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Water remains in tub/Will not drain

Water remains in the tub or will not drain — Cycle incomplete or drain obstruction

KitchenAid · Dishwashers

What does Water remains in tub/Will not drain mean?

Water standing in the dishwasher tub or not draining can be due to an incomplete cycle, an obstruction in the drain system, or an electrical issue.

Common Causes

  • Wash cycle not completed.
  • Knockout plug not removed from food waste disposer inlet (if connected to a disposer).
  • Kinks in the drain hose.
  • Food obstructions in the drain or food waste disposer.
  • Tripped house fuse or circuit breaker.

Repair Steps & Checklist

Click steps to track your progress.

  1. 1

    Verify the cycle has completed (the Clean light should be on). If not, close the door and press START/RESUME to resume, or press CANCEL/DRAIN to end the current cycle.

  2. 2

    If the dishwasher is connected to a food waste disposer, ensure the knockout plug has been removed from the disposer inlet.

  3. 3

    Check the drain hose for any kinks and straighten them.

  4. 4

    Inspect the drain or food waste disposer for food obstructions.

  5. 5

    Check your house fuse or circuit breaker for the dishwasher and reset if tripped.

Browse all codes in this manual (19)
Verified technical data. Last updated: April 2026

Related Faults

Blinking LEDs (Pause/Interrupted)Blinking LEDs (Start/Resume, Cycle Status) — Cycle paused or interruptedClean LED not on / No waterClean LED not on and cycle ends — Dishwasher did not fill with waterClean/Complete LED blinks 4 timesClean/Complete LED blinks 4 times with pause — Error detected, controls locked
Source: KitchenAid Dishwashers
Open Manual (Page 18)Search more codes in this manual