You’re trying to wash your dirty dishes, but the water isn’t draining out of your Amana dishwasher. This can cause many issues, including leaving your dishes dirty or not drying them properly.
However, this is a quite common issue and several fixes exist to troubleshoot this in just 30 to 40 minutes.
Well, In this article I will break down the issue first and then suggest some troubleshooting steps you have to perform to get your dishwasher working again.
Here we go! Let’s dive into it…
Why has the Amana dishwasher stopped draining water?
Many reasons exist why your Amana dishwasher may have stopped draining water. Among them, a kinked, collapsed, or obstructed hose is the main one. Additionally, a defective pump or malfunctioning drain line could also create this issue.
Look at the bellow table:
Reasons for the water drainage issue | Solutions |
---|---|
Clogged garbage disposal | Clear it |
Clogged Air-Gap | Unclog it |
Clogged Filter | Clean the Filter |
Damaged pump | Replace it |
How to fix the Amana dishwasher water drainage issue.
In Short: To fix the water drainage issue in your Amana Dishwasher, check the hose, drain screen, and filter if they are clogged with food particles or debris. If these are OK, replace the pump.
Step 1: Check the Garbage Disposal
This is usually an electrically powered device, installed under the kitchen sink between the drain and the trap. It grinds food waste into small pieces flushed away through the municipal sewer system.
Sometimes it becomes clogged with food buildup and reduces the water flow. Chances are that yours also has this issue, which is why it can’t flow water properly.
Run the disposer thoroughly with plenty of water running to clear it out. This may fix the drainage problem with the dishwasher.
Step 2: Unclog the Air Gap
Air gap has a small hole in the top that basically prevents water from being siphoned back into the dishwasher.
Carefully inspect the Air gap. If water leaks from it when you run the dishwasher (occasionally, water winds up all over the counter), there is a blockage between the air gap and the garbage disposal.
To unclog the air gap, simply remove the cap and clear the hole with a small wire or a toothpick. Ensure the hose that runs from the nipple at the bottom of the air gap to the garbage disposal or sink drain is not clogged. You can watch this video if you still can’t unclog it.
Step 3: Check the Drain Screen
Drain screen catches food particles and other debris that could clog the dishwasher’s drain. Over time, it becomes clogged with debris, making it difficult for water to drain from the dishwasher.
Check and make sure nothing is clogging the drain screen at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Clear trash away from the drain screen and ensure it is free of blockage.
Step 4: Clean the Filter
Large food particles are filtered out by a dishwasher filter, which prevents them from blocking the drain pump or hose.
The filter might fill up with debris over time, preventing water from draining. When your Amana dishwasher doesn’t drain, cleaning the filter could be a simple solution.
Amana dishwasher filter system consists of 2 parts, an upper filter assembly, and a lower filter. You have to clean both of them.
Here’s how to clean the filter:
- Turn the upper filter assembly counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Grasp the Lower Filter in the circular opening, lift slightly, and pull forward to remove it.
- Clean the filters by rinsing them under running water until most soils are removed.
- Reinstall the lower filter by placing it under the locating tabs at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Finally, insert the upper filter assembly and slowly turn it clockwise, so it locks into place.
Do not use any wire brush, scouring pad, etc., to clean the filter assembly, as they may damage the filters. Instead, only use a soft brush.
Step-5: Unclog the drain Hose
As mentioned, the drain hose could be the main culprit for this issue. If the previous steps don’t solve your issue, checking the hose may definitely fix it.
It is a thin, plastic tube that links the dishwasher to the sink drain or debris disposal, allowing water to drain. When it’s clogged by debris, it usually loops under the sink and can kink, blocking water flow.
Here’s how to remove drain hose blockages:
- Unplug the dishwasher.
- Identify the drain hose.
- After you locate it, disconnect the drain hose from the pump.
- Now, observe the hose for any blockages and use a screwdriver or a straightened wire hanger to remove any obstructions.
If you can’t reach the clog, disconnect the hose from the sink drain or disposal and try again. But if you still can’t unclog it or it is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Bonus: Check this video Guide
F.A.Q.s
Q: Nothing worked! What next?
If you have tried all of the solutions mentioned above and your Amana dishwasher is still not draining water, several dishwasher parts could be at fault. Most dishwasher replacement parts are widely available online.
But you may not be able to check and change those parts (like Valve, Pump solenoid, Piston and nut assembly, Timer, Door switch, or drain motor) yourself as you are not experienced enough. It is best to call a qualified repairer to look at your machine.
Q: Should I run my dishwasher if it has standing water?
No, Whatever the cause, standing water can harm your dishes and dishwasher, and you shouldn’t run your dishwasher if it has standing water.
If you leave this untreated for an extended period, the water may develop dangerous bacteria, and dishwasher parts may corrode or become water-logged.
Q: Should the dishwasher still have water in the bottom?
Everything is normal if there are no more than two cups of water in your dishwasher after a cycle.
Typically, the appliance remains wet after a cycle due to the condensation drying principle, which causes water droplets in the tub – which are actually desirable in this case.

Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.