Not draining properly, leaving film, debris, & soap, draining through air gap

Hello Kristy;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service appliance technician.

It sounds like you are plugged up.

You did not provide a model number so I have to advise you in general terms.

If you have a dishwasher which requires the high efficiency detergent and you are using regular less expensive detergent, then you are going to plug up

You need to clean your drain and float or filter. Soap film will build up and prevent you from properly draining.

Get a good dishwasher cleaning solution and cycle that.
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The possible reasons could be
1. If the drain hose is kinked, water will not drain properly. Kinks will also catch food debris as it passes, clogging drain hose. Straighten any kinks or bends in the hose. Make certain that drain hose does not exceed 10 feet for proper drainage.

2. Check the drain air gap anytime the dishwasher is not draining properly. if the air gap is clogged the unit will not drain. The air gap is not part of the dishwasher. It is located on the sink and attached through the drain hose and garbage disposal. Not all homes are required to have an air gap installed.

3. Food residue or particles can prevent proper draining of dishwasher. Remove bottom rack and check unit for food debris or items that may have fallen into the bottom of the unit. Remove any items or food debris that may be preventing proper drainage.

4. If the unit is not leveled properly, OE Error may occur. Use a level to check sides and top of unit. if the unit is not level, adjust the leveling legs in the front and back (use leveling kit). Also check the mounting brackets. If one is tightened more than the other, it will offset the cabinet.

* Note: To adjust leveling legs on the front, use a 1/4" square drive wrench. Turn clockwise as needed to adjust level. To adjust rear legs, use a standard Phillips head screw driver. On the left side rear, turn the screw counterclockwise to lower the leg and raise the rear. To adjust right side rear, turn the adjusting screw clockwise to lower the leg and raise the rear of dishwasher. Using a level while adjusting the legs will help aid in proper leveling.

1. If the drain hose is kinked, water will not drain properly. Kinks will also catch food debris as it passes, clogging drain hose. Straighten any kinks or bends in the hose. Make certain that drain hose does not exceed 10 feet for proper drainage.
2. Check the drain air gap anytime the dishwasher is not draining properly. if the air gap is clogged the unit will not drain. The air gap is not part of the dishwasher. It is located on the sink and attached through the drain hose and garbage disposal. Not all homes are required to have an air gap installed.
3. Food residue or particles can prevent proper draining of dishwasher. Remove bottom rack and check unit for food debris or items that may have fallen into the bottom of the unit. Remove any items or food debris that may be preventing proper drainage.
4. If the unit is not leveled properly, OE Error may occur. Use a level to check sides and top of unit. if the unit is not level, adjust the leveling legs in the front and back (use leveling kit). Also check the mounting brackets. If one is tightened more than the other, it will offset the cabinet.

The problem is most likely that there is still water residue at the bottom of your machine. If the machine is not fully drained it picks up some of the residue and sprays that onto the dishes during the final rinse, leaving an unhealthy and unsightly film on everything.
Remove the bottom strainers plates and make sure that the outlet pipe is not kinked, that there is nothing obstructing the pipe or the pump or selector valve. If possible back flush through the outlet pipe and try draining the machine once more before using it again.

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly,

Dirty dishes post cycle most of the time is caused by restricted drains or debris in the lower sump area of the dishwasher under the lower spray arm tower.

You must first check your entire dishwasher drain.
- Start at the sink connection by remove the hose at the sink connection and INSPECT the hole for debris (often this is a clogged garbage disposal port)
- Next connection working back to the dishwasher would be the Air-Gap. Pull the cover off of the Air-Gap then unscrew the top nut. Lift out the plastic U fitting in the top of the Air Gap noting the installed position because it will only fit one way. Clean the Air-Gap. Use a flashlight and look deep into the Air-Gap for debris. Clean it.... clean it... then re-assemble the Air-Gap
- Now inspect the drain hose from the Air-Gap back to the dishwasher connection for any folds or kinks. If you have a really bad kink... I recommend you tape a paint stir stick like a splint on to the outside of the drain hose because once kinked unless you do this the symptom repeats.
- Last pull of the drain hose from the dishwasher connection and inspect the connection hole for obstructions. (Use your finger... you probably can not see directly into the hole.)

If you found debris... while performing the above steps you probably resloved your problem.

If you still have the problem..... then you will have to remove the lower wash arm (NOTE how you took it off... wash arm assembly can really kick and beat you) You must remove the wash arm support to inspect the sump area for debris. Then remove the debris / clean the sump and re-assemble. .

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Hi and welcome to FixYa, I am Kelly

Most of the time when you start having dirty dishes post wash there is either an internal blocked screen under the lower wash arm tower or a problem with the drain. The drain problem shows up mostly inside the Air-Gap cap or at the garbage disposal / sink port connection. Pull the cap / cover off of the Air-Gap and then NOTE the installed position of the inner cap. Unscrew the cap nut and lift the cap off of the Air-Gap assembly. Food particles block the drain inside the cap. You should see a blockage as soon as you lift the cap or the particulate falls away as you lift the cap. Look into the Air-Gap with a flash light and clear any debris. Re-install all Air-Gap parts after cleaning. Make sure to pull the hose off of the garbage disposal port and clean the port.

Add water via cycle fill and then test the drain cycle. The dishwasher should be empty in less than 90 seconds. After 90 seconds interrupt the drain cycle. There should NOT be standing water in the dishwasher sump. If you have standing water in the sump after 90 seconds you will have to remove the lower wash arm and tower to clean the screen or drain holes in the tower. (depending on modeL) Another thing to pay attention to is exactly HOW the lower wash arm is installed on the tower. Some of the 2 part lower wash arms can be a nightmare to re-assemble.
When in doubt take pictures first.... (Lesson learned the hard way too many times when a 30 minute job goes in to the 2nd hour on my time!) Just make sure you do NOT remove any motor pump mounting hardware where it mates to the tub base. Even loosening a motor pump bolt or screw can cause a leak after your done.

While the lower wash arm is removed make sure that you inspect and clean the inside of the wash arm. Often food particles can block the water spray holes in the wash arm.

IF you have a direct / no Air-Gap sink connection then pull off the hose at the sink connection and clear the connection hole of any debris.

One last thing to look for is clogged upper spray arm water holes. Just inspect for signs of blockage. Only remove it if you note food particulate in the holes or under the wash tower base.

I am speaking from many many years of in home appliance repair experience. The steps above should stop the dirty post wash dishes. If you still have the same issues please respond with an EXACT Make and Model Number so I can look at the mechanisms of your dishwasher before responding again.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Hi,
If the water won't drain from the dishwasher, first manually remove as much water as possible and then check the sump area for paper or any other large object. Make sure the door is properly latched. The pump will not drain if the door is not latched properly. Check the belt, drain line, air gap, drain valve and solenoid assembly, the motor, and the pump. If your dishwasher uses a belt to drive the pump, and it has broken or come off the pulley, replace it.
A cup or so of water in the sump area of your dishwasher is normal. It is there to prevent the seals from drying out. The dishwasher will pump this old water out before beginning to wash.
If you have recently installed a garbage disposer in your home, make sure that the drain plug on the disposer has been removed. It's just a little plastic piece that blocks the hole where you hook the dishwasher drain hose. If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposer, you need to run the garbage disposer before you run the dishwasher to make sure that the drain is clear.
There is a drain hose between the drain valve or pump and the garbage disposal or drain line. If an obstruction has blocked this, then your dishwasher won't drain. The drain hose is connected by clamps to the drain valve and the disposer or drain pipe. Remove it and visually inspect it for a clog or a kink. Try to remove any debris. If it is in good condition, just put it back on, and if not, purchase a new one to install.
If you don't have an air gap in the drain line, at least use a high drain loop. Making a large loop about 18" off the ground with the drain line can prevent any back flow into the dishwasher from the sink.
If you have one, the air gap will be located on top of the sink. The air gap is there to prevent any siphoning of standing water from the sink. When your dishwasher drains, the air gap diaphragm will form a seal and allow the water to drain properly. If the diaphragm in the air gap is faulty, it's possible that water can leak onto the cabinet and into the sink area. When this happens, then the air gap must be replaced.
Like the inlet valve, there is also a drain valve on most models. When no power goes to the drain valve it remains closed and prevents water from leaving the machine. When the valve receives power during the drain cycle, the solenoid opens and allows the water to leave the machine. If your drain hose is attached directly to the pump, you don't have a drain valve. The motor simply reverses and the pump sends the water in the opposite direction, which is out of the machine.
If the motor doesn't turn or work properly, the dishwasher may not drain. Make sure you have power to the unit. If you notice that the motor hums but won't turn, it could be seized, and you probably need to replace it.
Small objects can sometimes get stuck in the pump. When this occurs, you'll need to open the pump and remove any debris buildup. The dishwasher pump is usually mounted directly to the motor and runs off the motor as well. The pump is also attached to the bottom of your dishwasher and pushes the water from the dishwasher.

Thanks for contacting fixya.com

There's a few things you can look into that won't cost you any money.

First, manually remove as much water as possible and then check the sump area for paper or any other large object clogging the drain. A cup or so of water in the sump area of your dishwasher is normal and it is there to prevent the seals from drying out. The dishwasher will pump this old water out before beginning to wash.

Make sure the door is properly latched as the pump will not drain if the door is not latched properly.

Check the belt, drain line, air gap, drain valve and solenoid assembly, the motor, and the pump. If your dishwasher uses a belt to drive the pump, and it has broken or come off the pulley, replace it.



If you have recently installed a garbage disposer in your home, make sure that the drain plug on the disposer has been removed. It's just a little plastic piece that blocks the hole where you hook the dishwasher drain hose. If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposer, you need to run the garbage disposer before you run the dishwasher to make sure that the drain is clear.

There is a drain hose between the drain valve or pump and the garbage disposal or drain line. If an obstruction has blocked this, then your dishwasher won't drain. The drain hose is connected by clamps to the drain valve and the disposer or drain pipe. Remove it and visually inspect it for a clog or a kink. Try to remove any debris. If it is in good condition, just put it back on, and if not, purchase a new one to install.

If you don't have an air gap in the drain line, at least use a high drain loop. Making a large loop about 18" off the ground with the drain line can prevent any back flow into the dishwasher from the sink.

If you have one, the air gap will be located on top of the sink. The air gap is there to prevent any siphoning of standing water from the sink. When your dishwasher drains, the air gap diaphragm will form a seal and allow the water to drain properly. If the diaphragm in the air gap is faulty, it’s possible that water can leak onto the cabinet and into the sink area. When this happens, then the air gap must be replaced.

Like the inlet valve, there is also a drain valve on most models. When no power goes to the drain valve it remains closed and prevents water from leaving the machine. When the valve receives power during the drain cycle, the solenoid opens and allows the water to leave the machine. If your drain hose is attached directly to the pump, you don't have a drain valve. The motor simply reverses and the pump sends the water in the opposite direction, which is out of the machine.

If the motor doesn’t turn or work properly, the dishwasher may not drain. Make sure you have power to the unit. If you notice that the motor hums but won't turn, it could be seized, and you probably need to replace it.

if you need to buy any parts, I have had alot of help from http://www.apwagner.com
Small objects can sometimes get stuck in the pump. When this occurs, you’ll need to open the pump and remove any debris buildup. The dishwasher pump is usually mounted directly to the motor and runs off the motor as well. The pump is also attached to the bottom of your dishwasher and pushes the water from the dishwasher.There's a few things you can look into that won't cost you any money.

First, manually remove as much water as possible and then check the sump area for paper or any other large object clogging the drain. A cup or so of water in the sump area of your dishwasher is normal and it is there to prevent the seals from drying out. The dishwasher will pump this old water out before beginning to wash.

Make sure the door is properly latched as the pump will not drain if the door is not latched properly.

Check the belt, drain line, air gap, drain valve and solenoid assembly, the motor, and the pump. If your dishwasher uses a belt to drive the pump, and it has broken or come off the pulley, replace it.



If you have recently installed a garbage disposer in your home, make sure that the drain plug on the disposer has been removed. It's just a little plastic piece that blocks the hole where you hook the dishwasher drain hose. If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposer, you need to run the garbage disposer before you run the dishwasher to make sure that the drain is clear.

There is a drain hose between the drain valve or pump and the garbage disposal or drain line. If an obstruction has blocked this, then your dishwasher won't drain. The drain hose is connected by clamps to the drain valve and the disposer or drain pipe. Remove it and visually inspect it for a clog or a kink. Try to remove any debris. If it is in good condition, just put it back on, and if not, purchase a new one to install.

If you don't have an air gap in the drain line, at least use a high drain loop. Making a large loop about 18" off the ground with the drain line can prevent any back flow into the dishwasher from the sink.

If you have one, the air gap will be located on top of the sink. The air gap is there to prevent any siphoning of standing water from the sink. When your dishwasher drains, the air gap diaphragm will form a seal and allow the water to drain properly. If the diaphragm in the air gap is faulty, it’s possible that water can leak onto the cabinet and into the sink area. When this happens, then the air gap must be replaced.

Like the inlet valve, there is also a drain valve on most models. When no power goes to the drain valve it remains closed and prevents water from leaving the machine. When the valve receives power during the drain cycle, the solenoid opens and allows the water to leave the machine. If your drain hose is attached directly to the pump, you don't have a drain valve. The motor simply reverses and the pump sends the water in the opposite direction, which is out of the machine.

If the motor doesn’t turn or work properly, the dishwasher may not drain. Make sure you have power to the unit. If you notice that the motor hums but won't turn, it could be seized, and you probably need to replace it.

if you need to buy any parts, I have had alot of help from http://www.apwagner.com
Small objects can sometimes get stuck in the pump. When this occurs, you’ll need to open the pump and remove any debris buildup. The dishwasher pump is usually mounted directly to the motor and runs off the motor as well. The pump is also attached to the bottom of your dishwasher and pushes the water from the dishwasher.

HI, usually, if the dishwasher dose not drain properly, it will be the fault of a defective or, malfunctioning pump. i will list several problem areas to check. Inspect each area properly and, replace any component that is faulty or fouled.


1. Air gap / Drain hoses
If there is an air gap (located in the sink, near the faucet), check to see if it is clogged. Unscrew the top cap and see if there is anything blocking inside. Note: If there is no air gap installed, the dishwasher might not drain properly.

If the drain hose is clogged, the dishwasher would not drain. If there is an air gap installed, it is very common that a hose going from the air gap into the garbage disposer is clogged. Remove and clean the hose. Make sure to reattach the hose before starting the dishwasher.

Note: If you recently had a garbage disposer installed, it is common to overlook removing the drain plug.

2. Broken belt
Some dishwasher models use a belt to drive the pump. Replace the belt if found broken.

Note: Sometimes the belt would just come off the pump. Even though it might not be broken, it is recommended that you replace the belt, because it is probably too stretched out.

3. Pump
Some models have two impellers inside the pump - one, wash impeller, takes care of the wash cycles, the other, drain impeller, drains the water out. If the drain impeller is broken (broken blades, shaft), the dishwasher would not drain. Replace any broken pump components.

4. Drain solenoid
Some models (for example most GE dishwashers) use a drain solenoid to drain water out. Sometimes the solenoid gets stuck, preventing the water from draining out. Try to free up the solenoid. If unsuccessful, you might have to replace the pump assembly.

5. Motor
If the motor is stuck, it is sometimes possible to free it up by manually spinning the motor.

Replace the motor if defective.

6. Timer/control board
Replace if defective (note: uncommon problem).

The machine is seldom the cause of "film". Make sure the unit is draining proper and that the fresh water supply is supplying good pressure.

Usually film is caused by using residential soap in a commercial unit. The commercial unit cycle is too short for residential soaps to dissolve and work properly. So soap ends up in your rinse water.