GE makes some great dishwashers that users highly recommend for their plethora of usability features and general high reliability.
But an unfortunate issue many users seem to run into is that their GE Dishwasher will start to leak from the bottom. Needless to say, this is quite an urgent problem, and you’re no doubt keen to get this fixed immediately.
Fortunately, you’re exactly where you need to be because we’re going to tell you both why this problem happens and how to fix it with minimal fuss.
Why is your GE Dishwasher Leaking From Bottom
One of the significant challenges that come with fixing a leak is determining where the problem originates from. After all, you need to know where the problem lies before you can act on it.
So let’s first walk through all the main issues that will cause your dishwasher to leak, so you will know exactly what you need to fix.
1. Incorrect Detergent Type or Amount
A common and easy mistake to make is that you’ve used the incorrect dishwasher detergent type for your particular dishwasher.
When the wrong detergent type or the wrong amount is used, it can cause excessive suds (soap bubbles) to form, which then work their way outside the machine.
A certain amount of suds is vital to the cleaning process as they help to work the food and oils off the dirty plates, but when there’s too much of them, it’s a problem!
You’ll need to switch to a dishwasher detergent intended for GE dishwashers and ensure you use the correct amount.
2. There are Too Many Dishes in the Dishwasher
While the door seal and framing are designed to be water-resistant to prevent leaking, they are not entirely waterproof.
The idea is that the direction and volume of water used during a wash cycle do not warrant a completely sealed environment.
However, when too many dishes in the washer obscure the water jets, it can cause the water to divert in an unexpected direction forcing water accumulation in a part of the dishwasher that wasn’t intended.
This makes water accumulate in unsealed areas, which then leaks out of the dishwasher. Lowering the volume of dishes or simply shuffling them around can solve this.
3. The Dishwasher isn’t Level
Dishwashers need to be level with the floor not to leak water. And while there is a certain amount of tolerance to level imbalances, water will undoubtedly spill out if it’s too extreme.
It would be best if you leveled the dishwasher to the floor so gravity can help keep all the water inside.
4. The Water Inlet Valve is Faulty
The water inlet valve is a vital component that controls when and how much water is to be allowed into the machine.
When this valve fails or malfunctions, you may have too much water flowing into the machine, thus causing a leak.
Depending on the severity of the problem, it will need to be repaired or possibly replaced.
5. Leaking Water Pump
The water pump takes the water from your home and distributes it around the dishwasher. If the pump fails, it may also leak, but more commonly, it’s due to the seal surrounding the pump that has become loose.
Oftentimes it can be re-tightened to restore the water-tight seal, but if the pump itself is defective, it will need to be replaced.
6. The Door Seal is Leaking
The seal surrounding the dishwasher door is vital in keeping the water inside.
Sometimes damage, cracks, a bit of food, or even some mold is enough to create unevenness in the door seal, which is enough to allow water to leak out.
The door seal should be inspected carefully for damage or discoloration, which will help indicate what is causing the leak. Depending on what is causing it to leak, it may be able to be cleaned or need to be replaced.
7. The Float Switch is Faulty
The float switch, as the name might suggest, is designed to float as the water level rises inside the dishwasher.
Once the water level reaches the designated height, it will trigger the switch, which informs the dishwasher that it’s time to turn the water supply off.
If this switch becomes faulty, it may not tell the dishwasher that it’s time to turn the water supply off, so the water inlet valve will keep supplying water which causes the leak.
The float switch should be tested for continuity using a multimeter, and if it’s nonfunctional, it will simply need to be replaced.
8. The Spray Arms are Clogged
Spray arms are the small nozzles at the bottom of the dishwasher, which spray the water up, cleaning the dishes.
Sometimes due to dirt, hard water deposits, or even mold, these nozzles may become clogged up, which causes water to back up into the system and cause a leak.
Steps should be taken to unclog the nozzles so that the water doesn’t back up into the dishwasher.
9. The Drain Pump isn’t Working
The drain pump collects the dirty water and then allows it to drain away. When this pump becomes faulty, it will not be able to fully drain the water, which might cause it to back up into the machine.
The most common cause is that the dirty water drained away may contain some food particulate that clogs the pump up.
How to Fix a GE Dishwasher Leaking from Leaking
The best way to approach fixing a leaky dishwasher is to identify the source of the leak and take the necessary steps to plug it up.
Now that we’ve looked at the potential sources of the leak, we can go ahead and fix them.
1. Use the Correct Detergent
If you use either the wrong type of detergent or too much of the right kind, it may cause excessive suds to form, which will cause a dishwasher leak.
As per GE’s recommendation, you should only use powder, liquid, tablets, or pods explicitly designed for use with an automatic dishwasher.
Additionally, read the packet and only use the recommended amount.
2. Adjust or Remove Dishes
If the dishwasher is overfilled, it can cause the water to shoot off in an odd direction. You must ensure the water is not obstructed by overloading the dishwasher.
Sometimes it’s simply because the dishes have been poorly arranged, and you can re-arrange them so they don’t obstruct the water nozzles.
A more straightforward way is to remove some of the dishes. It’s far better to wash the dishes effectively using two wash cycles than one large ineffective one.
3. Level the Dishwasher
If the dishwasher isn’t level, then you may find water pools up too much on one side and leaks out.
Use a spirit level to check how flat the dishwasher is, then you can adjust the feet individually to level out each corner.
4. Replace the Water Inlet Valve
Once the water inlet valve has been tested with a multimeter and determined to be defective, the easiest solution is to replace it with a new one.
Unfortunately, this process is quite involved, so if you are not confident and knowledgeable about replacing the water valve, the best option is to contact GE technical support, who will assist you in replacing it.
5. Re-tighten the Water Pump
The water pump relies on a screw-tightened seal to prevent water from leaking. Over time this seal may become loose and cause the water leak, so simply re-tightening it can often fix the issue.
6. Clean or Repair the Door Seal
If the door seal is compromised at any point, it will allow water to leak out.
The first thing to do is visually inspect the door gasket and look for any cracks or breaks. You can easily purchase a new door gasket and replace it if you locate any.
Sometimes it’s something as simple as a piece of food or dirt that’s built up, which stops the seal from forming. Here you can use a wet cloth and some all-purpose cleaner to wipe the door seal down and keep it clear.
7. Replace the Float Switch
If the float switch has been tested and confirmed as defective, it will need to be replaced.
Once again, this is quite an involved process, and we recommend contacting GE support and having a trained technician do this for you.
8. Unclog the Spray Arm
Sometimes the spray arms may become clogged with either food debris or hard water deposits, which causes water to back up.
Fortunately, the spray arms can be easily removed and cleaned.
Use a toothbrush with water and vinegar solution and give the nozzles a good scrub, or adding some baking soda will also help break down the buildup.
9. Clean out the Drain Pump
If the drain pump cannot pump the dirty water away, it will collect in the machine, causing a dishwasher leak.
Oftentimes the pump gets clogged due to food particulate or hard water deposits. The pump should be removed and cleaned to free up the water flow.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
