Water collection in the bottom of your dishwasher could happen for various reasons such as poor maintenance, clogged filters, blocked drains, malfunctioning pumps, leaking water supply and some other problems. Blockages and debris build up, preventing proper draining and affecting dish cleaning.

Most of the time these problems are handy and can be solved by you, but if it persists then you need to consult the user manual or seek professional help.

We’ve discussed these problems in depth and how you can fix them with simple DIY skills. So before seeking professional help, read out this article for an easy and cost-effective way to fix your dishwasher. 

Possible Reasons For Water Accumulation and the necessary precautions you can take

Let us now have a look at the range of reasons due to which water can accumulate in the bottom of your dishwasher and what necessary precautions you can take for the same:

1. Faulty seals or gaskets

A faulty seal or gasket prevents the dishwasher from sealing properly. This results in water leaks, eventually settling at the bottom of your dishwasher.

SOLUTION:  If the seal or gasket of your dishwasher is leaking, you may replace it with new ones to fix the problem. Here’s a video to demonstrate this simple task:

2. Clogged drains or filters

Clogged drains and filters are the most common cause of the problem. Most of the time, filters or drain pipes are blocked by dirt, preventing water from draining out.

SOLUTION: Properly clean the dishwasher’s filter drain pipe to ensure all the dirt is rinsed away. It will have your dishwasher optimally operating again. Here’s a video demonstration:

3. Malfunctioning inlet valve

An inlet valve controls the amount of water entering the dishwasher. A malfunctioning inlet valve can result in water entering the dishwasher even when it’s off.

SOLUTION: Sometimes, the problem lies with the inlet valve, which might allow water to seep even when the dishwasher is off. In this case, replacing the inlet valve will do the needful.

4. Broken check valve

A check valve prevents drained water from entering the dishwasher. An issue in the check valve can result in water flowing back into the dishwasher and accumulating at the bottom.

SOLUTION: To fix a broken dishwasher check valve, first turn off the power. Then, locate the valve (near the pump or drain line junction) and consult the manual. Inspect for damage; if damaged, replace it with a compatible part following manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Leak in water supply line

A leaking pipe or water carrier in the supply line can cause water to accumulate at the bottom of the dishwasher after every operation. 

SOLUTION: Check for any leakages in the piping systems and other water transporting components and replace them if need be. Always lightly wash the utensils before putting them in the dishwasher and make sure that the dishwasher door is shut properly before using it.

6. Clogged Pumps

The pump moves water out of the dishwasher and into the drain during the various cycles. If the pump is malfunctioning or not functioning correctly, it can cause water accumulation in the dishwasher’s bottom.

SOLUTION: To fix a clogged dishwasher pump, first disconnect the power. Then, locate the pump at the bottom, check for debris and clear it with a soft brush. Ensure the pump impeller moves freely and inspect the drain hose for clogs. Here’s a short video for demonstration:

When to Seek Professional Help

Dishwasher drainage issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting and DIY repairs and if water is still getting collected at the bottom of the dishwasher after all these measures, calling a professional would be wiser than hassling with the machine yourself. Dishwasher repairs are best left to the professionals to prevent further damage to the costly machine.

Water collection in dishwashers can cause fires and contact with high-power electrical equipment. If you lack experience or confidence in DIY repairs, it’s advisable to consult a professional for safety and cost-effective solutions, as they have the necessary tools and expertise.

These days, finding a good technician is very easy with the help of Google or service apps like UrbanClap (now UrbanCompany). You can also find multiple technicians near you with the help of directory websites such as JustDial, Sulekha, etc.

Maintenance Tips For Preventing Recurrence

Here are some tips to ensure that your dishwasher works appropriately and has a long life:

1. Clean the interior, exterior, and edges of the dishwasher.

Food particles collect in the upper and lower racks in the dishwasher’s interior; these need to be cleaned properly. Clean the dust that accumulates on the exterior and edges of the dishwasher. These impurities eventually clog the filters and pipes of the dishwasher and cause much trouble.

2. Reduce build-ups

Residue collection in the dishwasher is a certainty, especially if you do not clean off the remaining food from the utensils. This residue accumulation can be avoided using efficient cleaning solutions like white vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Load your dishes properly.

Go through the user manual to understand the correct placement of various utensils. The dishwasher functions optimally only when all types of utensils are strategically placed where they should be according to their cleaning needs.

4. Clean the spinning arms properly.

The spinning arms spray hot water on your utensils to clean them properly. Use an old toothbrush to unclog the holes , as the holes in these arms often get clogged by dirt.

5. Pre-rinse your dishes

Modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes, but a quick rinse can prevent excessive food debris accumulation.

6. Use a suitable detergent.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the dishwasher detergent that is advised to prevent oversuds and obstructions to drainage.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining your dishwasher will rid you of almost all the problems. Some minor problems can be fixed using the DIY methods that we suggested but if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions