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Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 8-1

Low water / air in pump; no water to dishwasher; loose connection to fill valve; overfill switch stuck; drain…

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Low water / air in pump; no water to dishwasher; loose connection to fill valve; overfill switch stuck; drain loop detached; inlet screen or fill valve plugged; excessive suds; faulty fill valve drive circuit; water leaking.

First step from the service manual

Verify water supply is turned on and supply line adequate. Check resistances of fill valve solenoid and all connections in the Fill Circuit. Check float/overfill switch. Check for siphoning.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 8-1 means on a Kenmore dishwasher

The 8-1 error code indicates the control board has detected a slow drain condition. During the drain cycle, the board monitors how long it takes for water to evacuate the sump. When water is not clearing within the expected time window, it logs 8-1. The two main hardware causes are a restricted drain path, anywhere from the sump check valve through the drain hose to the household plumbing connection, or a fractured/damaged drain pump impeller that cannot move water efficiently even when the pump motor is running.

For homeowners, this error means your dishwasher tried to pump water out but the water did not drain fast enough. This can happen because something is blocking the path the water travels, such as food debris clogging the drain hose, a garbage disposer knockout plug that was never removed, a kinked drain hose, or a clogged drain loop check valve. It can also mean the drain pump itself is damaged internally, specifically a broken impeller, which is the spinning blade inside the pump that pushes water through the hose.

In most cases, this error is caused by a blockage rather than a failed pump, so checking the entire drain path first before replacing parts is the right approach. Always disconnect power before inspecting any components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 8-1

  1. 01

    Blocked or kinked drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    Food debris, grease buildup, or a physical kink in the drain hose can restrict water flow enough to trigger 8-1. The dishwasher cannot evacuate water within the expected time, so the control board flags a slow drain.

  2. 02

    Plugged garbage disposer or knockout plug not removed

    Wiring / connection

    If the drain hose connects to a garbage disposer, a clogged disposer or an un-removed knockout plug will block water from exiting the dishwasher entirely. This is a common cause on new installations.

  3. 03

    Clogged or stuck drain loop check valve

    Wiring / connection

    The drain loop check valve prevents backflow of water into the dishwasher. If it becomes stuck closed or is plugged with debris, water cannot pass through during the drain cycle, causing the 8-1 error.

  4. 04

    Fractured or damaged drain pump impeller

    Part replacement

    If the plastic impeller inside the drain pump is cracked or broken, the pump motor may run but water will not move effectively. This requires replacing the drain pump assembly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 8-1

What does error code 8-1 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Error code 8-1 means the dishwasher detected a slow drain condition. The control board determined that water was not evacuating from the sump quickly enough during the drain cycle. The cause is either a blockage somewhere in the drain path, such as a clogged hose, plugged garbage disposer, or stuck check valve, or a damaged drain pump impeller that cannot move water properly.
How do I fix error code 8-1 on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Start by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off power at the breaker. Inspect the entire drain path: check the sump check valve, the drain hose for kinks or clogs, the garbage disposer connection for blockages or an un-removed knockout plug, and the drain loop check valve. Clear any obstructions and run a drain cycle. If the error returns after the drain path is clear, the drain pump impeller is likely damaged and the pump assembly will need replacement.
Can I still use my Kenmore dishwasher when it shows the 8-1 error?
Running the dishwasher with an active 8-1 error is not recommended. If water is not draining properly, it will sit in the bottom of the tub and can cause odors, sanitation issues, and potential water damage if it backs up. Resolve the drain blockage or replace the damaged pump before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to fix the 8-1 error on a Kenmore dishwasher?
If the cause is a blockage, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. Clearing a clogged drain hose, removing a garbage disposer knockout plug, or cleaning a check valve requires no parts. If the drain pump impeller is fractured and the pump assembly needs replacement, a DIY repair typically costs $25 to $75 in parts depending on the model. A professional service call adds $100 to $200 or more in labor.
How do I know if my drain pump is bad or if it is just a clog causing the 8-1 code?
Check the entire drain path first. Remove and inspect the drain hose for debris, verify the garbage disposer connection is clear, and confirm the check valve moves freely. If every part of the drain path is unobstructed and the dishwasher still drains slowly or not at all, the problem is likely a damaged impeller inside the drain pump. You can often hear the difference: a pump with a broken impeller will hum or run but water will not move, while a blocked hose may cause the pump to sound strained or produce gurgling.

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