A dishwasher is supposed to make your chores much easier, not add yet another point to your list of kitchen tasks.
If your GE dishwasher is not draining, this will affect the entire wash cycle, and the standing water in the dishwasher could also leave a mess.
Depending on the GE dishwasher model, there could be several potential problems causing drain issues. In this guide, we will talk about the most common factors that affect the drain cycle.
Also, stay tuned for the most efficient methods of fixing your GE dishwasher!
Why is your GE dishwasher not draining?
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Before you can think about washer repair and different methods of getting your dishwasher drain to work properly again, it is necessary to perform some detailed troubleshooting of your GE dishwasher.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why your GE dishwasher is not draining.
1. Filter clog
One of the main reasons why the dishwasher isn’t able to drain water is because there is a clog in the dishwasher filter.
The sole purpose of the filter is to prevent any food particles from getting to the drain pump. If the food particles accumulate in the pump, the water flow to the drain pump will be disrupted.
Since the dishwasher filter has a protective role and allows other appliance parts to function properly, it is necessary to keep it clean.
2. Not using the correct dishwasher detergent
When it comes to choosing your dishwasher detergent, there are far more important factors than the smell, the formula, and the price point. While it may seem unimportant, the choice of your dishwasher detergent could affect the functioning of your GE dishwasher in many aspects.
Using regular dish soap or another product that is not meant for a dishwasher could create a buildup of products that is compromising the draining process.
It is also important to stick with the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent.
In case you use too much, this could create a suds buildup that will interfere with the wash cycle, and you’ll even notice dirty water and product residue afterward.
3. Blocked check valve
In case you notice any dirty water, or drain water in general, coming back from the drain hose straight into the tub, the check valve of your dishwasher may be clogged or stuck.
The role of the check valve in the drain cycle is to stop the drain water from getting back into the dishwasher by directing it outwards.
The check valve often gets blocked if there is a drain clog in the pump, the drain tube, or both of these elements.
4. The dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal
In case your dishwasher is connected to your garbage disposal, this connection could be the source of all your troubles with the drain cycle of your dishwasher.
Normally, the dishwasher should be connected to the drain line, which makes the entire process much easier. However, if the dishwasher is hooked up to the garbage disposal instead, you may not have removed the plug.
If the plug in the garbage disposal isn’t removed, the dirty water will naturally come back into the dishwasher, since it won’t have a way out.
5. Faulty drain pump
The drain pump is the single most important element of your GE dishwasher or any dishwasher for that matter.
Inside a drain pump, there is a drain impeller that controls the water flow and directs it out of the dishwasher through the hose once the wash and drain cycles have been completed.
In case the drain impeller is blocked (perhaps due to a faulty or clogged filter) or damaged, the drain water will come right back into the dishwasher.
How to fix a GE dishwasher not draining
While a malfunctioning dishwasher is never a fun experience, the good news is that all of the issues we’ve mentioned can be solved quickly and permanently.
Keep on reading to learn how to restart the drain cycle in your GE dishwasher and avoid this issue in the future.
1. Clean the dishwasher filter regularly
It is quite easy to prevent any clogs in your dishwasher filter. All you need to do is clean it regularly and remove any accumulated food particles or gunk that may end up there.
Be sure to clean it thoroughly using hot, soapy water. This will allow you to remove every last ounce of buildup so that nothing blocks the drain cycle anymore.
Rinse the filter afterward, and install it back into the dishwasher. In case the filter is damaged in any way, make sure to replace it right away.
2. Choose the right dishwasher detergent
Ensure that you’re always buying a brand that is dishwasher-safe and compatible with your GE dishwasher model. If you’re not sure what brand you should use, you can always check the manual or contact customer support to check which products would be compatible with your dishwasher.
Also, remember not to use too much detergent thinking it will improve the cleaning power. Instead, you could end up with a product buildup that is compromising the draining process.
If you’ve accidentally added the wrong brand, and you’ve noticed only after you’ve run a wash cycle, there’s no need to panic.
All you need to do is wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a lint-free cloth to remove any suds residue, as well as the soapy tray (a sponge may work better for this). Once you’ve removed the suds, you can run a quick 30-minute program with an empty dishwasher to get rid of any detergent residue with hot water.
3. Inspect the check valve
If you suspect that something is blocking the check valve, it is necessary to inspect it and look for any physical blockages or signs of damage.
You can remove blockages, as well as accumulated food particles, using hot water and a lint-free cloth.
In case the check valve is damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible since the drain cycle relies on it.
4. Check the garbage disposal connection
If you’ve established that your GE dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal, you will need to check the drain plug.
Make sure that the drain plug is removed, which will allow the dishwasher to remove the drain water. Remember not to move the plug if the dishwasher isn’t connected to the garbage disposal.
In case the drain water still remains in the dishwasher after you’ve removed the plug, check if the drain hose is properly attached.
5. Check the drain pump
Lastly, if the drain impeller is damaged, make sure to replace it as soon as possible to enable the drain pump to remove the dirty water from the dishwasher.
In case the problem persists after fixing the drain impeller, it could be that the drain pump is faulty, and you may need to replace it.
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.
