GE Dishwasher Not Draining | Reasons & Troubleshooting Tips

No doubt, General Electric is a trusted brand. Like other appliances, dishwashers from the GE is great too.

However, sometimes you may wonder why is GE dishwasher not draining and what to do about it like many people.

So, in this article, we’ll explain why your dishwasher won’t drain and how to fix it.

Reasons Behind GE Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Generally, you will see a little amount of water stay in the dishwasher after cleaning your dishes.

However, if more than 1 or 2 cups of water remain in the tub you need to repair it. This issue is caused by some factors.

Let’s learn what they are and how to solve them.

• Blockage In The Sump

If your GE dishwasher does not drain, firstly, you should check if it has any blockage.

Generally, having dirt in the filter or a twist in the drain hose can block water from draining.

Therefore, you need to check them before anything else.

How to Solve This Issue?

Dishwashers cannot drain themselves if the filter is full of debris. Thus, you need to clean it before running the dishwasher.

Always keep an eye for any big piece of food around the sump area.

Sometimes the drain hose may get twisted. You need to make sure the drain water hose is connected properly.

If you have an air gap installed remove the cap to clean the debris.   

To avoid these troubles, before using the dishwasher run your garbage disposal. It will save your dishwasher from potential clogging.

• Faulty Drain Check Valve

While debris blockage is a major cause of water not draining, a defective drain check valve can also cause this.

It may prevent the water from draining. After extensive use, the drain check valve can get clogged.

However, nothing to worry about. We will tell you how to fix it here.

How to Solve This Issue?

Your problem should be resolved by cleaning the drain valve. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace the drain valve.

It cannot be repaired; instead, a new valve must be purchased to replace the defective one.

• Defective Drain Impeller

A faulty drain impeller is the most common factor for water not draining. It helps the dishwasher to remove the water through the drain line or garage disposal.

If this part gets defected you need to replace the whole drain pump.

How to Solve This Issue?

To resolve this problem, you need to follow the procedure below:

• Turn Off The Dishwasher

Here is what you must do before going to replace the drain pump. You need to disconnect the water and power supply.

Turn them off to go to the next step.

• Disconnect the Mounting Brackets

You need to access the bottom of your GE dishwasher to proceed. Thus, after detaching the water and power supply you have to do the same with mounting brackets.

Now you can pull the dishwasher out from the counter to lay it on its back.

• Remove the Wirings & Loosen the Clamp

You have to detach all the wirings from the motor and the drain solenoid. Now, you should loosen the clamp which goes to the sump.

Besides, do the same with the outlet of the pump which is attached to the center spray nozzle.

• Remove The Water From The Hose

Before removing the clamp from the drain line you need to keep a towel or a container nearby.

You will find water in the hose that needs to be drained to the container or wiped by the towel.

• Detach The Motor

Now, you need to remove the support clamp of the motor to detach it. After that, disconnect the motor from the bottom by tilting it.

Now, keep the motor and pump away for the next procedure. 

• Disassemble The Remaining Parts

Now you have to remove the remaining parts one by one. Hold the motor shaft to discard the cutter blade.

After that remove the grater and wear ring and the wear ring retainer. Again hold the motor shaft and detach the impeller.

Now, disconnect the pump from the motor and remove the old seal from it. 

• Clean Before Reassembling

Now, it is time to clean everything to remove any debris. After cleaning the parts make them dry and reassemble them carefully.

• Failed Drain Solenoid

The drain solenoid is connected to the main pump. When the drain solenoid in the GE dishwasher fails, water will not drain.

This part helps the drain valve to let the water going out.

When the drain solenoid does not move at all you need to replace it. However, if it moves you should reassemble.

So, to find out the actual condition you have to cut the power and remove the bottom panel first.

How to Solve This Issue?

If your GE dishwasher has a faulty drain solenoid you should follow the steps below:

• Turn On The Dishwasher

Now, you have to turn your dishwasher again. Therefore, reconnect the power and start a cycle.

• Engage The Solenoid

If you have an electric control start a cycle for a while then rest your dishwasher. However, if you have a mechanical timer, slowly turn it on. Now, the solenoid should engage itself.

• Replacing The Solenoid

After the restarting process if the solenoid does not respond you should replace it.

A new solenoid should solve your problem.

• Faulty Drain Pump

The impeller is the most important part of the drain pump. It pushes the water through the drain hose.

So, if it does not work properly the dishwasher will not drain.

If it’s the reason behind your dishwasher not draining you have to replace the drain pump.

How to Solve This Issue?

You need to have a multimeter to find whether the drain pump has any fault. Use this device to know if it was any power or progression.

If it does not have any response you have to replace the drain pump. Therefore, you have to access the drain pump by disassembling it for replacement.

Read the Defective Drain Impeller section to learn how to access the drain pump.

• Chopper Blade Clogged With Food

The chopper blade is used to dice all the debris into small pieces. It helps to keep the water flow going and avoid any clogging.

However, if too much debris comes around the chopper blade it may stop working. Eventually, these foods could block the drainage system.

How to Solve This Issue?

If it happens you need to inspect the chopper blade closely. Thus, you have to remove all the debris from this area carefully first.

Then you can see whether the blade is okay or have any damages. If it has damages you need to follow the steps below to replace it.

• Turn Off The Dishwasher

First, you have to switch it off and disconnect the power. Remember, you are going to open the machine so remove the power cable from the socket

• Open The Dishwasher

Now you have to open the dishwasher and remove the racks. Keep them away and detach the nuts from the lower spray arm and lift it off. 

• Release The Spray Tower & The Lower Spray Arm

You should look for the spring clips from each side which are attached to the spray tower in the back wall.

Now, press the clips and release the tower. Additionally, remove the lower spray arm by lifting it from the tub.

•  Remove The Filter Housing And Pump Cover

Now, you remove all the remaining screws for the pump cover and filter housing to open the chopper assembly.

Now you will see the chopper assembly cover. You should remove it too.

• Replace The Blade

Once you have removed the chopper assembly cover you will see the blade. Inspect it closely and replace it if necessary.

You should clean the whole area before assembling the dishwasher again.

• Faulty Water Pump Belt

Some of the GE dishwasher models come with a water pump belt. If the belt is damaged or worn out it will cause a problem for you. So, to check if your model has the water pump belt see the manual or search it online.

How to Solve This Issue?

If the water pump belt is broken or worn out you have to replace it. You need to remove the lower panel to find the belt.

You should see it on the bottom of the motor. Now, if you find any fault in the belt you need to replace the belt immediately.

Now, watch this troubleshooting video.

10 Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

Dishwashers are one of the most essential appliances in a modern kitchen. They are such a workhorse when everything is running smoothly.

But what if your dishwasher stops working? Surely, it will be a nightmare for you.

There are several fantastic dishwashers available on the market. They are, however, never unbreakable. They can also be problematic at times.

There are several least-trusted dishwasher brands out there, GE is not one of them. However, regular maintenance is the key!

Not only the dishwasher but also any other appliances work better when used carefully. In this way, you can use them for a longer period of time.

Here are some tips for you to run your GE dishwasher smoothly below.

• Run The Hot Water Before Starting

Every time while running your dishwasher you should use hot water for the filling cycle. Never use cold water before using hot water.

Especially, in the winter days, using hot water before cold water will help to run your dishwasher smoothly.

• Stop Overusing

Dishwashers are a great tool to save time and energy.

However, you should stop overcrowding the dishwasher to get the service for a longer period. Sometimes, wash some plates with your hands too. 

• Remove The Food By Your Hand

The dishwashers are designed for washing your dishes not for scraping them.

So, before putting all the dishes in your dishwasher remove the foods with your hands to reduce the number of particles.

If you let the most amount of food go inside the dishwasher it will affect the drainage system.

• Clean The Dishwasher Trap

You have to clean the trap always to the drainage system working.

If your dishwasher could not drain itself you will have a hard time solve the problem. So, always clean the dishwasher trap before using it.

• Avoid Hard Water

Hard water is harmful to the dishes. Also, using hard water could prevent the dishwasher from cleaning properly.

So, always make sure you are using the water accordingly.

• Use The Correct Cycle

 You may use the shorter and lighter cycle while cleaning your dishes.

In that case, you should use your hand to remove most of the debris. However, never use a shorter cycle if the dishes are too dirty.

• Set The Ideal Temperature

An ideal temperature could boost up your dishwashing experience.

Set the temperature around 120 and 125 degrees for having a smooth cleaning.

• Stop Overusing The Rinse Aid

If the soup for your dishwasher comes with a rinse aid you do not have to add anything extra.

However, do not worry,  if it does not comes with a rinse aid. You can use white vinegar and fill the reservoir with them.

• Clean The Seals

As the dishwashers come close to the water you need to clean the seals once a month.

Also, you can use a towel to clean the main and soup door.

• Using Vinegar

After once in a while put some vinegar inside the dishwasher and run a normal cycle.

This practice will remove the food particle and smell fresh.

Not just GE, you should do the same as mentioned above steps if your Bosch dishwasher is not working too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words

The GE dishwashers are one of the finest dishwashers in the market. If you use them carefully, you will receive exceptional service.

In this article, we’ve included instructions on how to use them properly as well as solutions to their draining problems.

We hope now you know what to do if your GE dishwasher not draining. If you are still not confident about your own abilities, hire a mechanic instead.

Have a wonderful day!

About Author

Den Hicks

Traveler, food lover, interior designer, and blogger. I love gardening a lot! I designed my home myself with the help of my beloved wife. You are welcome!

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