Dishwasher Won't Drain
The dishwasher is not draining. The 9 codes below are the ones whose manufacturer wording describes this condition. Open a code for the checks and the escalation advice listed for it.
Which error codes can cause this problem?
Codes are grouped by brand. Each one links to its own page with the full checklist and the manufacturer source.
Samsung
LG
Bosch
- E18Water flow problem: the water level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly; inlet flow should be about 10 L/min.
- E22Can be caused by a blocked dishwasher filter, a blocked drain pump or loose drain pump cover, a kinked or sharply bent drain pump hose, or a clogged airgap/drain hose.
- E24The dishwasher is not draining properly, typically due to a blocked drain filter, a loose drain pump cover, a kinked hose, a clogged airgap, or a garbage-disposal knockout plug left in place.
- E25The drain pump is blocked or the drain pump cover is loose or missing.
Whirlpool
- F9E1Long drain condition - the dishwasher is not draining. Whirlpool lists checks for the filter, drain hose, sink disposer, and air gap, then a power cycle.
- F9E2Drain motor error. Whirlpool lists drain-path checks (disposer knockout, clogs, kinked hose, hose routing), then a power cycle; service if it returns.
Browse all dishwasher error codes
What to check first
These are the checks the manufacturer support page lists for each code. Brands word their checks differently, so they are shown per code.
Shared by several codes:
- power-cycle the appliance. Bosch E22, Bosch E25
- then power-cycle for 30 seconds. Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool F9E2
Samsung 5C — 1 check
- Check the sink drain and garbage disposal for clogs (make sure the disposal cap is removed), check the drain hose is not kinked, pinched, or frozen and is installed with a high loop or air gap, run sink water for about 30 seconds to confirm the plumbing drains, and clean the filter and drain area.
Samsung 5C2 — 2 checks
- Try to force a drain (for example by cancelling the cycle) and listen;
- with the power disconnected, remove the lower rack and the filter and inspect the sump for debris that could jam the impeller.
LG OE — 5 checks
- Remove larger food debris and clean the filter (remove the lower rack, turn the mesh filter counterclockwise, rinse the parts, reassemble).
- Straighten a kinked drain hose and leave no slack behind the unit;
- drain hose end must sit at least 12 in (305 mm) above the floor and no more than 40 in above the base.
- Clean the sink air gap and, on new installations, confirm the garbage-disposal knockout plug was removed.
- Force-drain with the Cancel & Drain option (e.g., hold DELICATE + DUAL CONTROL) or b
Bosch E18 — 4 checks
- Switch off and unplug the appliance;
- check the inlet and outlet hoses aren't trapped or kinked;
- disconnect the inlet hose, open the water supply into a bucket to confirm about 10 L/min flow, then reattach;
- remove and clean the detachable inlet-hose filter under the tap.
Bosch E22 — 4 checks
- Clean the dishwasher filter;
- check the drain pump hose and drain hose for kinks or sharp bends;
- check the airgap and drain hose for clogs;
- power-cycle the appliance.
Bosch E24 — 3 checks
- Check the inlet hose isn't kinked;
- remove the filter and make sure the drain pump cover underneath isn't loose;
- if the drain hose connects to a garbage disposal, confirm its knockout plug was removed.
Bosch E25 — 3 checks
- Remove the filter and check the drain pump cover underneath is seated and not loose;
- check the drain hose for kinks;
- power-cycle the appliance.
Whirlpool F9E1 — 5 checks
- Clean the filter thoroughly under running water;
- check the drain hose for kinks, pinches, or clogs from the back of the dishwasher to the sink;
- if connected to a disposer, make sure it is clear and the knockout plug was removed;
- clear the air gap if used;
- then power-cycle for 30 seconds.
Whirlpool F9E2 — 5 checks
- Make sure the garbage disposer knockout plug was removed (new installation);
- check the disposer and drain for clogs;
- straighten a kinked drain hose;
- verify the drain hose is routed correctly;
- then power-cycle for 30 seconds.
Common causes
Conditions the manufacturer support pages name for these codes.
- A blocked or dirty filter Samsung 5C, Samsung 5C2, LG OE, Bosch E18, Bosch E22, Bosch E24, Bosch E25, Whirlpool F9E1
- A kinked, bent, or pinched hose Samsung 5C, LG OE, Bosch E18, Bosch E22, Bosch E24, Bosch E25, Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool F9E2
- A blocked, kinked, or incorrectly installed drain hose or standpipe Samsung 5C, LG OE, Bosch E22, Bosch E24, Bosch E25, Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool F9E2
- Debris or a blockage in the water path Samsung 5C, Samsung 5C2, LG OE, Bosch E22, Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool F9E2
- A pump or motor that is not turning freely Samsung 5C2, Whirlpool F9E2
- A loose or missing drain pump cover Bosch E24, Bosch E25
When to call a professional
What the manufacturer support pages say about escalating each code.
- If the dishwasher still won't drain after these checks, contact Samsung service. Samsung 5C
- If the code persists after the checks above, contact Samsung service. Samsung 5C2
- If OE reappears after cleaning the filter, straightening the hose, and checking the air gap/disposal, request a repair. LG OE
- If the fault persists after the hose/filter checks, book an engineer. Bosch E18
- If the error remains after cleaning the filter and checking hoses/airgap. Bosch E22
- If the problem persists after the checks, book an engineer. Bosch E24
- If the pump cover is seated but the error persists. Bosch E25
- If the dishwasher still does not drain after these checks, schedule service. Whirlpool F9E1
- If the error code returns after the power cycle / checks above, schedule service. Whirlpool F9E2
Regional differences
These codes are described separately for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Samsung 5C
United States: The dishwasher cannot drain (drain error).
United Kingdom: The control expects the water level to drop during draining but detects no change (drain fault).
LG OE
United States: Drain (outlet) error: the unit has detected a drain problem - the tub is not draining - usually from food clogs in the filter or an installation issue such as a kinked, too-high, or too-long drain hose.
United Kingdom: Water outlet error: the code appears when the tub is not fully drained. Causes include residue clogging the filter or a pressed/bent water outlet hose.
Bosch E24
United States: The dishwasher is not draining properly, typically due to a blocked drain filter, a loose drain pump cover, a kinked hose, a clogged airgap, or a garbage-disposal knockout plug left in place.
United Kingdom: The appliance is not draining properly due to a blockage.
Official sources
- Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code
- What do the error codes on my Dishwasher mean?
- OE Error Code - Dishwasher | LG USA Support
- Dishwasher Error Codes | Support | Bosch
- F9E1 - Dishwasher
- F9E2 - Dishwasher
Every explanation on this page follows the manufacturer support page for the code it comes from.
If you see water on the floor, smell burning, or the official page says to call service, stop and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.