A dishwasher drain pump is the small electric pump at the bottom of the tub that pushes used wash and rinse water out through the drain hose, into the sink drain or garbage disposal. It runs between wash stages and at the end of the cycle, and many models pair it with a filter or chopper to catch debris.
Why it matters to you
A jammed or failed drain pump leaves standing water in the tub, which can smell, stop the cycle with an error, or leak under the cabinets. Broken glass, bones, and seeds are common reasons a pump jams.
Practical guidance
Clean the dishwasher filter regularly and scrape plates before loading. If water stays in the tub, check the filter and the drain hose for a kink; a pump that hums without draining needs a repair pro.