Fixing a GE Dishwasher Not Draining: Simple Troubleshooting

If your GE dishwasher not draining correctly, you may be wondering what’s causing the problem and how to fix it. A dishwasher that doesn’t drain properly can lead to water leaks, odors, and poor cleaning performance.

Fortunately, there are some common reasons why a GE dishwasher may not drain, and some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Check for a Blockage in the Sump

The sump is the area at the bottom of the dishwasher tub where water collects for the pump. Sometimes, food particles or objects can get lodged in the sump and prevent water from draining out. To check for a blockage in the sump, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the lower rack and spray arm from the dishwasher.
3. Locate the sump area in the rear of the tub and inspect it for any debris or obstructions.
4. Clear out any debris that may be blocking the sump, such as noodles, bones, paper labels from jars, etc.
5. Reassemble the spray arm and lower rack and plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

2. Check for a Faulty Drain Impeller

The drain impeller is a small fan-like device that pushes water through the drain hose. If the drain impeller is broken or worn out, it may not be able to move water effectively and cause the dishwasher to not drain. To check for a faulty drain impeller, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the lower rack and spray arm from the dishwasher.
3. Remove the screws that secure the pump cover and lift it off.
4. Locate the drain impeller and spin it by hand. It should rotate freely and smoothly. If it is stuck, cracked, or damaged, you will need to replace it.
5. Reassemble the pump cover, spray arm, and lower rack and plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

3. Check for a Failed Drain Solenoid

The drain solenoid is an electric device that opens and closes a valve to allow water to drain out of the dishwasher. If the drain solenoid is defective, it may not be able to open or close the valve properly and cause the dishwasher to not drain. To check for a failed drain solenoid, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the toe panel from under the dishwasher door by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the drain solenoid on the right side of the pump assembly. It has two wires attached to it and a plunger that moves up and down.
4. Use a multimeter to test for continuity between the two wires. If there is no continuity, the solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5. Reattach the toe panel and plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

4. Check for a Defective Drain Valve

The drain valve is a flap-like device that opens and closes to allow water to drain out of the dishwasher. If the drain valve is stuck or broken, it may not be able to open or close properly and cause the dishwasher to not drain. To check for a defective drain valve, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the toe panel from under the dishwasher door by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the drain valve on the left side of the pump assembly. It has a lever that moves up and down when activated by the solenoid.
4. Manually move the lever up and down and observe if the valve opens and closes smoothly. If the valve is stuck or damaged, you will need to replace it.
5. Reattach the toe panel and plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

5. Check for a Clogged Drain Hose

The drain hose is a flexible tube that connects the dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. If the drain hose is clogged with food particles or grease, it may prevent water from draining out of the dishwasher. To check for a clogged drain hose, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Disconnect the drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal by loosening the clamp that holds it in place.
3. Place a bucket under the end of the drain hose and blow air through it using a wet/dry vacuum or a compressor. If air does not pass through easily, there is a clog in the hose that needs to be cleared.
4. Reconnect the drain hose to the sink or garbage disposal and secure it with the clamp.
5. Plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

6. Check for a Faulty Drain Pump

The drain pump is a motorized device that pumps water out of the dishwasher through the drain hose. If the drain pump is defective, it may not be able to move water effectively and cause the dishwasher to not drain. To check for a faulty drain pump, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the toe panel from under the dishwasher door by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the drain pump on the right side of the pump assembly. It has two wires and a hose attached to it.
4. Use a multimeter to test for continuity between the two wires. If there is no continuity, the pump is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5. Reattach the toe panel and plug in the dishwasher or turn on the circuit breaker.

How to Avoid Drain Blockage

To prevent your GE dishwasher from not draining in the future, you can follow some simple tips to avoid drain blockage:

• Scrape off large food particles from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Do not overfill the dishwasher or block the spray arms with large items.
• Clean the filter regularly by removing it and washing it in hot, soapy water using a scrub brush. Rinse it well and reinstall it.
• Run hot water in your sink before starting a dishwasher cycle to help dissolve any grease or soap residue in the drain system.
• Use the correct amount and type of detergent for your dishwasher and water hardness level. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
• Run a vinegar rinse once a month to remove any mineral deposits or odors from your dishwasher. Fill a cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a normal cycle without any dishes or detergent.

Conclusion

A GE dishwasher that won’t drain can be a frustrating problem, but it can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting and repairs.

By checking for common causes of drain blockage, such as clogs, faulty parts, or improper installation, you can restore your dishwasher’s performance and avoid water damage or odors.

If you need professional help or replacement parts, you can contact GE Appliances Factory Service or visit their website for more information.

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