GE dishwasher not draining

Common reasons your GE dishwasher is not draining

The most common reasons your GE 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 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 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.

How to Fix a GE Portable Dishwasher Not Draining

When you discover your GE portable dishwasher not draining, check the drain hose for a clog. Pour water through the drain hose to see if it is clear. Clear a clog in the drain hose if water doesn’t flow through it freely.

If the drain hose isn’t clogged, see if the drain pump runs in the drain portion of the cycle. If the drain pump runs but water doesn’t drain, then you’ll likely need to replace the drain pump because it won’t pump water out of the dishwasher even though it is getting electrical current and running.

If the drain pump doesn’t run in the drain mode of the cycle, a failed control board or time may not be sending electrical current to the drain pump. A wiring failure will also prevent the drain pump from running. Have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair your GE portable dishwasher when the drain pump doesn’t run in your GE portable dishwasher that is not draining. A service technician will be able to check the wiring and determine whether the timer or electronic control board is sending voltage to the drain pump in the drain portion of the cycle.

What To Do When You Find Your GE Triton Dishwasher Not Draining

When you discover your GE Triton dishwasher not draining, start by checking the sink drain for a clog. If you have food in the garbage disposal that is clogging the Triton 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 GE Triton 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 GE Triton 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 GE Triton 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.

Troubleshooting a GE Dishwasher Not Draining Fully

When your GE dishwasher is not draining fully, a clogged or faulty check valve in the drain hose could be allowing drain water to siphon back into the dishwasher after the drain pump stops. The drain hose if difficult to access and check. It’s best to have a service technician pull the dishwasher out of the cabinet and check that drain hose check valve. The technician will replace the part if it isn’t working as it should.

A partially clogged drain hose could also prevent a GE dishwasher from draining fully. Shut off electrical power to the dishwasher and carefully remove the drain hose connection to the kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal. Check the end of the drain hose for a grease clog or debris buildup that will prevent the dishwasher from draining fully. Clear the grease or debris out of the drain hose.

A full garbage disposal will also restrict draining and cause a GE dishwasher not draining fully problem. If the garbage disposal is full of food, run it to clear the drain path for the dishwasher. Make sure that the garbage disposal is clear before running each dishwasher cycle.

A slow draining kitchen sink could also cause a backup in the dishwasher drain system and prevent your GE dishwasher from draining fully. Use a plumber’s snake or have a plumber clear a kitchen sink clog so your GE dishwasher will drain fully.

A faulty or damaged drain pump will also prevent your GE dishwasher from draining fully. Have a service technician fix this type of problem.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you fix your GE dishwasher not draining fully, set up dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix your dishwasher.

Fixing a GE Dishwasher Quiet Power 3 Not Draining

When you find your GE Dishwasher Quiet Power 3 not draining, check the kitchen sink drain for a clog. If you have food in the garbage disposal that is clogging 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 from your GE dishwasher Quite Power 3 model, check the air gap for a clog. Clearing a clog in the air gap may fix the dishwasher drain 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 GE Quiet Power 3 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 GE dishwasher Quiet Power 3 not draining issue accurately diagnosed and repaired, schedule GE dishwasher repair service. We’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the drain problem.

GE Dishwasher Not Draining Troubleshooting Video

It’s easy to notice a tub full of water in the bottom of the dishwasher when unloading dishes after the cycle ends. Sometimes, resolving a draining problem can be almost as easy.

Easy fixes for a dishwasher not draining includes simple troubleshooting steps such as activating the garbage disposal to clear the kitchen sink drain path or clearing a clog in the kitchen sink air gap.

When these simple fixes don’t work, you can often fix a drain problem in your dishwasher using the systematic approach described in this DIY video:

Draining Your GE Dishwasher

Removing standing water from your GE dishwasher is a straightforward and simple process if you follow the proper steps.

Preparing the Dishwasher for Draining

First, ensure your dishwasher is ready for a safe and effective drainage process.

  1. Power off: Turn off the dishwasher at the power switch or by unplugging it to ensure safety.
  2. Remove obstructions: Open the dishwasher door and remove any items blocking the drain, such as utensils or large food particles.
  3. Check the filter: Inspect and clean the dishwasher filter at the bottom to remove any debris that could block water from exiting.

Manually Draining the Dishwasher

Once your dishwasher is prepared, you can start the manual drainage process.

  1. Absorb water: Use a towel or sponge to soak up any standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Be careful to avoid any spills on your floor.
  2. Disconnect the drain hose: Find the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher, disconnect it from its connection to the sink or garbage disposal, and place a container underneath to catch dripping water.
  3. Clear the hose: Either gently blow into the drain hose to remove blockages or use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the remaining water, ensuring the hose is clear for future use.

Remember, safety is paramount when draining your dishwasher to avoid accidents and ensure a smooth process.

  1. Wear gloves: Protect your hands with gloves when handling dirty water or cleaning out the interior.
  2. Handle hoses carefully: When removing the drain hose, be prepared for any residual water. Keep a bucket or pan handy to catch spills.
  3. Seek help if needed: If you're unsure about any steps or if problems persist, refer to the GE dishwasher manual or contact a professional repair service for assistance.

By following these steps, you can effectively drain your GE dishwasher, addressing any immediate drainage problems and preventing future issues. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult professionals when necessary to maintain your dishwasher’s functionality and extend its lifespan.

Standing water after a GE dishwasher cycle often indicates a clogged drain line or failing pump. Leftover water fosters odors and reduces cleaning efficiency next time. Rather than bailing out the tub, try who fixes dishwashers. Proper drainage keeps your dishwasher odor-free and performing at its best.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my GE dishwasher draining?
A clogged drain hose, faulty pump, or a blocked filter could prevent the dishwasher from draining. Start by checking the drain hose and filter for any obstructions.
How do I check the drain hose in my GE dishwasher?
Inspect the drain hose for any kinks, clogs, or blockages. Detach it from the dishwasher and clean it thoroughly to restore water flow.
Could a clogged filter stop my GE dishwasher from draining?
Yes. A clogged filter can block the flow of water. Remove the filter and clean it under warm water to remove debris or food particles.
When should I call a professional for a GE dishwasher that’s not draining?
If the hose and filter are clear but the dishwasher still won’t drain, the issue could be with the pump or the control board, requiring professional repair.

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Glossary Terms

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.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.