The Bosch dishwasher not draining issue is one of the most common problems that can come up while working with the appliance. There are several reasons that can lead to it.
A clogged air gap, a blocked dishwasher filter, and a clogged filter pipe are some issues that can be resolved without any professional help. However, if there is a pump failure, then you need to call a professional to properly repair the appliance.
Here, in this article, I will discuss all the common issues and the steps to resolve them on your own dishwasher. Let’s get into all the details.
Why Your Bosch Dishwasher Is Not Draining: Issues & Mitigation Steps
Clogged Air Gap
A clogged air gap can lead to standing water in your dishwasher. The air gap prevents the backflow of water into your dishwasher. Not every dishwasher has an air gap. If your model has one, you can find it on the top of the sink. It looks like a cap that you can pop quickly.
How To Fix It?
Look for the air gap on the top side of your sink, unscrew it, and clean it to resolve the issue. Use a water stream to remove all the grease and other elements.
In case the hose leading to the air gap is damaged, replace it to resolve the issue.
Garbage Disposal
Do you have a garbage disposal component? Does it share a drain line with your Bosch dishwasher? If yes, then debris, food particles, and other foreign particles can create a blockage for draining water.
How To Fix It?
There is a straightforward fix to this issue. Run the garbage disposal before using your Bosch dishwasher to ensure a clear passage for draining water.
Blocked Drain Valve
The Bosch dishwasher not draining issue can arise from a jammed drain valve. You can locate the drain valve under your sink. There are several reasons that can obstruct the flow in the drain valve, like food particles, jewellery items, coins, broken toys, or other foreign elements.
Besides this, the valve can get damaged, which requires proper repairs or replacement.
How to fix it?
- Locate the valve under the sink. Wear safety gloves before accessing the valve to avoid any cuts and bruises to your hands.
- If you see anything blocking the valve, then clean it properly to resolve the issue.
- Call your plumber for proper repairs and replacements if the valve is damaged.
Clogged filter
When you find standing water in your Bosch dishwater, there may be a high chance that some foreign elements are obstructing your filter. You have to clean the filter so that the water in the unit can drain completely.
How To Fix It?
- First, switch off the Bosch dishwasher and take out the plug for total safety.
- Open the front door and remove the bottom and top basket to access the area properly. It will simply roll out. Use a dry sponge to squeeze out the excess water from the compartment.
- You can remove the spray-on by pulling it out to access the clogged filter properly. You will see two arrows lined up. This means that the filter is locked. Rotate it 90 degrees in the anti-clockwise direction to unlock it, then lift it to remove it.
- Take the filter out, use a soft brush to remove the dirt, and throw it directly in your trash bin. Use hot water and soap to rinse the filter and clean everything properly.
- Put the filter back and run your washer to check everything.
Blocked drain hose/pipework
A blocked drain hole or pipework can lead to the Bosch dishwasher water not draining issue. You have to check the drainage system for any kinks and clogs. Sludge and grime deposits in the hose can block the flow and prevent the water from draining out of the Bosch dishwasher.
How To Locate The Drain Hose?
There are two types in which the pipework is installed, namely, under the sink and behind the Bosch Dishwasher. In the first arrangement, you can find the dishwasher drain hose connected to your sink’s waste pipe.
In the second one, you have to move your washer. The Bosch dishwashers are not heavy, so you can move them easily.
Here is a video link to look for the corrections correctly.
How To Fix It?
- Remove the plug of your Bosch dishwasher to avoid any accidents.
- Now, isolate the cold water supply of your dishwasher and locate the drain hose for your unit. Pull the drain hose out of the pipework and check for debris and kinks.
- Clean all the sludge using water and soap solution. If any kinks cannot be repaired, then you have to replace the drain hose. If you don’t have any experience, then call a professional for the repairs.
- Also, locate the U-bend and remove it to clean the debris, dirt, and other unwanted foreign elements.
- Put back the U-bend and drain hose to their respective positions.
- Rerun your Bosch dishwasher to make sure that the issue is resolved.
Faulty or Clogged Drain Pump
Is your Bosch dishwasher not draining properly? A faulty or clogged drain pump can be the reason. The water pump uses a motor and propeller to remove the water from the unit.
If the propeller is blocked with food debris, small glass fragments, broken china pieces, or other foreign material, then you will see a lot of standing water in the base compartment of your unit.
If you see anything damaged, you have to replace the motor or pump.
How To Locate It?
- Remove the filter of your Bosch dishwasher.
- Use the sponge to take out the excess water. If you have a turkey baster, you can use it to squeeze out the water quickly.
- You will see a plastic clip in the hollow cavity.
- Use a blunt instrument like a spoon to prise the clip out. Remember, you have to take it out gently. Otherwise, you can damage the clip.
- Now pull the clip outwards to access the pump impeller.
Special Note: Some dishwasher models require a manual screwdriver to remove the pump clip. Go through your unit’s manual before taking it out. If you don’t have the manual, click here to find the manuals for your Bosch dishwasher model.
How To Fix It?
- Clean the blades of the impeller and remove all the clogs. Use a hot soapy solution to clean the dirt and grime properly.
- If the blades are damaged, call a professional to have a look and conduct all the repairs.
Check Ball
The check ball floats on top of the water in the float assembly. Its role is to prevent water from entering the pump of your dishwasher. A dirty or damaged valve can cause a Bosch dishwasher not draining issue.
How To Fix It?
- Locate the float assembly and remove the check ball from it.
- Now clean it using a soft brush or cloth. You can also rinse it with a hot soapy solution to clean all the dirt and debris.
- If you find that the check ball is damaged, then replace it with a new one.
Jammed Check Valve
A jammed check valve can be another reason causing the draining issue in your Bosch dishwasher. The check valve allows the flow of water in a single direction only. Over a certain period, dirt and grime can develop and obstruct the flow.
How To Fix It?
- Use a screwdriver to open the valve.
- Clean all the sludge, debris, and dirt with a small brush or toothpick. You can rinse it thoroughly using a water and soap solution.
- Place the valve back and run the dishwasher. Hopefully, the issue will be resolved.
Faulty Timer
Time controls the running cycles of the Bosch dishwasher. If there is a lot of standing water in your unit, then it may be due to a faulty timer.
How To Fix It?
First, test your dishwasher for a faulty timer. Run the dishwasher and check all the elements. If everything is working fine, then there is a high possibility that the timer is not working correctly.
Call a professional to inspect the issue further and conduct the repairs.
Tips To Prevent Bosch Dishwasher From Blocking
- Clean your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. This will prevent heavy sludge deposits on your dishwasher’s filter and protect it. Besides this, it will also elongate the life of your dishwasher.
- After a certain period, use vinegar to clean the drain hose to prevent any future clogs in it. Moreover, it will prevent the collection of grime and sludge in the air gap and other valves.
- Try to keep your garbage disposal clean. You can use a running water stream and a plunger to remove any clogs.
- Use the correct detergent in your dishwasher that matches the water type that is supplied to it. It will prevent any deposition of excessive scum in the pipework and valves.
Final Words
If you see excess water in your dishwasher, don’t panic. Here are all the reasons for the Bosch dishwasher not draining and the steps to deal with them.
Go through all the pointers and look for the root cause of the issue. Then follow the solution steps to resolve it. If you find it tricky, you can call a professional for a proper inspection of your unit.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Importance Of U-Bend In The Drainage Pipework Of The Bosch Dishwasher?
A: The U-bend is installed in the drainage pipework to collect the grime and sludge in the bottom. Moreover, it prevents the foul smell from entering back to your kitchen space. It would be best if you clean it regularly as it will avoid any obstruction in the way of draining water.
Rotate the screws on both sides of the U-bend and clean it with water and soap solution. While removing the bend, keep a container beneath it to prevent any spills.
Q: How Do You Reset The Bosch Dishwasher For Draining Water?
A: You can reset the modern models by pressing the start button for 3-5 seconds. This will start the pump and drain all the water out.
For old models, there is a combination or sequence of keys that you have to press on your unit. For some models, you have to press the regular wash and rinse buttons together and hold them for three to five seconds. Make sure that the door is closed before you reset your dishwasher.
Q: How Can I Manually Drain The Excess Water Out Of My Bosch Dishwasher?
A: You can use a dry sponge, turkey baster, plastic cup or scoop to remove the standing water from your unit.
