8-1 Moderate Easy DIY

KitchenAid Dishwasher 8-1 Error — Slow Drain

KitchenAid Dishwasher · Error code 8-1

What 8-1 Means

8-1 means the dishwasher is draining slowly — water is not leaving the tub in the expected time.

Symptoms

  • Standing water in the tub
  • Clean light flashing 8-1

Common Causes

1
Drain blockage

A clog in the filter, drain hose, or disposal connection.

2
Failing drain pump

A weak drain pump cannot clear the water.

How to Fix It

  1. Clean the filter and clear the drain hose/disposal connection.
  2. Check the drain pump for debris.
  3. Replace the drain pump if draining is still slow.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common replacement Dishwasher Drain Pump View on Amazon→

More KitchenAid Dishwasher Codes

6-1 6-1 Error — No Water Detected 7-1 7-1 Error — Heating Element Failure F0E4 F0E4 — Wash Motor Communication Error F2E1 F2E1 — Stuck Key on Control Panel F3E1 F3E1 — Thermistor / OWI Sensor Failure F4E1 F4E1 — Heating Element / Heater Fault

All KitchenAid codes → All dishwasher codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.