Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining At The End Of Cycle (Solved)

Whirlpool belongs to the list of the most reliable dishwasher brands in the country.

Usually, people face almost no problem using Whirlpool dishwashers because their user manuals explain the whole process in great detail. However, the dishwashers not draining the water might be one of the most common problems they face.

So, let us dive deeper into this and figure out why does the Whirlpool dishwasher not automatically drain at the end of the cycle and how you can solve this problem.

How To Fix Whirlpool Dishwasher Not Draining At End Of Cycle?

If your dishwasher is not draining the water out entirely at the end of the cycle, one of the main reasons could be clogs or kinks in the drain pipe.

Here are some things you can do if your dishwasher is not draining at the end of the cycle.

1. Check The Filter

The filter at a Whirlpool dishwasher’s bottom is often clogged with food remains or debris. This may result in either your dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly or not draining the water at the end of the cycle.

Most dishwashers have a filter attached to the end, so the food particles or dirt trapped after a rinse cycle does not travel back and dirty the clean dishes.

However, sometimes it can be clogged with excessive foreign materials, which makes it difficult to let the water come in or drain at the end of the cycle.

The filter looks like a screen with a tube fit inside of it.

To clean the filter, follow the steps below:

1. Twist and release the screen using a wrench. This will help you to take the filter out.
2. Rinse the filter under cold running water. Use the right tools to clean the innermost corners since a clean filter will produce better results.
3. Reassemble the filter by twisting and popping the screen right back. The click sound means the filter and screen are reasonably fit.

If you have a set of spray arms at the bottom, only then would you require to twist the filter to take it out. Otherwise, you can pull it to take it out.

This will clean the filter and allow easy flow of the water drain at the end of the cycle.

However, if the problem persists, continue reading below.

2. Check The Garbage Disposal

A clogged garbage disposal may also be why the dishwasher is blocked and not draining correctly at the end of the cycle. 

Suppose you have a built-in garbage disposal in your dishwasher and have yet to either clean it or get it serviced in a year or so. In that case, chances are it is causing the dishwasher to clog and not allow draining at the end of the cycle.

To fix this, follow the steps below:

1. The garbage disposer that stores the leftover food is often clogged. Please turn it on and let it run as usual
2. There is blocking somewhere in the disposal bin if you hear a loud whirring sound during this process.
3. Turn the test load off and troubleshoot the garbage disposal.
4. Refer to the manual to see the proper instructions for your dishwasher.

3. Check The Drain Pump

A clogged drain pump might also be responsible for not draining at the end of the cycle.

It is essential to regularly check if any foreign particle passes through the filter and clogs the drain pump.

1. Unplug the washer from the main power supply and cut off the electrical and water supply.
2. Use a Philips head screwdriver to remove the screws at the bottom of the dishwasher to access the drain pump freely.
3. The panel should pop out, and you can pull it back.
4. The drain pump is usually connected to the hose and safely tucked in a small box.
5. Once you open it, excess water lodged there might come out.
6. The pump might be screwed in or be in the middle of many foreign particles. Remove it gently.
7. Once you have cleaned the drain pump in the small box and its surroundings, you can still flush out the drain hose using either an industrial liquid or a solution consisting of one part vinegar and one water.
8. Reattach the pump and the screws, and reassemble your dishwasher.

This should clean your drain pump thoroughly.

4. Check The Drain Hose

It is typical for the drain hose to be clogged over time because of food particles or grease. So clean it regularly or have it serviced.

When your Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t drain efficiently, it is often caused by food residue, soap residue, debris, grease, and oils that come off your clothes. You will require to clean out the drainage pipe to fix this problem.

Usually, hot water and a commercial drain cleaner are excellent and easy components to clean. 

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the outlet and locate the drain hose. 
2. Drain the dishwasher of the remaining water; it was unable to flush out at the end of the cycle and remove the drain hose. 
3. Unclog the drain hose using vinegar, baking soda, hot water, or a commercial drain cleaner. 
4. Once you are done, try running a test cycle without dishes to see if the dishwasher drains out the water properly.

If you are using a commercial drain cleaner, get one that is safe to use with your type of pipes and your type of drainage system. Some strong products containing sulfuric acid can damage PVC pipes, which are generally not good for the environment.

To minimize the chance of a clogged dishwasher drain, place a wire mesh lint and debris catcher on the end of the drainage pipe that is coming out of your washer. 

However, it would be best to also clean your drain hose occasionally for extra precaution.

How To Prevent Clogs In Your Drain?

Follow the steps below to prevent the clogs in your dishwasher drain pipe:

1. It is essential to make sure that you are cleaning the dishwashing machine regularly.
2. Avoid putting big loads in the single wash time.
3. Give your dishes a pre-rinse so food particles do not get stuck on the inside of the filter or drain pumps which can cause clogs.
4. Use the recommended amount of detergent or dish soap in the machine. Soap residue can cause an unnecessary buildup in the dishwasher.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Whirlpool Dishwasher?

You can expect to spend $300 to $400 for fixing a Whirlpool Dishwasher.

The cost of fixing a dishwasher drainage system can vary. 

For example, repairing a drain hose or water inlet hose can only cost around $100 to $200, with the cost of labor included.

Similarly, a drain pipe repair or replacement can cost somewhere between $250 to $1250, with the cost of labor included. This difference is due to the difference between average vs. high-end maintenance costs.

The national average for repairing or replacing drain pipes in the US is around $700.

Final Remarks

It is frustrating when your Whirlpool dishwasher won’t rinse at the end of the cycle.

Luckily, despite being a complex machine, there are a few steps you can use to see where the problem lies:

1. Check the filter
2. Check the garbage disposal
3. Check the drain pump
4. Check the drain hose