GE Cafe dishwasher not draining

Common reasons your GE Cafe dishwasher is not draining

The most common reasons your GE Cafe dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.

  • 61%

    61% of the time it's the Drain Pump

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the Drain Hose

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE Cafe dishwasher

Drain Pump Replacement

A dishwasher that’s not draining often has a failed drain pump. The drain pump motor could be bad or the drain pump impeller could be damaged. The drain pump may make a loud noise when the impeller is damaged. The motor may make a loud buzzing noise or not make any noise at all if it isn’t spinning the impeller during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. The drain pump is hard to access so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the drain pump and replace it if it isn’t working.

Drain Hose Replacement

When the dishwasher will not drain properly, a cracked or clogged drain hose could be causing the failure. The drain hose connect to the drain pump and carries wastewater to the sink drain. The drain hose has a check valve to prevent drain water from siphoning back into the dishwasher at the end of the drain routine. A cracked hose or check valve can let water blow back into the tub when the drain pump stops. Accessing the drain hose is difficult so you’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert fix the drain hose when it’s cracked or damaged.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

If your dishwasher is not draining, you can suspect that it has a defective electronic control board if the drain pump doesn’t run. The control board should send electrical current to the drain pump during the drain portion of the dishwashing cycle. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the drain pump. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is not draining.

What to expect when you experience a GE Cafe dishwasher not draining issue

How is the not draining problem fixed?

Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the drain pump, drain hose or electronic control board. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that is not draining

When the dishwasher is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher not draining diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

What to do When You Find Your Café Dishwasher Not Draining

When your GE Café dishwasher is not draining, start by checking the sink drain for a clog. If you have food in the garbage disposal that is clogging the Café dishwasher drain path, turn on the disposal and clear it out so the dishwasher will drain properly. If the kitchen sink is backed up and won’t drain, have a plumber fix the drain problem so your dishwasher will drain properly.

If you have an air gap installed in the drain hose going to the sink drain or garbage disposal, check the air gap for a clog. Clearing a clog in the air gap may fix your Café dishwasher not draining problem.

Check the drain hose for a clog. With the dishwasher shut off and disconnected from electrical power, carefully the drain hose off the kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal drain line connection. Check for grease or debris that could be clogging the end of the dishwasher drain hose.

Other problems that can prevent your Café dishwasher from draining include a bad drain pump, wiring failure and defective control board. If the drain pump doesn’t run, then a wiring failure or defective electronic control board may be causing the problem. If the drain pump runs but doesn’t pump water, then the drain pump may need to be replaced. To have the Café dishwasher not draining issue accurately diagnosed and repaired, schedule dishwasher repair service. We’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the drain problem.
If your GE Café dishwasher ends each run with water pooling inside, a clogged hose or worn-out drain pump might be the issue. Standing water can also impact cleanliness on the next load. Instead of scooping out leftover liquid, rely on kenmore dishwasher repair near me—the same pros can handle Café units, too. Full drainage restores that premium wash standard.

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James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

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Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

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Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my GE Café dishwasher remove the water?
A blocked drain hose, clogged filter, or failing drain pump usually causes standing water. Check and clean the filter for any debris first.
How do I unclog the drain hose on a GE Café dishwasher?
Disconnect power, remove the lower access panel, detach the drain hose from the pump, and flush it with warm water or a brush to clear blockages. Reattach securely.
Could a broken drain pump prevent draining?
Yes. If the pump motor is burned out or jammed, water won’t expel. Replacing the pump typically fixes the issue when hoses are clear.
When should I call a technician for a GE Café dishwasher not draining?
If cleaning the filter and hose doesn’t solve the problem, the drain pump or control board may be at fault. An appliance pro can conduct electrical tests and replace necessary parts.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.

A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.

A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

GE Cafe dishwasher not draining? Discover Solutions & Easy Fixes!