The Fix-It Playbook — Dishwasher Won't Drain Flowchart | Free 1-Page PDF | 2026 Edition

Standing water in the dishwasher after a cycle? It's usually a free clog fix, not a service call.

Two questions sort it. Is it a brand-new install that has never drained — then it's the knockout plug in the disposal, a 30-second fix. If not: standing water every cycle means the filter and sump; backing up into the sink means the hose, high loop or air gap, three steps each.

The sheet also carries a no-pump-sound check, and a plain line on when to stop and call a pro.

One page. Print it or keep it on your phone. Free instant PDF download, yours to keep.

If the tree sends you deeper: How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain ($6) adds the complete drain-path diagram, the full troubleshooting table, and the maintenance routine that keeps it from clogging again. All five kitchen guides come together as the Kitchen Repair Kit ($14), and all 24 year-round guides are in the Core Library ($49).