Buzz
Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to troubleshoot your dishwasher.
It’s perfectly normal to find a small amount of water at the bottom of your Bosch dishwasher after a cycle. However, if the water is enough to cover a utensil, something’s wrong. Thankfully, Bosch makes it simple to fix, and chances are we can get your dishwasher draining again in under 5 minutes with minimal effort. We consulted appliance repair expert Gevorg Grigorian to walk us through the potential causes and solutions, helping you pinpoint the issue so you can prevent it in the future.
Troubleshooting Your Bosch Dishwasher
Press and hold the reset button for 3-5 seconds, then close the door to check if the machine drains. If it doesn’t, remove the filter and clean out any debris. If the problem persists, clean the pump and ensure the drain hose loop is properly installed.
Steps
How to Fix Your Dishwasher
Press and hold the start button for 3-5 seconds, then close the door. Many Bosch dishwashers come with a reset button, which often doubles as the start button. To reset, simply hold the start button for 3-5 seconds and close the door. The dishwasher should then begin draining.
- Why did this fix the problem? If this works, it means the dishwasher was interrupted during its cycle or there was a glitch that caused the cycle to terminate prematurely.
Take out the filter and remove any food scraps or debris. Start by removing the bottom rack. The filter, located at the bottom of the machine, is a round opening in the floor. Twist it counterclockwise until it unlocks, then lift it out and rinse it with water. Afterward, check the filter’s opening for any food particles that may be blocking the water from draining.
- According to Grigorian, “We often find items like glass, lemon seeds, food remnants, and even plastic wrappers clogging filters. These can obstruct the water flow and prevent proper drainage.”
- If the water looks dirty, wear gloves to avoid getting any unpleasant residue on your hands.
- Why did this fix the problem? The filter is designed to catch large food particles and debris to prevent clogging the drain hose. If removing the filter solves the issue, it’s doing its job properly!
Remove the pump cover and clear any blockages. After removing the filter, look inside the bottom opening for the drain pump. Carefully remove the pump cover and inspect for any debris. Clear out any blockages you find, then replace the cover. Press the start button, and the dishwasher should drain.
- While the cover is off, clean the pump entrance using a cloth or sponge.
- This step is quite unique to Bosch dishwashers; most other brands don’t offer an easy way to clean the pump.
- Why did this fix the problem? A blockage under the filter may have been obstructing the pump, which is now cleared.
Clear your sink and clean the garbage disposal. Grigorian advises that a clogged garbage disposal can prevent the dishwasher from draining. Run water in your sink; if it doesn’t drain smoothly, the issue may be there. Use the following methods to clear any blockages in the sink or disposal:
- Pour boiling water and dish soap into the sink to break down organic blockages and grease.
- If that doesn’t work, try a commercial drain cleaner.
- Snake your drain (if there’s no garbage disposal).
- If you have a garbage disposal and notice a blockage, disconnect the power, then carefully remove the debris.
- Why did this fix the problem? Since dishwashers drain into the sink pipe, any blockages in the sink or garbage disposal can prevent proper drainage from the dishwasher.
Check the drain loop hose and adjust it if necessary. Under your sink, you’ll find a clear tube that connects your dishwasher to the drain. This is your drain loop hose. Inspect its height: if the top of the loop is below where it feeds into the drain, the hose is positioned too low. Raise the loop and secure it to a higher point using a zip tie.
- Also, make sure the air gap is clear. Grigorian points out that if there’s no garbage disposal, an air gap will be present to facilitate drainage. Locate the small pipe sticking up from where the hose connects to the drain and confirm it’s unobstructed.
- Why did this fix the problem? Without a high point in the drain loop, the dishwasher cannot fully drain the water.
What if the dishwasher still won’t drain?
If your dishwasher isn’t draining at all, the drain pump might be faulty. After clearing blockages from the filter and pump, resetting the machine, and confirming that your sink is draining properly, you’re likely facing a mechanical issue. If the dishwasher works but won’t drain, it’s highly probable that the drain pump is broken. Contact a professional to inspect the pump and replace it if necessary.
- Did you recently buy the dishwasher? Bosch offers a 1-year warranty on defective pumps. Call Bosch at 1-917-421-7209 or contact them online for assistance.
- Is it just a small amount of water? It’s quite normal for a thin layer of water to remain around the filter after a cycle. If it’s just a little water and the dishwasher works fine otherwise, there’s no need to worry.
How to Prevent Future Drainage Problems
Clean your filter by hand every 2-3 cycles. After each cycle, small bits of food and debris collect in the filter. To prevent blockages and keep water flowing freely, remove the filter every few cycles and clean it. Throw any scraps in the trash, then rinse the filter with soap and water.
- If the filter is particularly dirty, use an old toothbrush and some soap to scrub it clean.
Run a cleaning cycle once a month. About once a month, run an empty cleaning cycle on your dishwasher. Place a dishwasher cleaning tablet in the soap dispenser and select the cleaning cycle option. This will eliminate unpleasant odors and remove microscopic debris from the machine.
- What about a deep cleaning? Bosch suggests using dishwasher descaler for a deep cleaning instead of a cleaning tablet to keep the machine in top shape.
Modify your garbage disposal habits to prevent issues. If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, any problems with the disposal can affect drainage. To avoid issues, follow these tips:
- Only dispose of soft foods. Hard items like bones, dry meat, hard bread, or certain vegetables can block the drain.
- Regularly clean your garbage disposal. Run ice cubes and salt through the disposal, then pour distilled white vinegar down the drain. This will help clean any stuck debris inside.
- Avoid disposing of coffee grounds. While it may seem harmless, coffee grounds don’t break down properly in the disposal and can cause clogs.
