Unplug the dishwasher before any hands-on inspection. If the machine stopped mid-cycle there may be hot water in the base — have a towel and shallow tray ready.

Open the door and remove the lower basket. Unscrew the cylindrical coarse filter anti-clockwise and lift it out. Then lift out the flat fine mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both under warm running water, scrubbing all mesh surfaces thoroughly with a toothbrush. On Indesit dishwashers, food grease and fine debris accumulate quickly in the fine mesh filter and restrict drainage flow well below the pump threshold needed to clear the tub.

With the filter parts removed, shine a torch into the sump cavity. Check for glass fragments, bone chips, or solid debris near the pump entrance. Locate the impeller and try to turn it very gently with a non-metallic implement such as a wooden chopstick. It should rotate with slight resistance.

Pull the dishwasher slightly forward and trace the drain hose along its full length. Straighten any kinks. The hose end should be inserted no more than 10 to 12 cm into the standpipe — deeper insertion creates a syphon. The hose should also loop upward to at least 40 cm above floor level before descending to the waste connection.

Refit both filter parts and lock them firmly. Replace the lower basket. Plug in and run a Quick Wash. You should hear the pump activate within 60 seconds and water should flow through the drain hose.