Kenmore Dishwasher Not Draining After a New Disposer: The Knockout Plug and Other Causes

A Kenmore dishwasher with a puddle left at the bottom is telling you the water had no exit. After a disposer swap, one small piece of plastic is the first suspect: the knockout plug.

The knockout plug

A new disposer has a small plastic plug in the dishwasher inlet. It must be removed before the drain hose is connected. If the plug was left in, the dishwasher cannot drain into the disposer. This is a quick fix, but it involves reaching into the disposer, so unplug it or switch it off at the breaker first.

Other checks, in order

1. Run the disposer empty, because sink backup stops the dishwasher too.
2. Look at the drain hose under the sink for kinks and a high loop that rises under the counter.
3. Pull the lower rack and clean the filter and sump at the bottom of the tub.
4. If your install has an air gap on the sink, clear it.
5. Start a drain-only step and listen for the pump motor.

What each result suggests

• Pump running with water left behind: a blockage further along, or a worn impeller.
• No pump sound: a control, a wire connection or the motor, all of which need testing.
• Draining only when the sink is empty: a shared drain issue.

What not to do

Keep drain cleaner out of the tub, where it can harm seals and splash back. Scoop the water out with a cup and sponge before you lift the filter.

The platform in your model prefix decides which pump is fitted, so include the label when you request dishwasher repair. We provide a written price before replacing any part.