If you see these, turn off the machine and unplug it (or flip the circuit breaker). Water and electricity don’t mix.
If the sump area is clear, the blockage might be deeper in the pump housing or the drain hose.
In those cases, a replacement pump costs £30–£60 online, but fitting it requires disconnecting wiring and hose clamps. Unless you’re confident with DIY electrics, pay for an hour of a technician’s time.
Put everything back in reverse order. Don’t overtighten the pump cover – hand‑tight plus a quarter turn is plenty.
Inside you’ll find the impeller – a small plastic fan‑like wheel. This is what gets jammed.
Here’s how to diagnose, access, and clear a blocked dishwasher pump safely.