How to Fix a JennAir Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Normal vs. Abnormal Water Level

A small amount of water — about a quarter inch — sitting in the bottom of the tub around the filter is normal on JennAir dishwashers. This water keeps the pump seal lubricated. If the water level is higher than that, covers the filter assembly, or remains after the cycle ends, there is a drain issue that needs attention.

Step 1: Check and Clean the Filter

1. Remove the bottom rack.
2. Remove the cylindrical upper filter by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the flat lower filter.
4. Clean both filters of food debris and grease under running water.
5. Inspect the sump area (the well beneath the filters) for large food particles, broken glass, or other obstructions. Remove anything you find.
6. Reinstall both filters securely.

Step 2: Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose runs from the dishwasher pump to either the garbage disposal or an air gap mounted on the countertop near the sink.

• If connected to a garbage disposal, make sure the disposal knockout plug has been removed. On new installations, this is a common oversight — the plug blocks the drain path entirely.
• Check that the drain hose is not kinked where it connects to the disposal or air gap.
• The drain hose should loop up near the underside of the countertop before going down to the disposal. This high loop (or the air gap) prevents sink water from backflowing into the dishwasher.

Step 3: Test the Garbage Disposal

Run the garbage disposal with water flowing to clear any blockage in the disposal chamber. Leftover food in the disposal can back up into the dishwasher drain line. If the disposal is not draining either, the issue is in the kitchen drain plumbing, not the dishwasher.

Step 4: Check the Drain Pump

If the filter and hose are clear, but the dishwasher still will not drain:

• Listen during the drain cycle — you should hear the drain pump running. A humming sound with no water movement may indicate a jammed pump impeller.
• No sound at all could mean the pump motor has failed or the control board is not sending power to the pump.
• A jammed impeller can sometimes be cleared by reaching into the sump area (with the filters removed) and removing the obstruction — often a piece of glass, a toothpick, or a fruit pit.

Step 5: Clear the Air Gap (If Equipped)

If your installation uses an air gap (the chrome or stainless steel cylinder mounted next to the faucet), remove the cap and inspect for debris. Buildup inside the air gap is a common cause of slow or failed draining. Clean it with a bottle brush.

When to Call a Technician

If the drain pump motor has failed, the check valve is stuck, or the control board is not activating the drain cycle, a certified JennAir technician should diagnose and repair the issue. Drain pump replacement is a moderately complex repair that requires removing the dishwasher from the cabinet.