A dishwasher left with water in the bottom almost always has a blockage in the filter, drain hose or pump. Most of it you can check yourself. Here is how, and when to book professional dishwasher repair in Ottawa.
We clear draining problems across the Ottawa area, from Kanata to Orleans. Start at the filter.
In this article
Why a dishwasher will not drain
- Clogged filter. Food debris in the filter at the bottom of the tub is the most common cause.
- Blocked drain hose. A kink or grease clog in the hose stops water leaving.
- Clogged air gap or garburator connection. A blocked air gap or a new garburator with the plug still in place backs water up.
- Faulty drain pump. A worn pump or a jammed impeller cannot pump the water out.
- Blocked sink drain. The dishwasher often shares the drain with the sink, so a sink clog affects it too.
People often ask: why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Standing water almost always means a blocked filter or drain. A small amount in the sump is normal, but a full pool at the end of a cycle points to a clog you can usually clear yourself.
How to clear a dishwasher drain
Please note: The steps below are for general guidance only. Parliament Appliance Repair is not responsible for any damage or injury from work you attempt yourself. If you are not comfortable, unplug the appliance and call a licensed technician.
- Turn off the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug it.
- Remove and rinse the filter at the bottom of the tub.
- Scoop out standing water, then check the drain hose for kinks.
- If you have a garburator, run it to clear the shared drain.
- Run a short cycle to confirm it drains.
What the repair costs in Ottawa
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic or service call | $90 to $160 |
| Drain hose or clog clearing | $130 to $280 |
| Drain pump | $180 to $400 |
| Control or valve | $200 to $450 |
Pricing note: These ranges are estimates based on typical Ottawa market rates as of 2026. Your actual price depends on the model, the brand and parts, and whether the visit is scheduled or same day. Parliament Appliance Repair always gives an upfront quote before any work begins.
When to call a technician
If the filter and hose are clear but water still sits in the tub, the drain pump or control is likely at fault. We service every brand, including Bosch dishwasher repair and Whirlpool, across Nepean and Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions
Is standing water in a dishwasher normal?
A small amount in the sump at the base is normal and keeps the seals from drying out. A full pool of water after a cycle is not, and means a drainage problem.
Can a garburator cause a dishwasher not to drain?
Yes. A newly installed garburator often still has a knockout plug in the dishwasher connection, which blocks draining. A clogged garburator does the same.
Why won’t my dishwasher drain but the sink is fine?
That points to the dishwasher’s own filter, hose or pump rather than the shared drain. Start by cleaning the filter.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that will not drain?
In Ottawa, clearing a clog runs $130 to $280, while a drain pump is $180 to $400 depending on the brand.
Water sitting in the dishwasher? Parliament Appliance Repair clears and repairs drains across Ottawa. Call (613) 509-1466 or request a free estimate.