How to Fix GE Dishwasher not Draining

Is your GE dishwasher not draining, and you have been looking for ways to fix it instead of getting another? Well, you are in the right place, as this article will explain the possible reasons for your GE dishwasher not draining and the possible fixes you can employ.

A dishwasher is a necessary gadget in most homes, and GE manufactures one of the trusted dishwasher brands.

The GE dishwasher is loved for its efficiency, affordability, and reliability.

However, like every electrical and mechanical gadget, it is prone to develop faults occasionally.

If the GE dishwasher washes dishes and drains the wastewater from the washtub at the end of the cycle, if you see excessive water at the bottom of your washtub after a cycle, it means that your GE dishwasher is not draining.

The remaining sections of this article will explain what could be the reason for the GE dishwasher not draining and how to resolve the dishwasher not draining.

Possible Reasons for the GE Dishwasher not Draining.

There are different reasons for your GE dishwasher not draining, and some of the most common reasons include:

  • The drain hose of the dishwasher is clogged.
  • The drain filter of the dishwasher is clogged.
  • The drain pump of the dishwasher is faulty.
  • The drain solenoid of the dishwasher is faulty.
  • The dishwasher’s air gap is dirty.

If any of the reasons above, or any other reason not listed, is why your GE dishwasher is not draining. The section of the article below will give you troubleshooting methods you can use to fix it.

You can also check out How to Fix Maytag Dryer not Heating

How to Fix GE Dishwasher not Draining

There are different methods you can employ to resolve the issue of the GE dishwasher not draining, and the suitable method depends on the issue with the dishwasher.

This article will explain different troubleshooting methods you can use to fix the GE dishwasher not draining.

Check for Clogged Drain Hose

If the dishwasher drain hose is clogged with food particles and other debris, the hose will not drain water out of the dishwasher wash tube.

If you notice that the hose has a lot of food particles and debris, you can clear it by pushing hot soapy water down the hose till all the particles clear off.

You can also try adding baking soda or vinegar to hot water and pouring it down the hose to remove stubborn particles.

After doing this, you should attempt a wash cycle to see if the water from the washtub will drain.

Check for Clogged Drain Filter

The dishwasher drain filter helps prevent food particles and debris from reaching the drain pump. In cases where the filter is clogged, it might also prevent water from going down the drain.

You can quickly fix this by washing the filter with hot soapy water, and to prevent it from being clogged in the future, you should wash the filter with hot soapy water at least once a month.

Replace Faulty Drain Pump

 The drain pump, with the help of the impeller, forces waste water out of the dishwasher, and a faulty drain pump might be the reason for the GE dishwasher not draining.

If the drain pump is faulty, the only available solution is to replace the drain pump.

Follow the instructions below to replace the washing machine drain pump.

  • Switch off and disconnect both the electricity and water supplies.
  • Detach the mounting brackets and pull out the bottom of the dishwasher from under the counter.
  • Then put it in a safe position.
  • Disconnect the wiring harnesses from the motor and from the drain solenoid.
  •  Then loosen the clamps that go to the sump and the outlet for the pump to the central spray nozzle.
  • Remove the drain return line clamp, and since there is a huge probability that there will be water in this hose, ensure you keep a container or towel handy.
  • Disconnect the support clamp of the motor.
  • Then to remove it, tilt the motor in your direction and release the tub’s bottom connection.
  • Transfer the pump and motor components to a convenient workspace.
  • While holding the motor shaft, remove the cutter blade and throw it away.
  • Then remove and discard the grater.
  • Take off the worn ring and discard it along with the retainer.
  • Take the impeller out. While doing so, hold the motor shaft.
  • Disconnect the pump from the engine.
  • Dispose of the pump by removing it from the motor shaft.
  • Remove the pump’s seal, then throw away the previous one.
  • Remove any clutter and start putting the parts back together.

If you have followed all of the necessary steps and have replaced the faulty pump, you can then proceed to attempt a wash cycle to ensure the dishwasher not draining issue has been resolved.

fix dishwasher not draining

Replace Faulty Drain Pump Impeller

 The dishwasher drain pump impeller pushes water from the washtub to the drain hose and into the drain line. If it is faulty, your dishwasher will be unable to drain water.

The solution will be to replace the impeller. However, you cannot replace only the pump impeller; you will need to replace the entire drain pump.

Follow the instruction below to replace the faulty drain pump impeller.

  • Turn off and cut off the water and electrical supplies.
  • Pull the dishwasher’s bottom out from under the counter by removing the mounting brackets.
  • Then place it in a safe position.
  • Remove the wiring looms from the drain solenoid and the motor.
  • Next, release the clamps on the sump and the pump outlet that leads to the main spray nozzle.
  • Remove the drain return line clamp, and keep a container or towel nearby because there is a good chance that water will be in this hose.
  • Disconnect the motor’s support clamp.
  • Then, rotate the motor in your direction and unhook the tub’s bottom connection to remove it.
  • Move the pump and motor parts to a comfortable workspace.
  • Remove the cutter blade while holding the motor shaft, then discard it.
  • The grater is then taken out and discarded.
  • Remove the tarnished ring and throw it away with the retainer.
  • Remove the impeller. Hold the motor shaft while doing this.
  • Remove the pump’s connection to the engine.
  • Remove the pump from the motor shaft to dispose of it.
  • After removing the pump’s seal, discard the old one.
  • Get rid of any debris and begin assembling the components.

After following the instructions above, you can attempt a wash cycle to ensure that the impeller is now functioning properly and you have resolved the issue of the GE dishwasher not draining.

Replace Faulty Solenoid

The dishwasher solenoid opens the drain valve, allowing water to exit the washtub, so if the solenoid is faulty, the dishwasher will be unable to drain water after a wash cycle.

The only available solution will be to replace the faulty solenoid, and you can follow the instructions below to check if you need to replace your dishwasher’s solenoid.

  • Connect your dishwasher to its power source.
  • Then start the dishwasher’s cycle.
  • If your dishwasher uses a mechanical timer, turn it slowly till the solenoid turns on.
  • Replace the solenoid if you turn the timer all the way around, and it does not come up.
  • Start a cycle on an electric dishwasher and wait a few minutes before pressing the start/reset button. The solenoid should turn on as a result.
  • If your dishwasher is electric, you should start a cycle on it, and after a couple of minutes, press the start/reset button to turn on the solenoid.
  • If the solenoid does not turn on, it implies you will have to replace it.

How to do a GE Dishwasher Force Drain Cycle

If your dishwasher is not draining automatically, you might need to force drain it manually.

Follow the instruction below to force drain your dishwasher.

  • Remove dishes and other items from the dishwasher.
  • Then disconnect the dishwasher from both the power and electrical supply.
  • Then use either cups or towels to remove the water from the dishwasher washtub.

GE dishwasher force drain cycle

Conclusion:

This article has explained various troubleshooting methods you can use to fix GE dishwashers not draining. If you have tried any or all of these methods with no success, it is recommended that you seek further assistance from a professional.

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