Standing water at the bottom of your Kenmore dishwasher after a cycle is one of the most common dishwasher problems. In many cases, this is caused by a simple blockage you can clear yourself. This guide walks through the troubleshooting steps from easiest to most complex.
Step 1: Check and Clean the Filter
The filter is the first place to check. A heavily clogged filter restricts water from reaching the drain pump. Remove and clean the filter thoroughly (see our dishwasher filter cleaning guide). Run a cycle and check if the water drains.
Step 2: Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the dishwasher pump to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Check for:
- Kinks or bends that restrict flow
- A high loop — the drain hose should loop up near the underside of the counter before connecting to the drain (prevents backflow)
- Blockage in the hose — disconnect and blow through to check
Step 3: Check the Garbage Disposal Connection
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, ensure: the disposal is not clogged, and if it was recently installed, the knockout plug has been removed from the dishwasher inlet port inside the disposal.
Step 4: Run a Drain/Cancel Cycle
Press the Cancel or Drain button and hold for 3 seconds. This forces the dishwasher to run a drain cycle. If water drains partially but not completely, the drain pump may be partially blocked or failing.
Step 5: Check the Drain Pump
Access the drain pump area (usually beneath the filter assembly). Look for foreign objects — coins, broken glass, seeds — that may be jamming the pump impeller. Remove any obstructions carefully.
When the Drain Pump Has Failed
If none of the above resolves the standing water issue, the drain pump motor has likely failed. A failed drain pump requires professional replacement. Our certified Kenmore technicians carry replacement drain pumps for all major Kenmore dishwasher models and can complete this repair in a single visit backed by our 90-day warranty.