Kenmore DW won't drain

Dishwasher Repair
1

I don’t know where to look for a model number. I see several on the manual: 15791, 15795, 15798, 16791, 16795, 16798.

It seems to run a whole cycle, but is full of water at the end.

2

I found the tag. It looks like a model number 665.15798.790.

Where should I start?

3

I put some food coloring into the water in the first wash cycle to see if it drains between wash and rinse. It stayed blue at the end.

4

Remove the bottom panel. Disconnect the drain hose from the check valve (#15 on the attached picture). Be prepared to catch the water remaining inside the dishwasher. Unscrew the check valve and make sure it is clean inside.

In case if you would not be able to clean it or if some parts of it are missing, replace the check valve.

Gene.
Vertical motor pump picture.jpg (38.5 KB)

5

Thanks, I will look into the check valve. It will likely be the weekend before I have time.

6

You are welcome. Keep us posted.

Gene.

7

I took out the check valve and it seems to be clear as does the drain. Water seemed to run freely from the tub. I suppose, however, there could be a clog above the check valve connection that allowed water do seep through slowly and then pour out when the valve was removed. I can check that tomorrow. If that is not it, what is next, check the pump? If so, how do I do that? I might be able to cobble together some scrap tubing that I can adapt to the check valve and drain hose.

8

Do you have an air gap on top of the sink?

Gene.

9

No air gap. I have been holding back. This DW is hooked up in an unconventional and, perhaps, not code compliant way. I knew for a long time that it is not hooked to the plumbing on the double sink next to it. It is a raised house with an open crawl space. There is insulation between the joists so I never fully investigated. I can now see under the DW and it has its own trap next to the back wall.

10

If you can, disconnect the other end of the drain hose. Make a loop about 24" high and put the hose end in a large bucket. Run the dishwasher to see how it will drain. It will help you to determine if the problem is within the dishwasher or outside.

Gene.

11

Thanks, the other end of the hose would be a pain to get to so I have a plan to cobble together a hook up to the end of the check valve. I appreciate your height advice as well as specifying a LARGE bucket. I imagine that it does not take long for healthy pump to drain the whole amount.

12

I finally got around to the analysis. When I spliced a hose with a funnel onto the drain tube, I was able to pour water down the drain with no trouble. I hooked some flat discharge hose onto the check valve and expected to find that the pump did not work, but it did. The rate did not seem to match what I was warned about, but I decided to button it back up and give it a try. I was gratified to find that the DW cycled normally. I guess there might have been a clog somewhere that we inadvertently cleared.

Thanks

13

You are welcome. I’m glad it’s up and running.

Gene.