Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a chamber to receive dishes to be washed and a sump to receive liquid for recirculation to the chamber, the sump being positioned below the chamber. The dishwashing machine includes spray arms for spraying liquid on the dishes in the chamber to carry out the washing operation, including a pre-rinse of the dishes. A divider is positioned in the cabinet to separate the chamber and the sump. The divider includes a trough extending across the chamber and a valve is located at one end of the trough. The valve is operative in conjunction with the pre-rinse action to provide for egress of pre-rinse liquid from the chamber. The trough is provided with openings, above the normal level of liquid in the trough during prerinse, to provide liquid communication between the chamber and the sump. A nozzle is located adjacent the end of the trough opposite the valve and projects water axially along the trough to assist in removing refuse from the trough.