Wait… There’s Water Sitting in the Dishwasher?
You open the dishwasher, and—uh oh—there’s water pooling at the bottom. First thought: “Did it not drain? Did I break it? Am I about to spend $300 on a repair I didn’t sign up for?”
Don’t panic just yet. A bit of water in your dishwasher might not be a bad sign at all. In fact, in some cases, it’s totally normal. The trick is knowing when it’s no big deal… and when it’s a red flag waving like crazy.
So, let’s break it down together, shall we?
When It’s Totally Normal to See Water
Here’s something you might not know: most dishwashers actually leave a little water behind on purpose. Weird, right?
Why? Well, some models keep a small amount of clean water in the sump (that little spot at the bottom) to:
- Prevent the pump seals from drying out
- Stop bad smells from creeping in
- Be ready for the next cycle quicker
So if there’s about a cup or less of clean water, and it doesn’t smell funky or look murky—congrats! Your dishwasher’s probably just doing its thing.
Try thinking of it this way: it’s like how a car radiator keeps a bit of coolant even when it’s “off.” It’s not a leak—it’s just being smart.
Signs Something Isn’t Right
Now, if you’re staring at a pool of water that looks like the aftermath of a dishwashing flood, that’s a different story.
Here’s when you should raise an eyebrow:
- Water looks dirty or murky
- It smells like… something died in there
- You hear strange gurgling or it takes forever to drain
- There’s way more than a small puddle
These signs usually point to a drainage problem—and nope, that’s not something you should ignore for days.
What Causes Standing Water? (And What You Can Do About It)
Let’s play detective. If it’s not normal water, here are some suspects:
- Clogged Filter – Gunk builds up fast. Food particles, grease, even labels from jars can mess things up.
- Blocked Drain Hose – If the hose is kinked or clogged, the water’s not going anywhere.
- Garbage Disposal Connection Issue – Yep, your dishwasher and disposal might be BFFs. If the disposal’s clogged, it can mess up the dishwasher too.
- Broken Drain Pump – Worst-case scenario, the pump isn’t doing its job.
Quick Tip: Before calling for help, check and clean your dishwasher’s filter (usually under the bottom rack). It’s like clearing a hairball out of a drain—gross, but satisfying.
Can You Leave Water in the Dishwasher Overnight?
In a word: maybe.
If it’s just a little clean water? Sure, no problem.
But if it’s dirty standing water, you really shouldn’t. Bacteria love that stuff. Think of it as giving mold a VIP invite to your kitchen.
Imagine this: the heat and moisture inside a closed dishwasher? It’s basically a spa for mildew. Ew.
So yeah—if you notice a water buildup that’s not supposed to be there, best to tackle it sooner rather than later.
Conclusion: So, Is It OK?
Here’s the gist:
- A small amount of clean water = totally normal
- A large amount of dirty water = you’ve got some maintenance to do
When in doubt, open that dishwasher, take a sniff, and peek inside. Your nose and eyes are pretty solid diagnostic tools.
And remember, your dishwasher’s not being dramatic. If it’s sitting with water for a reason, it’s trying to tell you something. Now you know how to listen.