The drainage system of a dishwasher is designed to remove food particles and detergent residue from the wash and rinse cycles. The process typically involves:

Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix Garbage Disposal Connection Issues

The garbage disposal and dishwasher share a common drainage pathway. When functioning correctly, both systems allow for the smooth flow of waste and water into the sewer line. However, issues can arise when:

This guide covers why this happens and provides step-by-step solutions, including the #1 reason for new installations: a forgotten knockout plug. The Top 5 Causes of Dishwasher Drain Issues