Hotpoint Dishwasher Not Draining? Here’s How To Fix It

A dishwasher that doesn’t drain properly leaves behind dirty water and food residue, both of which become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Fixing this problem quickly can save you from more expensive complications in the future, like electrical complications or fire hazards.

Follow these tips to learn why your Hotpoint dishwasher isn’t draining and how you can resolve the issue quickly. 

Why Your Hotpoint Dishwasher Is Not Draining

The most common sign that your Hotpoint dishwasher isn’t draining properly is the presence of pooling water at the bottom of your dishwasher. You may also notice residue or grime on your dishes and cutlery even after they go through a complete dishwashing cycle.

There are usually several reasons why this occurs. Understanding the different causes can help you decide which solution to choose. 

A Dirty Dishwasher Filter 

On a Hotpoint dishwasher, the filter is typically located at the bottom of the inside of the tub, underneath the lower spray arm. Ideally, this filter should be cleaned every fortnight. If your filter is blocked or too dirty, this can block water flow which results in water collecting at the bottom of your dishwasher. 

A Faulty Dishwasher Pump 

The dishwasher pump in a Hotpoint dishwasher is responsible for draining water out. When this pump is defective or blocked from broken glass or food residue, this can slow drainage. 

A Blockage in The Drain Hose 

The drain hose is typically connected to the same drain line as the kitchen sink, which allows it to carry dirty water away from the dishwasher. If it becomes kinked or blocked by food contaminants, this can slow drainage. 

A Faulty High Loop or Air Gap 

A Hotpoint dishwasher will either require an air gap or a high loop for backflow prevention. This is part of the plumbing system and not the dishwasher itself, so if you suspect either are faulty, it’s worth getting assistance from a dishwasher repair technician or plumber. 

How To Fix a Hotpoint Dishwasher That Is Not Draining 

Before you rush to call in a professional, there are still several DIY fixes you can do to help your Hotpoint dishwasher drain properly. 

1. Do a Deep Clean 

Many homeowners don’t realise that all dishwashers need to be cleaned and maintained regularly for the water to flow and drain properly. Ideally, you want to be deep cleaning the dishwasher filter and drain at least once a month. If you have hard water or use your dishwasher very regularly, increase it to every fortnight to remove mineral build-up and food waste — both of which can cause drainage issues. 

You will need equipment like soap and a bottle brush or sponge that effectively reaches all the crevices. A vinegar wash with baking soda can also get odors out and leave your dishwasher basin looking squeaky clean. 

2. Ensure Nothing Is Bent or Broken 

All components of a dishwasher should be working optimally for the water to drain out well. Check that the waste hose is positioned not too high and isn’t bent or pinched. Next, locate the drain pump. While the exact location will depend on the Hotpoint dishwasher model, most drain pumps are found at the bottom, inside the tub and beneath the filter assembly. 

Check for visible damage to the pump, food debris around it, or obvious leaks. There will also be several electrical connections and drain hoses attached here, so look and see if anything looks out of the ordinary that needs to be cleaned or replaced. 

3. Check The Garbage Disposal Backflow 

Does your kitchen also have a garbage disposal? This could cause improper drainage as fat from cooking and food scraps can clog the disposal which also connects to the drainage hose. By running the garbage disposal, this can help clear food from the hopper. If you’ve recently had your garbage disposal installed or replaced, the disposal knockout plug could block water flow. This plug will need to be removed where the drain hose connects. 

When To Call a Professional 

If you have tried the above steps and your Hotpoint dishwasher is still not draining properly, it may be time to get assistance from a dishwasher repair technician or even a plumber. Here are some times you should ask for external help:

• If you want to dismantle several dishwasher components and you’re unsure how to do it without causing damage to the internal structure. 
• If you suspect electrical or wiring issues from the control board: erratic cycle behavior, error codes, buttons only work sometimes. 
• If you notice unusual sounds like buzzing, rattling, grinding, or squealing. 

How To Prevent Future Drainage Problems: Key Tips 

You can significantly cut down the chance of dishwasher drainage problems happening again by following these tips: 

• Prioritise maintenance: Regularly clean the filter, doors, seals, and spray arms at least monthly. 
• Rinse dishes well before loading into the dishwasher: Avoid unnecessarily loading the filter and pump with food residue by rinsing large pieces of food waste off. 
• Load dishes and cutlery properly: Improper loading or overloading of a dishwasher can be detrimental to the machinery. Ensure you’re following proper guidelines from Hotpoint and split up larger dish loads into smaller ones when necessary. 
• Only use dishwasher-safe detergents: Excess foam and dirt build-up can prematurely clog your Hotpoint dishwasher’s drain system. 

Final Thoughts 

A dishwasher that doesn’t drain properly can be a hassle for both commercial and home kitchens. Luckily, there are several DIY fixes you can do to help with water flooding as well as preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. Professional dishwasher technicians can also help you fix the problem quickly if you’re concerned about handling electrical wires or disassembling multiple components.