
What I've Tried
- Checked the filter: I removed the filter and cleaned it out really well. It was already clean for the most part.
- Inspected the drain hose: Pulled everything out of the cabinet, no kinks found.
- Reset the dishwasher: Powered off the unit for a few minutes to reset it.
Expected Behavior
Upon pressing cancel the dishwasher should drain fully.
Actual Behavior
Upon pressing cancel the button lights up and I can hear the pump running, however the dishwasher is not draining.
Additional Information
- Logs or Error Messages: No error messages or fault codes displayed
Question
What other potential causes should I consider if this isn't the issue?
Type: Dishwasher
Brand: Whirlpool
Model: WDT730PAHZ
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2 Solutions
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amartinez
Crafter
155
4
Accepted
1 week ago
1 week ago
Explanation
The issue with your dishwasher not draining is most likely due to a clogged air gap. The air gap prevents backflow, it's also the smallest point in the drain system, therefore the most common place for clogs.
Steps to Resolve
- Located the air gap: The air gap is located near your sink, it looks like a small cylinder.
- Remove the cover: Unscrew or pull off the cap to expose the air gap.
- Remove the inner cap: By pinching the sides (I usually use some needle nose pliers), you can remove the inner cap to expose the hose.
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Clean the air gap: Most commonly, the clog will be right at the exit point, usually pressed against the inner cap.
- If the obstruction is not visible, you may need to completely uninstall the air gap.
- Unscrew the washer holding the air gap and push it down through the counter.
- The next most common place will be where the dishwasher drain hose connects to the air gap.
- Make sure water can run through it without obstruction.
- Reassemble the air gap: After removing the obstruction, be sure to at least put the inner cap back on to avoid a mess.
- Test the drain cycle: Press cancel to force a drain cycle, you should be able to hear the water running through the air gap into the disposal.
Additional Tips
- If you can see the clog from the top of the air gap, you can place a towel over it and force a drain. It should push the clog out. (Be ready to cancel the drain cycle or open the door to cancel it. Otherwise it will be messy.)
- Watch the air gap carefully, sometimes it will overflow as well, this means that the hose coming out the other side is clogged and will need to be cleaned.
TLDR
Check the air gap, it's common for those things to clog up.
Example
Here's a video on how to clean an air gap: Cleaning a clogged air gap
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djohnson
Rookie
85
4
1 week ago
1 week ago
Explanation
I wouldn't write off that pump just yet, sure it might be getting power and vibrating, but that doesn't mean it's good.
Steps to Resolve
- Uninstall the dishwasher: Unplug the machine. Remove the mounting screws either on the top or the sides and possibly raise the feet to clear the counter.
- Pull the dishwasher forward: Pull the dishwasher forward, careful how much slack the hoses have, they may need to be uninstalled.
- Lay the dishwasher on its back: Once the dishwasher clears the counter, lay it on its back.
- Locate the drain pump: You can find the drain pump by looking at where the drain hose is connected to the dishwasher.
- Remove the pump: This pump will twist right off when the tab is pressed down. (Make sure to unplug the pump.)
- Install the new pump: The new pump will twist right in. (Don't forget to plug in the new pump.)
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Test the drain cycle: While the dishwasher is uninstalled, I like to make sure it's working.
- Stand the dishwasher up
- Install everything that was removed, any hoses, plug it in. (You may have to push the dishwasher under the counter a little bit to hook everything up.)
- Press cancel to force a drain cycle. Watch for leaks and make sure the water leaves the dishwasher.
- Reinstall the dishwasher: If everything tests okay, reinstall the dishwasher, make sure everything is mounted, the feet are lowered, and ensure the door doesn't scrape the sides of the cabinet.
Additional Tips
- The reason to lay the dishwasher on its back is to avoid water flooding out of the dishwasher when the pump is removed.
- Make sure there is no debris where the pump is installed. Broken glass loves to get down there.
TLDR
The pump may still be bad. A humming pump Does not mean a working pump.
Example
Here's a video on how to replace the pump: Replacing a dishwasher drain pump
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