Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Kenmore dishwasher won't drain

I have a 10 year old Kenmore dishwasher that won't drain. I can hear the pump go but no water coming out. Sometimes it will drain a little. Most times it won't. Should I call the Sears repair guy/gal? I'm not too handy (Honey, where is the screwdriver?

Thanks in advance.

A model # would be helpful, as a Kenmore could be manufactured by any of the big companies out there.
I suspect that it could be a clog in the drain hose, but could give a better answer with the model #

Sorry I didn't provide a model number. It is 363.1572590

Thanks! :o

Hi there. That Model number helps identify who the manufacturer is. It's made by GE.
First thing, is to advance the timer while the dishwasher is running, an listen for a firm 'click'. This is the drain solenoid engaging, and is necessary for it to drain. Make sure it does this several times throughout one cycle.
Next, make sure of no kinks in the drain hose. If there is a coupler in the hose, or where the hose connects under the sink, check if there is a piece of something stuck (by disconnecting the hose and poking a screwdriver into the coupler). The chunkies tend to stick in the couplers, and will cause a clog.
If that is ok, then my next suggestion, is to check a valve called a piston/nut. If this valve is deteriorated, instead of draining, the water will mostly flow back into the dishwaher, rather than down the drain. To get at it, locate a horizontal filter in the back of the inside of the tub. It is secured by 4 1/4" screws. Remove them and the cover. You will see the piston nut. Carefully unthread it from the tub, and inspect the rubber valve. This is a common problem in the age of machine you have.

If it's none of these, let me know

First of all, thank you Neal for responding.

I had the Sears guy come out and look at it. The motor was leaking water, dripping down. When he took off the front cover on the bottom of the dishwasher, I could see it leaking down. I'm glad it hasn't caused other problem, such as rotting my floor out.

The repairman said that the motor leak was probably causing an intermittent short in the solenoid. Cost of repair/replacement...about $350.

I'm going to get a new dishwasher. This one is too old to spend much money on.