Amana Dishwasher Not Draining — Solved

<p>A Amana [dishwasher](/blog/repair-or-replace-dishwasher) experiencing not draining is one of the most frequently reported service issues for this brand. Whether you own a newer model or a unit that is several years old, this guide walks you through the brand-specific causes, model-by-model diagnostic differences, and the repair costs you can expect. Amana appliances have unique engineering choices that make generic troubleshooting guides insufficient — this guide focuses on what actually goes wrong in Amana units specifically.</p> <h2>Quick Answer</h2> <p>The most common causes of not draining in Amana dishwashers are: Clogged drain filter; Failed drain pump motor (Whirlpool WPW10348269); Drain hose blockage.</p> <h2>Affected Amana Models</h2> <p>This issue is most commonly reported on the following Amana dishwasher models:</p> <ul> <li><strong>ADB1400AGS (Standard — most common Amana dishwasher)</strong></li> <li><strong>ADB1700ADS (Tall Tub — same drain pump platform)</strong></li> <li><strong>ADB1400AGB (Black, same internal platform)</strong></li> <li><strong>ADB1400AGW (White, same internal platform)</strong></li> </ul> <h2>What Are the Common Causes?</h2> <h3>1. Clogged drain filter</h3> <p>Amana dishwashers use a removable filter assembly at the bottom of the tub; food debris accumulates faster in homes that do not pre-rinse dishes</p> <p>Across hundreds of Amana service calls, our technicians identify drain filter as the primary culprit when diagnosing not draining — solved.</p> <h3>2. Failed drain pump motor (Whirlpool WPW10348269)</h3> <p>same pump as Maytag and Whirlpool models; the impeller cracks or motor windings burn out after 5-8 years</p> <h3>3. Drain hose blockage</h3> <p>the corrugated drain hose running from pump to disposal gets clogged with grease buildup, especially in homes with heavy cooking</p> <h3>4. Garbage disposal knockout plug still in place</h3> <p>on new installations, the disposal knockout must be punched out; Amana dishwashers are common in new rental units where this is overlooked</p> <h3>5. Check valve stuck</h3> <p>the anti-backflow check valve in the drain assembly sticks closed from mineral deposits in hard water areas</p> <h2>Step-by-Step Troubleshooting</h2> <p>Before starting any troubleshooting on your Amana dishwasher, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the unit. For gas appliances, turn off the gas supply valve as well.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Identify your exact model:</strong> Locate the model number on the serial plate (typically inside the door frame, on the rear panel, or under the lid). Amana uses this to determine the exact parts and diagnostic procedures for your unit.</li> <li><strong>Check for error codes:</strong> If your Amana dishwasher has a digital display, note any error codes shown. These codes narrow the diagnosis to a specific component or system.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for clogged drain filter:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for failed drain pump motor (whirlpool wpw10348269):</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for drain hose blockage:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Test appliance operation:</strong> After addressing any obvious issues found during inspection, restore power and run a test cycle. Monitor for the first 10-15 minutes to see if the symptom recurs.</li> </ol> <h2>When Should You Call a Professional?</h2> <p>Contact a certified appliance repair technician if:</p> <ul> <li>The issue persists after basic troubleshooting steps above</li> <li>You notice electrical burning smell, sparking, or any sign of electrical damage</li> <li>The repair requires accessing gas connections or high-voltage components</li> <li>Your Amana dishwasher is within warranty — professional diagnosis preserves warranty coverage</li> </ul> <p>EasyBear technicians carry Amana OEM parts and model-specific diagnostic tools on every service call, eliminating return visits for parts ordering.</p> <p>Repair costs vary by the specific component that needs replacement. A professional diagnostic visit confirms the exact cost before any work begins.</p> <p>This range covers the most common causes listed above. The lower end represents simpler component replacements that can be completed in a single visit. The higher end involves more complex repairs such as sealed system work, major component replacement, or multiple failing parts. A professional diagnostic visit confirms the exact cost before any work begins.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>Where is the filter on an Amana dishwasher?</h3> <p>The filter assembly is at the bottom center of the tub. Remove the lower dish rack, then twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise to remove it. Clean both the fine mesh inner filter and the coarse outer filter under running water. Amana recommends monthly cleaning, but clean weekly if you do not pre-rinse dishes before loading.</p> <h3>How do I force drain an Amana dishwasher?</h3> <p>Press Cancel/Drain on the control panel to run the drain pump. If the controls are unresponsive, remove standing water manually with towels and a wet-dry vacuum positioned over the drain sump. To test the drain pump independently, enter diagnostic mode by pressing Heated Dry + Normal in sequence within 6 seconds.</p> <h3>Are Amana dishwasher parts expensive?</h3> <p>No — Amana uses standard Whirlpool-platform components that are widely available and affordable. The drain pump (WPW10348269) varies by model. Amana dishwashers are designed for easy repair with common tools, making them among the least expensive dishwashers to service.</p> <p><em>Still having issues with your Amana dishwasher? <a href="/book">Book an EasyBear technician</a> for expert Amana [dishwasher repair](/bay-area/services/dishwasher-repair). Our technicians carry OEM parts and brand-specific diagnostic equipment.</em></p>