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Hello @Love15
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your dishwasher.
If your brand-new dishwasher isn’t draining at all, it can be really frustrating—especially when you’ve just had it installed and expected everything to run smoothly. The good news is that many drainage issues are caused by simple installation problems or minor oversights. Here’s what you can check before calling in a warranty claim or service technician.
Start by making sure the dishwasher actually completed its full cycle. Sometimes, if the door was opened too early or if there was a power interruption, it may not have reached the draining stage. Try running a rinse or drain-only cycle (if your machine has one) to see if it kicks into gear.
Next, inspect the drain hose. This is one of the most common culprits in new installations. Check behind the dishwasher to make sure the hose isn’t kinked, bent, or crushed. Also, confirm that the hose has been installed correctly—it should have a “high loop” that rises above the dishwasher’s drain connection. If the hose connects to your sink’s drainpipe, double check that the drain nipple has been properly drilled open, this is often forgotten and will completely block water from draining.
Also take a look at the kitchen sink’s drain, run the tap and make sure the sink isn’t clogged. A blocked drain pipe or u-bend can prevent the dishwasher from emptying properly, even if the dishwasher itself is working fine.
Inside the dishwasher, check the filter and sump area under the lower spray arm. Look for any leftover packing materials, small bits of plastic, or food debris that might have come loose during the first few cycles. Feel around the sump (the small well under the filter) for anything that might be stuck bits of cardboard, twist ties, or even shipping tape sometimes end up in there.
If your machine sounds like it’s trying to drain—meaning you hear a low hum or buzz when it’s supposed to be draining the drain pump might be jammed. If it’s completely silent, there could be an electrical issue with the pump or a problem with the control board. Either way, avoid opening the machine further yourself unless the manual gives clear instructions—especially since you’ll want to keep your warranty intact.
Many new dishwashers also flash lights or display an error code when something goes wrong. Check your user manual or search your model number online to see what those codes mean, particularly if any lights are blinking on the control panel.
Finally, try resetting the machine. You can usually do this by turning off the power at the wall outlet or switching off the circuit breaker for a minute. Once it powers back on, run a rinse or quick cycle to see if it drains properly.
If you’ve gone through all these steps and it still isn’t draining, it’s best to call the manufacturer or store where you bought it. Let them know it’s a new unit and explain everything you’ve tried. That way, if a technician needs to come out, you’ve already ruled out the basics and saved time.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
