Why Is There Water in My Dishwasher Filter? Find Out Now

You hear the final, quiet hum of the dishwasher cycle. You pull the door open, ready for sparkling clean dishes. But your heart sinks. A murky puddle of water sits at the bottom, right over the filter. It’s a frustrating sight that makes you think, “Did I break it?”

You’re staring at a common problem. That standing water in the dishwasher is a signal, but it’s not always a bad one. I’m here to show you what’s normal and what’s not. Together, we will figure out why is there water in my dishwasher filter, and I’ll give you simple steps to fix it for good.

Keynote: Why Is There Water in My Dishwasher Filter?

A small pool of water in your dishwasher filter is normal; it protects the seals. Excess, dirty water signals a problem, usually a clogged filter or drain hose. Regular cleaning prevents this. If issues persist after cleaning the filter and checking the hose, it’s time to investigate further.

Wait—Is That Water Normal? (Don’t Panic Yet!)

Your First Reaction: “Did I Break It?”

That little pool of water can feel like a big failure. You followed all the steps, but your machine didn’t finish the job. Before you panic, I have some good news. A small amount of water left in the very bottom of the dishwasher is completely normal. In fact, it’s there on purpose.

Most dishwashers are designed to keep one or two cups of water in the sump area. The sump is the lowest point in the tub, where the filter sits. This water keeps important seals moist, so they don’t dry out, crack, and cause a major leak. If the water is clear and stays below the main floor of the tub, you have nothing to worry about. But if it’s murky, smelly, or deep enough to cover the bottom rack, it’s your cue to investigate.

Normal Water	Problem Water
Clear, just under filter	Murky, smelly, gritty
About 1–2 cups	More than 1 inch pooling
Drains at next cycle	Stays even after restart

The Filter’s Secret Life: Why Water Stays Put

Engineering Magic (Yes, It’s On Purpose!)

Your dishwasher’s drain filter is like a superhero’s secret weapon. Its main job is to catch food debris before it can clog the sensitive parts of your machine. Think of it like a coffee strainer. It holds back the gunk but needs a little help to drain completely. Because dishwashers have to push water uphill into your sink’s drain, some water is left behind by design.

This tiny pool of water is a guardian. It creates a barrier that stops gross odors from your drain line from creeping back into your clean dishwasher. Even brand-new dishwashers are shipped with a little water in them for this reason.

“Dishwashers drain uphill—some water stays to fight sewage backup.”

When “Normal” Tips Into “Nope”

So, how do you know when that helpful puddle turns into a sign of trouble? Your senses will tell you. If you hear loud gurgling sounds during the drain cycle, that’s a red flag. It means water is struggling to get through a partial clog.

Other warning signs include dishes that come out feeling gritty or a musty, sour smell that hits you when you open the door. These signals mean that dirty water isn’t draining away. Instead, it’s sloshing back and re-coating your “clean” dishes. This can be caused by a severely clogged drain filter, a kinked drain hose, or a problem with the drain pump.

Your 10-Minute Rescue Plan: Fix It Yourself

Step 1: Clean the Filter Like a Pro

More often than not, a simple filter cleaning is all you need to solve the problem of water in the bottom of your dishwasher. It’s the easiest and most effective first step. Doing this once a month can prevent nearly 80% of all drainage issues.

First, pull out the bottom dish rack to get a clear view. Find the cylindrical drain filter and twist it counter-clockwise to unlock and lift it out. Some models also have a flat mesh screen underneath; take that out, too.

Next, rinse the filter parts under warm, running water. Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub away any stuck-on food particles or greasy film. Never use a wire brush or a scouring pad, as they can tear the delicate mesh. If the filter is extra greasy, let it soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing. While it soaks, use a paper towel to wipe out any gunk from the sump area inside the dishwasher. Once clean, lock the filter back into place.

Step 2: Trace the Escape Route

If cleaning the filter didn’t fix the issue, the clog is hiding somewhere else along the drain path. Your next mission is to check the three main connection points: the drain hose, the garbage disposal, and the air gap.

Start with the drain hose. This is the ribbed plastic tube running from your dishwasher to the plumbing under your sink. Look for any sharp kinks or bends that could be pinching the hose and stopping water flow. If you find one, simply straighten it out.

Next, check your garbage disposal. Since the dishwasher drains into it, a clogged disposal will prevent your dishwasher from draining, too. Run the disposal for 30 seconds with cold water before starting a dishwasher cycle. If you have a new garbage disposal, the problem might be the knockout plug. This is a small plastic cap inside the inlet port where the dishwasher hose connects. If the installer forgot to remove it, no water can get through. You’ll need to disconnect the hose and knock that plug out with a screwdriver and hammer.

Finally, inspect the air gap. That’s the small chrome cylinder on your sink deck, next to the faucet. It prevents dirty sink water from siphoning back into your dishwasher. Unscrew the cover and clean out any food debris that may have collected inside.

When Water Won’t Quit: Next-Level Troubleshooting

“I Cleaned It—Why’s It Still Here?”

You’ve cleaned the filter and checked the hoses, but there’s still standing water in the dishwasher. Don’t give up. This just means the culprit is a little deeper inside the system. It could be a mechanical issue with the drain pump or a failure of the check valve.

The drain pump is the motor that pushes water out. If you hear a loud humming or grinding noise during the drain cycle, but no water is moving, the pump might be jammed or broken. The check valve is a small rubber flap that stops dirty water from flowing backward into the tub. If this valve fails, grimy water from the drain hose will seep back in after the cycle finishes.

Symptom	Likely Cause	DIY Fix?
Humming/Grinding, No Drain	Faulty or jammed drain pump	No—call a pro.
Water Leaks Under Machine	Damaged seals or a failed valve	No—call a pro.
Dishes Still Dirty/Gritty	Clogged spray arms or failed check valve	Yes—clean arms; valve may need a pro.

The Dishwasher-Sink Connection

Your dishwasher and kitchen sink are a team. They share the same drain line, so a problem in one can easily affect the other. If running your dishwasher causes water to back up into your sink, the clog isn’t in your dishwasher at all. It’s further down the line, likely in your sink’s P-trap.

This shared plumbing is why keeping your sink drain clear is so important for dishwasher maintenance. A slow-draining sink is an early warning that your dishwasher might be next. Running hot water down the sink drain after washing greasy pans can help keep the pipes clear for both appliances.

Keep It Flowing: Simple Habits to Avoid Future Headaches

Prevention Mode (5 Minutes/Month!)

The best way to deal with drainage problems is to stop them before they start. A few simple habits can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years, saving you from future headaches and repair bills.

First, scrape large food scraps off your plates before loading them, but don’t pre-rinse. Modern detergents have enzymes that need food particles to work effectively. Second, always run your garbage disposal for a few seconds right before you start the dishwasher to clear the shared drain.

Finally, give your dishwasher a monthly cleaning. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run an empty hot cycle. This will dissolve grease and mineral buildup in the pipes and on the spray arms. Listen to your machine. When you hear smooth, consistent draining instead of loud glugging, you know you have happy pipes.

“Help! I’ve Tried Everything!” (When to Call a Pro)

Don’t Fight This Battle Alone

You are a capable troubleshooter, but some jobs are best left to the experts. It’s time to call a professional appliance technician if you’ve tried all the fixes and the water still won’t go away.

Make the call if you see water actively leaking from under the machine, not just pooling inside. If the drain pump is making loud grinding or growling noises, turn the machine off and pick up the phone. An expert can diagnose complex electrical issues, like a failed drain pump, and has the right parts on hand. While many repair calls are for simple clogs you can fix, a professional can save you from a much costlier pump failure.

Your Win Either Way

By following these steps, you’ve taken control. You’ve either solved the problem yourself and saved a repair fee, or you’ve done the essential homework to prevent a small issue from turning into a major flood. That’s a win. Now, go grab a sparkling clean mug from that top rack and enjoy a well-deserved cup of coffee. You’ve earned it.

Conclusion

Finding that puddle at the bottom of your machine can be alarming, but now you know the secret. A little bit of clean water is a sign of a healthy, protected dishwasher. It’s only when that water becomes deep, dirty, or smelly that you need to act. Understanding why is there water in my dishwasher filter is the first step to becoming the master of your appliance.

You are now equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and fix the most common drainage issues, from a simple filter cleaning to a clogged drain hose. These simple maintenance habits don’t just fix problems; they prevent them. You’ve turned a moment of panic into a feeling of empowerment, ensuring many more cycles of sparkling clean dishes ahead.

Is There Supposed to Be Water in Dishwasher Filter (FAQs)