KitchenAid Dishwasher 8-1 Error: Drain Pump Failure
What Does KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 8-1 Mean? The 8-1 blink code on a KitchenAid dishwasher — eight blinks of the Clean light, a pause, then one blink — signals a drain pump failure. After each wash and rinse stage, the control board commands the drain pump to evacuate the tub within a set number […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A dishwasher that cannot drain will not complete cycles and the standing water becomes a hygiene concern within 24 hours. Do not run further cycles until the drain path is cleared or the pump is repaired.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A breaker reset followed by pressing Cancel can trigger a fresh drain attempt. If the clog has been cleared, this drains the tub and resets the fault. A seized or dead pump will not respond to any reset.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Standing water remains after filter cleaning and a fresh drain attempt, Drain pump makes no sound at all when drain is commanded.
Symptoms You May Notice
Standing water remains in the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends
Opening the dishwasher door reveals two to three inches of murky water sitting in the sump, indicating the drain pump never completed its evacuation.
Clean light blinks eight times, pauses, then once
The 8-1 blink pattern appears after the failed drain attempt and the cycle cannot advance to the next stage.
Gurgling sound during drain stage followed by silence
The pump starts, makes a brief gurgling or humming noise, then goes quiet before the water is fully removed.
Possible Causes
Clogged drain filter or drain path
The cylindrical and flat filter screens at the bottom of the tub are packed with food debris, restricting flow to the drain pump impeller.
DIY PossibleBlocked or kinked drain hose
The drain hose running from the pump to the sink drain or garbage disposal has a kink, clog, or has lost its high-loop, allowing water to siphon back.
DIY PossibleFailed drain pump motor
The pump impeller has seized due to a foreign object or the pump motor windings have burned out, preventing any drainage.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the filter assembly
Remove the lower rack. Turn the cylindrical filter counterclockwise to unlock it and lift it out along with the flat mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both parts under warm water, scrubbing with a soft brush to remove food debris. Reinstall the filters and run a drain cycle.
KitchenAid recommends monthly filter cleaning. A filter clogged with food pulp is the most common cause of drain failures on KDTM and KDTE models.
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2
Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs
Open the cabinet under the sink. Follow the corrugated drain hose from the back of the dishwasher to where it connects to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Look for sharp bends, kinks, or a connection that has slipped. Confirm the hose forms a high loop near the top of the cabinet (at least 20 inches above the floor) before descending to the drain.
A drain hose without a proper high loop allows water from the sink drain to siphon back into the dishwasher — this is a common cause of apparent drain failures and can mimic a pump fault.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Pump impeller is jammed by a foreign object that cannot be safely removed from above
- Pump motor reads open or shorted winding resistance on a multimeter
- Drain hose is clear and high-looped but water still does not drain
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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