The presents are unwrapped, the turkey is eaten, and the holiday guests are relaxing in the living room. But in the kitchen, a disaster is brewing. You open your dishwasher expecting sparkling clean plates, only to find a pool of murky water at the bottom.
On Boxing Day in Ottawa, dealing with a broken dishwasher—and a mountain of dirty dishes by hand—is the last thing you want to do.
If your dishwasher is not draining, leaving water in the bottom, or making strange grinding noises, don’t panic. At Yanfix, we know that post-holiday breakdowns are common due to heavy usage. We offer same-day dishwasher repair in Ottawa to save you from scrubbing pots and pans while everyone else enjoys the holiday break.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.
Why Dishwashers Fail After Holiday Meals
Why does this happen now? The answer is usually overload. During the holidays, we run our machines more frequently and often load dishes with more food residue (gravy, turkey bones, mashed potatoes) than usual.
This extra debris can quickly overwhelm filters and pumps. Additionally, Ottawa’s deep freeze in late December can cause drainage pipes to freeze if they run along exterior walls.
Top 3 Reasons Your Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Here are the most common culprits our technicians see in Kanata, Nepean, and Orleans after Christmas:
Clogged Filter or Drain Basket
This is the most frequent issue. Small bones, toothpicks, broken glass, or labels from new dishware can slip past the rack and block the filter.
- The Symptom: Water remains at the bottom, and dishes on the lower rack feel gritty.
- The Fix: Remove the bottom rack and inspect the filter cylinder. Clean it with hot soapy water.
Blocked Drain Hose or Air Gap
The hose connecting your dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal might be kinked or clogged with grease.
- The Symptom: Water drains slowly or backs up into the sink.
- The Fix: Check under the sink for kinks in the hose. If you have an air gap (a small cylinder near the faucet), clean it out.
Broken Drain Pump
If you hear a loud humming or grinding noise but the water isn’t moving, a piece of hard debris (like a bone or glass shard) may have jammed or broken the pump impeller.
- The Symptom: The machine makes noise but fails to empty.
- The Fix: This usually requires a professional replacement.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.
Troubleshooting: Try This Before Calling
Before you worry about the appliance repair cost, try these simple steps to reset your machine:
- Clear the Garbage Disposal: If your dishwasher drains into a disposal unit, run the disposal for 30 seconds to clear any blockage.
- Check for Frozen Pipes: If your kitchen is cold or the drain line runs along an outside wall, the water inside may have frozen. Open the cabinet doors to let warm air circulate.
- Perform a Hard Reset: Turn off the breaker to the dishwasher for 5 minutes, then turn it back on to reset the control board.
When to Call a Professional Immediately
If you have cleaned the filter and checked the hose, but the water still won’t go down, you need expert help. Running a clogged dishwasher can burn out the motor or cause a flood in your kitchen.
Call Yanfix if:
- You hear a loud grinding sound (check our guide on why your appliance is making noise).
- Water is leaking onto the floor.
- The dishwasher displays an error code (like “OE” on LG or “5E” on Samsung).
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.
Why Choose Yanfix for Post-Holiday Repairs?
We know that December 26th is a busy time. That’s why we keep our trucks fully stocked and ready to roll.
- Same-Day Service: We prioritize drainage issues because standing water can smell and cause damage.
- 15-Minute Response: We confirm your appointment fast.
- All Major Brands: From Bosch and Miele to Whirlpool and GE, we fix them all.
- Upfront Pricing: No hidden holiday fees. You approve the price before we start.
Prevention Tips for the New Year
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Modern enzymes need some food to work, but solid scraps (bones, corn cobs) must go in the trash.
- Run Hot Water First: Run the kitchen sink tap until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This helps dissolve grease and prevents freezing.
- Clean the Filter Monthly: Make this a New Year’s resolution for your home maintenance.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.
FAQ
Q: Why is there water in the bottom of my dishwasher?Â
A: A small amount of water (under 1 cup) is normal to keep seals moist. If the water covers the filter cap, you have a drainage issue.
Q: Can I put drain cleaner (Drano) in my dishwasher?Â
A: No! Never use chemical drain cleaners in a dishwasher. They can eat through the rubber seals and pump components, leading to massive leaks.
Q: How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher pump?Â
A: Pump replacements typically range from $200 to $350 depending on the brand. We provide a flat-rate quote upfront.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.
Don’t let a clogged dishwasher ruin your holiday relaxation. Whether it’s a simple blockage or a faulty pump, Yanfix can solve the problem quickly, so you don’t have to wash that mountain of dishes by hand.
Need help with your cleanup? Book Your Repair Online Now or call Yanfix at +1 613-913-30-23. We serve the entire Ottawa region, including Barrhaven, Westboro, and Gloucester, with same-day service.
