KitchenAid dishwasher F9E1 code: long drain, not draining
- Urgency
- Medium
- Who can fix it
- Easy DIY
- Time
- About 30 min
- Repair cost
- $120–$350
The dishwasher is taking too long to drain. A dirty filter, a kinked drain hose or a blocked garbage disposal is the usual cause.
Likely causes
Listed from most to least common.
- Filter clogged with food waste
- Drain hose kinked, pinched or clogged
- Garbage disposal clogged, or knockout plug not removed on a new disposal
- Blocked air gap on the sink
- Too many suds from the wrong detergent
How to fix the F9E1 code
Unplug the dishwasher or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.
Step 1: Clean the filter
Remove the bottom rack, twist out the filter and rinse it under running water. Scrub off grease with a soft brush.
Step 2: Run the garbage disposal
If the dishwasher drains into a disposal, run it with water to clear food waste. On a new disposal, check that the knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet was removed.
Step 3: Check the drain hose
Look under the sink for kinks or pinches in the hose between the dishwasher and the sink. Straighten any you find.
Step 4: Clear the air gap
If your sink has an air gap, pull off its cap and clean out any debris.
Step 5: Reset and restart
Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power and run a short cycle.
You'll need: Soft brush, flashlight, towels.
Parts that may need replacing
Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.
- KitchenAid dishwasher filterCheck prices
- KitchenAid dishwasher drain hoseCheck prices
When to call a technician
If the filter, hose, disposal and air gap are all clear and the code comes back, the drain pump may have failed. A technician can test and replace it.
A typical repair for this code costs $120–$350 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.
Models this applies to
- Top-control dishwashers (KDTE, KDTM and KDPM series)
- Front-control dishwashers (KDFE series)
- Models without a display that flash the Clean light
Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from KitchenAid support.
Common questions
›Why does my new KitchenAid dishwasher show F9E1?
On new installs, the most common cause is a knockout plug left in a new garbage disposal. Remove the plug and the dishwasher should drain.
›Can I keep using the dishwasher with F9E1?
Not until it drains. Standing water will stay in the tub. Clean the filter and check the drain hose first, as these fix most cases.