At a Glance:
Replace Faulty Parts with Genuine GE Replacement Parts
When to Replace Your Dishwasher
Dishwasher Replacement Options
GE Dishwasher Not Draining F.A.Q.
Having a dishwasher that won't drain properly is not just a nuisance, it's also unhygienic and wasteful of your time, water, and energy. If you own a GE dishwasher, you might encounter this problem at some point but don't worry, there are several possible solutions that you can try yourself before calling a repair technician or replacing the unit altogether. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps of GE dishwasher troubleshooting and how to drain dishwasher appliances that won't drain.
Check for Blocked Drains and Hoses
The first thing you should do when your GE dishwasher won't drain is to check for any obstructions in the drains and hoses. This can prevent water from flowing out and cause backups and leaks. To do this, turn off the power supply to the dishwasher, then remove the bottom rack and locate the drain trap or filter. It's usually a removable part that collects food debris and other particles from the wash cycle. Take out the trap and wash it under running water, removing any debris that might be clogging it.
If the trap is fine, check the drain hose that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Make sure it's not kinked, twisted, or clogged with food scraps or grease. Use a long, flexible brush or a pipe cleaner to clear the hose if necessary.
Keep in mind that some dishwashers also have an air gap, which is a small device on the sink or countertop that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged, clean it with a toothbrush or a compressed air duster.
Check for Foreign Objects
Another potential cause of a GE dishwasher not draining is a foreign object stuck in the drain pump or the impeller. This can range from a small piece of glass or plastic to a utensil or a bone. To check for this, you must remove the pump cover or the screen that protects the impeller. The location of these parts might vary depending on the model, so refer to your user manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions.
Once you can access the impeller, spin it by hand and look for any obstruction. If you see something, carefully remove it with pliers or tweezers. Be careful not to damage the impeller or the pump housing, as this can worsen the situation or cause water leaks.
Verify All Hoses Are Connected Properly
If you've gone through the above steps and your GE dishwasher still won't drain, it's time to double-check all the hoses and connections. Sometimes a loose or disconnected hose can cause water to leak or seep out, affecting the draining performance. Also, the electrical connections to the drain pump and the control board might be loose or corroded, preventing the dishwasher from communicating with the pump or starting the drain cycle.
To rule out these possibilities, turn off the power to the dishwasher, unplug it, and remove the access panel or cover. Check all the hoses, wires, and plugs for any sign of damage or looseness. Tighten the clamps or screws that hold them in place and reconnect any detached parts. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires and the voltage of the pump motor.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Drain Pump
The drain pump is arguably the most essential component of the GE dishwasher when draining water. If the pump is faulty, worn out, or clogged, the dishwasher won't be able to empty itself properly, resulting in a pool of water at the bottom. To check the pump, remove it from the dishwasher and inspect it for any damage or debris. Clean the impeller with a soft brush and ensure all fins are spinning freely. If there's something wrong with the pump, replace it with a new one with identical specs.
Replace Faulty Parts with Genuine GE Replacement Parts
If, after inspecting and cleaning all the parts, you find out that any of them are worn or damaged beyond repair, it's time to get genuine GE replacement parts. As with any appliance part, using generic or imitation parts could lead to further damage. Make sure only to use original GE spare parts when repairing your dishwasher, as they are explicitly designed to fit your model and will help keep it running for longer.
When to Replace Your Dishwasher
If none of these steps solves your problem, it might be time to consider replacing your dishwasher. There are a few signs that it is time to get a new one.
- Your dishwasher has broken down more than once in the last year or two.
- The dishes do not come out clean even after multiple cycles.
- You have noticed rust spots and other signs of corrosion on your dishes.
- Your dishwasher is more than 10 years old.
- You are paying for expensive repairs that exceed the cost of a new machine.
- Your dishwasher is not performing as efficiently as it used to.
- You notice loud and strange noises coming from your appliance.
Dishwasher Replacement Options
Choosing a new dishwasher can be overwhelming, with so many options available when it's time to replace your current appliance, consider size, features, and energy efficiency to find the best one for your home. Our recommendation for top-performing dishwashers includes the GE® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher and GE® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher.
GE® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Ensuring your dishes are sparkling clean is a must-have for any kitchen, and the GE® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher is available to make it happen. With its advanced technology, this GE dishwasher has a lot to offer.
The Dry Boost™ feature with fan assist technology ensures your dishes are always dry before you take them out. No more wiping water spots off your glasses! A manual and adjustable upper rack helps you better arrange your dishes for washing most effectively. And the Piranha hard food disposer ensures that all the food particles are cleared away in the disposal cycle.
If you struggle with selecting the right cycle for your dishes, the AutoSense cycle will tailor its cleaning to your exact needs. And 4 leveling legs ensure that your dishwasher always maintains a steady balance on your kitchen floor.
GE® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Offering superior cleaning and design, the GE® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher is one of the most efficient dishwashers in the market. With its 4 bottle wash jets, you can clean up to four bottles at once, saving you time and effort. The water leak sensor ensures that any leaks are detected quickly, so you can avoid any damage to your home.
One of the standout features of this GE dishwasher is the built-in third rack. This convenient addition can accommodate items like long utensils, silverware, or cooking tools while providing ample space for your dishes. The adjustable full-extension smooth-glide upper rack also ensures that you can fit bulky items with ease.
With dry boost™ technology, your dishes come out dryer than ever before. The specially designed jets target water in hard-to-reach places, resulting in perfectly dry dishes every time.
Related: 2 Top-Rated GE Auto Dishwashers
Find Your New GE Dishwasher
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Related: Black Dishwasher Styles to Upgrade Your Kitchen
GE Dishwasher Not Draining F.A.Q.
1. Why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Answer: This could be caused by improper or inadequate drainage, a clogged drain line, a blocked filter, or a damaged component like the impeller or drain pump.
2. Is water not draining from dishwasher normal?
Answer: No, a dishwasher not draining completely is not normal. It is usually a sign that something is blocking the water flow or a problem with one of the components.
3. What could be causing my dishwasher not to drain?
Answer: Common causes of a dishwasher not draining include a faulty or worn pump seal, clogged drain lines, an incorrectly installed sink flange and/or garbage disposal unit, or a malfunctioning drain valve.
4. What should I do if my GE dishwasher not draining properly?
Answer: If your GE dishwasher is not draining properly, you should first check for any blockages or clogs in the drain hose and lines and ensure that the sink flange and/or garbage disposal unit are correctly installed.
5. If my GE dishwasher not draining correctly, should I still run it?
Answer: It's unsafe to run the dishwasher if it's not draining properly as it could result in water damage and create a safety hazard.
Why Trust Slager Appliances?
Founded over 70 years ago, Slager Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Iowa City, IA. Slager has competitive prices and industry knowledge in delivering and installing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
Whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products we are with you all the way. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Shop GE Dishwashers at Slager Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop GE Dishwashers online at Slager Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover your next dishwasher — whether you call us at 319-337-3833, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Slager Appliances in Iowa City, IA. Visit us today!