Dishwasher Repair in Knoxville: Not Draining or Not Filling

Why a dishwasher won't fill or drain, the checks Whirlpool gives owners, what Knoxville's moderately hard water means for spots, and when to call.

If it won't fill, Whirlpool says the water supply valve, usually under the sink, must be completely open. If the door was opened during a cycle or the power blinked, the Start/Resume light may be flashing: press it and close the door within 3 seconds.

If water is left in the bottom, Whirlpool says to turn the dishwasher off at the breaker first, not just at the control panel, then take out and rinse the filters under the bottom rack. If a garbage disposal was just installed, the knockout plug in the disposal's inlet may still be in place and will stop the dishwasher draining. A kinked drain hose under the sink does the same. Whirlpool says to call for service if that doesn't fix it, or if there are leaks, electrical problems, unclear error codes, a breaker that keeps tripping, or a burning smell.

Spots and film are usually not a repair. KUB says its water, from the Tennessee River, is moderately hard, and its 2025 water quality report lists an average hardness of 94 ppm. That is well below the 15 grains per gallon (roughly 257 ppm) that Whirlpool calls extremely hard and says can damage a dishwasher. Whirlpool says rinse aid helps control hard water deposits. Outside KUB's water area, ask your own water utility.

Common jobs

• Dishwashers that won't drain
• Dishwashers that won't fill or start
• Leaks under the door or onto the floor
• Dishes not getting clean or dry
• Error codes and flashing lights

Have this ready when you call

• Brand, model and serial number (often on the edge of the tub frame, visible with the door open)
• Whether it fills, drains, or neither, and any error code or flashing light
• Whether a garbage disposal was recently installed
• Whether water has leaked onto the floor
• Your neighborhood or town

Common questions