Why Is My GE Dishwasher Not Draining All The Way?

Water spills and filthy dishes at the end of a GE dishwasher force drain cycle are standard indicators of problems. A dishwasher that won’t drain is an issue you need to repair right away. In addition, leaking water could cause more damage, and dirty dishes could start to gather in the sink.

Take care of your dishwasher to ensure it lasts a long time. Please read the service manual, perform timely maintenance, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

– says Oleg Chudnovski, Founder and CEO

The most common reason your GE dishwasher doesn’t drain fully is likely due to a clogged drain pipe. Cleaning or clearing the pipe should help resolve the issue. However, there could be alternative causes. Please find additional information in our article.

5 Reasons Why Your GE Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Several issues may occur, leading to poor GE dishwasher draining. Check your appliance for proper work or call an expert to perform a professional multipoint diagnostic.

Reason 1: Drain Pipe and Garbage Disposal

Before analyzing the appliance’s components that could generate the drainage issue, ensure that the pipe that the dishwasher flows into is not clogged. If your dishwasher is connected to a waste disposal, ensure it is debris-free. It is important to note that the garbage disposal drain tube connecting to the dishwasher drain line might become clogged.

Separating the drain line and cleaning the disposal’s waste tube may resolve the drainage problem. Remove the waste disposal knockout cap from the drain tube if the dishwasher is installed in the kitchen.

Reason 2: Air Gap & High Loop

If the GE dishwasher drain line isn’t applied to waste disposal, it could be connected to the air gap. However, not all appliances may have an air gap, so check whether the drain hose is placed in a high loop beneath the sink. These elements prevent wastewater from running back into the GE dishwasher while draining.

When the air gap is clogged, or the drain hose does not remain in a high loop position, water may overflow, and the GE profile dishwasher may not drain, causing drainage breakage.

The high-loop method involves looping the drainage hose up and fastening it directly under the sink. For precise drain hose specifications, read the dishwasher instructions.

Reason 3: Dishwasher Filter and Sump

Based on the GE dishwasher model, it may include a replaceable filter. Replacing the filter may also help you clean debris from the drain pump. Follow the step-by-step guide to do it properly and not leave standing water in the filter:

• Sep 1: Remove the filter.
• Step 2: Cleanse it with warm water and detergent.
• Step 3: Make sure you have removed all the dirt.

The filter is placed in the dishwasher’s sump area. The sump system belongs to the dishwasher’s bucket. The sump’s primary function is to gather water for the pump. Keeping the sump area clean and free of big waste particles can help the dishwasher drain to avoid future blockages.

To ensure safety, turn off the dishwasher before removing the filter.

Reason 4: Drain Pump

If the drain hose or filter is attached correctly, the dishwasher’s drain pump is likely incorrect. Pump motors may be broken mechanically or electrically. A mechanical failure usually occurs due to a broken impeller or a foreign element blocking the drain pump.

When you switch on the drain pump, the rotating impeller should operate properly. If it doesn’t rotate, you should probably change the drain pump. For the impeller to be damaged, it must be replaced separately, or we recommend it as a whole.

Test the motor for continuity with a multimeter to identify whether the drain pump is faulty and probably burned out. If it fails the test, you need to replace it. Note that most operating drain pumps should display readings of almost 200 ohms. The required amount of ohms is often indicated by a marking on the motor itself.

Depending on the dishwasher type, the drain pump can be reached by removing the bottom-front kick plate, placing the dishwasher on its backside, and loosening the access panel beneath it.  Alternatively, you can remove the filter from the appliance tub to reach the drain pump.

Reason 5: Drain Solenoid

The drain solenoid activates the drain valve, allowing liquid to flow from the dishwasher. Extremely hot and cold temperatures can cause the solenoid to fail. If it doesn’t operate properly, the valve remains closed, and the dishwasher fails to drain.

Like a pump or any other motor, the drain solenoid can be analyzed with a multimeter to ensure continuity.  If the solenoid has electrical continuity, the multimeter display continuity should be between 15 and 40 ohms resistance.  If the multimeter display shows little or no change, the drain solenoid has tested negative for electrical continuity and can be considered defective.  In this case, you should replace it. His element is positioned near the motor or on the drain pump.  To determine the exact location, please check the schematic diagram of this dishwasher.

From our experience, it is usually possible to be reached by removing the bottom-front kick plate or access panel.

How to Unclog GE Dishwasher?

Dishwashers of older models may be more likely to clog than newer ones. Ears of usage can lead to managing food waste and other elements gathering in your dishwasher’s pipes and filter, preventing it from operating correctly.

Clogs are the most common issue with any dishwasher appliance. Herefore, before calling for service, try following our six steps instructions, and hopefully, you will save on future costly repairs:

• Step 1: Switch off the GE dishwasher and remove the dishes.
• Step 2: Unplug the appliance and drain the standing water with towels.
• Step 3: Remove the filter basket and rinse it with warm water and mild soap.
• Step 4: Remove the sump from the appliance and remove any dirt.
• Step 5: Clean the drain hose by straightening any kinks in it.
• Step 6: Switch on the dishwasher and check whether it operates correctly.

GE dishwashers come with the manufacturer’s instructions, clearly describing how to troubleshoot clogs. If you cannot solve the issue, call the authorized appliance repair centre for assistance.

Note that the filter basket and sump should be cleaned regularly to provide a manual drain, even if they don’t have any clogs. This prevents potential damage to the appliance and keeps it clean.

Warranty Coverage For Dishwasher Repairs

Any household appliance can fail, and some components should be replaced at no charge by the manufacturer or under extended warranty coverage. Before you call for service, ensure your GE dishwasher has this warranty. It allows you to get a free dishwasher repair, but you must pay for service if the breakdown is due to improper usage.

At Fix Appliances, our technicians are licensed and factory-trained to service major brands and models of air conditioners.  With over 18 years of experience working on a wide range of domestic appliances, including GE dishwashers, you can rely on our team to get the job done right the first time.  We offer dishwasher repair services and installation services for new units near you.  Do not hesitate to call our customer centre’s toll-free number at 888-242-0777.