Problem summary
Your KENWOOD KDW6 dishwasher is not draining water at the end of the cycle and may not be completing its programme. Water stays in the drum after the cycle ends, or drains very slowly. This is a common fault pattern we see on this model family.
Likely causes
Based on service records, drainage faults on the KDW6 range are most often caused by:
Pump failure (most likely) The drain pump moves water out of the dishwasher. If it fails or becomes blocked, water cannot leave the drum. Debris such as food particles, glass fragments, or detergent buildup can jam the pump impeller, or the pump motor itself may have failed.
Motor issues The motor that drives the pump may be faulty, preventing water from being expelled even if the pump itself is intact.
Control board (PCB) failure The electronic circuit board controls when the pump activates. A fault here can prevent drainage signals from being sent, leaving water trapped inside.
Why this needs an engineer
The drain pump, motor, and control board all involve sealed electrical or mechanical components that require safe disconnection from the mains supply, specialist tools, and testing equipment to diagnose and repair correctly. Attempting to disassemble the pump or access the motor yourself risks electric shock, water damage, or further component failure.
A qualified engineer will: - Isolate the appliance safely from the mains - Check the drain pump for blockages and electrical continuity - Test the motor and PCB with diagnostic equipment - Replace any faulty parts and verify the cycle completes with proper drainage
When to call SMC Services
If your KDW6 is not draining, contact us for a repair visit. Do not continue to run the dishwasher, as standing water can cause odours and damage internal seals over time. Bring a note of any error codes displayed on the control panel, if visible.
If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2-3 working days.