Dishwasher Won't Drain

Usually a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub or a kinked drain line — neither requires a service call.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 20–30 min Cost: $0

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1

Bail out standing water

Towel out the bottom of the tub so you can see and work.
2

Clean the filter

Most dishwashers made in the last ~10 years have a manual cylindrical filter at the bottom-center of the tub — twist it out, rinse under hot water, scrub with a toothbrush, and reinstall. Older models (and a few current ones) have a self-cleaning hard-food disposer with no removable filter; if you don't see one, check your manual.
3

Run garbage disposal

If your dishwasher drains into the disposal, run the disposal — a clog there can back up the dishwasher.
4

Check the drain hose

Look at the hose under the sink connecting dishwasher to disposal/drain. Make sure it loops UP high (the "high loop") before going down — a flat hose lets dirty sink water back in. Note: California and Washington require an air gap fitting (the small cylinder on top of the sink) in addition to or instead of the high loop. If you have one, check it isn't clogged.