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When a dishwasher discharges its wastewater, it uses a pump to quickly move a lot of water. If anything in the drain line or the garbage disposal impedes the high volume of water, it will back up into the sink through the drain or the garbage disposal. Following regular dishwasher maintenance tips like clearing clogs, keeping them cleared, and occasionally running the disposal will eliminate the problem.

If the dishwasher is in working condition, start and run a complete cycle with nothing inside. Let it drain and sit overnight before removing the hoses. In theory, it should effectively drain. You may find residual water in the hoses, but you can plug them. If the dishwasher breaks down midcycle it can sometimes be full of water. You’ll need to manually remove the water with a plastic cup before removing the dishwasher.

Water may linger at the bottom of your dishwasher if the cycle is interrupted or if there’s a clog in the system. Begin by pressing and holding the cancel button to ensure the cycle finishes. You may need to check the filter, hose, air gap, and garbage disposal for clogs if it still doesn't drain. If the problem persists and there is no visible clog, a professional will need to assess and fix the problem for you.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your dishwasher, consider its age, the repair cost, and its warranty status. It is often worth repairing a dishwasher if it is only a few years old, the problem is minor, or the appliance is still under warranty. A common guideline is the 50% rule: if the repair cost is less than 50% of the price of a new unit, a repair is generally recommended. However, if the dishwasher is more than 10 years old or requires frequent repairs, replacement is likely the more cost-effective choice to avoid future issues. For context, a new dishwasher costs between $1,000 and $1,500 on average, while typical repairs cost several hundred dollars. Simple fixes like a damaged gasket or clogged filter can be inexpensive, but major repairs like a new pump or motor can be costly.