KitchenAid KDTM404KPS Dishwasher Not Draining: Causes & Fixes

Model overview

The KDTM404KPS is a 24-inch fully integrated dishwasher with a PrintShield stainless steel finish, a FreeFlex third rack, and a ProWash cycle that uses soil sensors to adjust wash time and temperature automatically. It fits 16 place settings across five cycles (ProWash, Tough, Normal, Express Wash, and Rinse Only) and runs at 44 dBA.

One sump and pump assembly at the bottom of the tub handles both wash-water circulation and draining, so a blockage anywhere in that path affects drainage regardless of which cycle was run.

Common symptoms

Water pools in the bottom of the tub after a cycle finishes, sometimes with a gurgling sound partway through the drain phase. Food debris may be visible floating in the standing water, and on some cycles the dishwasher stops early instead of completing normally.

Possible causes

• A clogged removable filter at the bottom of the tub
• Food debris built up in the sump area around the pump inlet
• A kinked, clogged, or improperly looped drain hose
• A stuck check valve (in the drain hose or air gap) letting water flow back in
• A failed drain pump or motor
• On a new install, the garbage disposal's drain knockout plug not removed
• A control board that isn't triggering the drain cycle correctly

What you can check

• Remove and rinse the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub under running water
• Clear any visible food debris from the sump area around the filter housing
• Check the drain hose behind the unit for kinks or a low spot that traps water
• Confirm the garbage disposal's knockout plug was removed if this is a new installation
• Check the air gap or high-loop fitting under the sink for a clog
• Run a Rinse Only cycle after clearing debris to confirm whether it now drains

What a technician checks

A technician confirms the filter and accessible drain path are already clear, then checks whether the drain pump runs at all during the drain phase — a silent pump points to a wiring or motor fault, while a running pump with no drainage points to a downstream blockage or a stuck check valve.

From there, the sequence covers the pump's electrical supply and connectors, the check valve for debris or a stuck position, and the control board's drain-cycle output. If the kitchen sink or disposal backs up at the same time, the household drain line itself — not the dishwasher — is usually the real cause.

Common parts that may be involved

• Drain pump/motor assembly
• Check valve
• Drain hose
• Sump and filter assembly
• Control board

When to call a technician

Call for service if the filter and accessible drain path are clear but water still remains after a cycle, if the pump makes no sound during the drain phase, or if the problem returns right after a reset. Recurring drainage problems with no visible blockage usually mean the pump, wiring, or control circuit needs testing.