"Dealing with a malfunctioning Bosch dishwasher that refuses to drain can be quite frustrating, and sometimes the issue lies within the drain pump. Therefore, it is crucial to perform a diagnostic test on the Bosch dishwasher drain pump and address any problems that may arise.
Conducting a Bosch drain pump test enables you to pinpoint the specific issue responsible for the dishwasher's drainage problems. This test can help you determine whether the motor is non-functional or if there's an issue with the impeller seal.
There are typically two main reasons why a Bosch dishwasher may struggle to drain properly.
Firstly, the dishwasher may fail to drain effectively due to blockages in the drain pump or the presence of obstructions hindering water flow towards the drainage system.
Secondly, the problem could originate from the drain motor, which, once again, can impede the drain pump's ability to remove water from the dishwasher.
In this guide, I will address both of these issues, providing you with clear instructions on how to resolve them, ensuring that your dishwasher drains efficiently after each wash cycle."
Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting Not Draining
All dishwashers, whether they are made by General Electric, Whirlpool, Bosch, or Frigidaire, are equipped with a drain pump responsible for expelling water through a hose connected to either the sink's garbage disposal or the air gap.
When your dishwasher is unable to drain water effectively, it's probable that there is a blockage or a disruption somewhere along this drainage pathway.
Therefore, if you're experiencing issues with the drain pump in your Bosch dishwasher, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Clean the filter.
- Remove any obstructions from the air gap.
- Ensure the drain hose is clean and free from blockages."
1. Clean the Filter
Within your Bosch dishwasher, there is a built-in screen at the dishwasher's base, designed to prevent debris from entering and obstructing the drain hose. Nevertheless, there are occasions when small food particles can bypass this screen and cause blockages in the drain hose.
Should you come across sizable pieces of food or glassware inside the dishwasher, it is advisable to remove them prior to commencing the rinse cycle.
Following this step, assess whether the dishwasher can effectively complete its drainage process. If the issue persists, consider examining the air gap as an alternative solution."
2. Remove Clogs from the Air Gap
"Within your Bosch dishwasher, there is a built-in screen at the dishwasher's base, designed to prevent debris from entering and obstructing the drain hose. Nevertheless, there are occasions when small food particles can bypass this screen and cause blockages in the drain hose.
Should you come across sizable pieces of food or glassware inside the dishwasher, it is advisable to remove them prior to commencing the rinse cycle.
Following this step, assess whether the dishwasher can effectively complete its drainage process. If the issue persists, consider examining the air gap as an
Here are the steps to follow:
- Disconnect the drain hose from the air gap and allow water to drain out of the hose.
- Inspect the drain hose for any blockages that might be hindering its function.
- Run a rinse cycle on the dishwasher while holding the drain hose over a bucket. This will help you determine if there are any obstructions in the hose.
- If you cannot remove the contents from the dishwasher, the issue may be inside the plumbing. You can attempt to clear the blockage using a plumbing snake or a wire hanger.
- If you can't locate the blockage in the section of the drain beneath the sink, it's likely located behind the dishwasher.
- Most drain hoses pass through a hole in the cabinet, so you might need to uninstall the dishwasher for a more thorough inspection.
- To do this, you can unscrew the brackets connecting the top of the dishwasher to the underside of the counter.
- You may also need to lower the dishwasher's height by adjusting its feet to create more space at the top.
- If there are no issues with these three components and your Bosch dishwasher still doesn't drain at the end of the cycle, it's highly probable that there's a problem with the drain pump.
How Do I Know My Bosch Dishwasher Drain Pump Is Bad?
"The last situation you want to encounter is a non-draining dishwasher. However, even with the quality of a Bosch model, there's a possibility that the drain pump could malfunction and require a full replacement.
So, how can you identify if the drain pump in your Bosch dishwasher is malfunctioning? Well, you'll recognize that your Bosch dishwasher's drain pump is faulty when:"
1. The Dishwasher Doesn’t Drain at All
"When the drain pump in your Bosch dishwasher is not functioning properly, it results in the dishwasher's inability to drain water. The appliance will come to a halt, unable to eliminate the water from its compartment and consequently incapable of directing it into your home's drainage system.
Furthermore, if the dishwasher were to continue operating with the same water, your dishes would emerge much dirtier than they were before."
2. The Unit Takes Long to Drain
"The primary function of a drain pump is to expedite the dishwasher's drainage process. Therefore, when your Bosch dishwasher's drain pump is functioning correctly, the appliance should be able to drain completely within a few minutes.
If you observe an extended draining time, significantly longer than usual, it's highly probable that the drain pump has deteriorated."
Pros and Cons of Bosch Dishwashers
Pros
It cleans even stubborn stains completely
Fast cycle times
It dries dishes
Cons
- Controls can be finicky
Differences Between Bosch Dishwashers and Bosch 800 Series Dishwashers
Bosch:
As the name suggests, Silence Plus dishwashers are known for their quiet operation. They typically have a noise level of around 44-46 decibels (dBA), which is considered very quiet.
Bosch 800 Series:
Bosch 800 Series dishwashers are also designed for quiet operation, but they may have a slightly higher noise level, typically around 42-44 dBA.
Alternative to Bosch Dishwasher
Frigidaire Gallery FGID2479SF
Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers are known for their value and performance. The FGID2479SF comes with features like OrbitClean spray arm and EvenDry for better drying.
3. There’s Standing Water After A Wash Cycle
"After a full wash cycle, there should not be any residual water left in the dishwasher. However, if you do find water remaining inside the appliance, there is a strong likelihood that the drain pump is defective."
4. Bosch Dishwasher Makes a Low Humming Sound
"It's advisable to be attentive to any unusual sounds that could signal issues with your dishwasher's drainage.
For instance, if you notice a persistent, low-level buzzing noise coming from your Bosch dishwasher, there is a strong probability that foreign objects have become lodged in the drain pump.
As previously mentioned, each Bosch dishwasher features an impeller within the drain pump responsible for pushing water through the pipe. If foreign objects from the dishwasher manage to reach the pump, they can hinder the impeller's rotation, causing difficulties in proper drainage."
Where is the Drain Pump on a Bosch Dishwasher?
"The drain pump of a Bosch dishwasher is located beneath the sprayer arm, a component responsible for distributing water within the dishwasher.
This pump is equipped with both top and bottom impellers. If these impellers become obstructed by dirt, debris, or detergent residue, it can lead to drainage issues in the unit."
How to test Bosch Dishwasher Drain Pump with Multimeter
To test the dishwasher pump using a multimeter:
- Begin by removing the retaining cap of the sprayer arm.
- Proceed to remove various components covering the drain pump, including the spray arm, food disposer blade, upper impeller, screen, pump housing, bolt, O-ring, spacer plate, impeller hood, flat plate, and bottom impeller.
- Set your multimeter to the Rx1 mode.
- It's important to note that you are conducting a continuity test, aiming for a reading of zero or close to zero.
- Test the ground connection by placing one of the probes on the housing's bare metal surface while keeping the other probe on a terminal. Ensure that this test does not yield any results.
- If your test results differ from the expected outcomes mentioned above, it indicates a faulty drain pump. In such a case, you will need to replace the pump to ensure proper drainage in your Bosch dishwasher.
Bosch Dishwasher Drain Pump Replacement
Drain pumps play a vital role in Bosch dishwashers, but they are subject to wear and tear over time. If you've conducted a multimeter test on your dishwasher and found that it did not pass the continuity test, it's advisable to promptly consider replacing the drain pump.
Conclusion
The Bosch dishwasher drain pump test is a crucial diagnostic procedure for ensuring the efficient functioning of your dishwasher. The drain pump is a vital component responsible for proper drainage, and issues with it can lead to various problems, including standing water in the dishwasher.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, such as checking for clogs, testing continuity with a multimeter, and listening for unusual noises, you can pinpoint and address drain pump issues promptly.
Remember that a well-maintained and functional drain pump is essential for a clean and hassle-free dishwasher experience. Regular maintenance and timely replacement, when necessary, can extend the life of your Bosch dishwasher and keep it operating at its best."
