GE Washers can sometimes run into a problem where the dirty water isn’t able to drain away, which leaves your clothes wet and dirty even after the washing cycle is completed.
You’re undoubtedly keen on getting this problem fixed as soon as possible so you can get your clothes washed and dried properly.
So in this article, we’re going to walk through all the main reasons why your GE Washer will stop draining and how to get it fixed up as easily as possible.
Why is your GE Washer Not Draining?
Usually, a washer that isn’t draining correctly comes down to improper use of the machine, such as adding the wrong type of detergent.
Other times it may be due to something like the drain becoming clogged up.
Before we get the problem fixed, we first need to understand what’s going wrong. So, let’s walk through the main causes of this problem so you can better diagnose what’s happening with your washer.
1. Too much Detergent is Being Used
While it’s very easy to think that more detergent equals cleaner clothes, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.
The volume of detergent you use in a wash cycle needs to be just right. If it’s not, there is a high likelihood of too many suds being produced inside the washer.
This will cause suds to collect inside the washer, which can be very difficult to drain away.
You’ll need to take steps to flush out the machine and get rid of the build-up soap deposit, and then in the future, ensure you only use the correct amount of suds for your particular washer.
2. Bad Load Distribution
Improperly loaded clothes tend to bundle together and create an uneven weight distribution from inside the dryer.
When the weight inside the drum isn’t even, the clothes can be thrown from side to side, which puts excess strain on the drum and can damage the impeller.
So not only does it harm the machine, but it also means the clothes aren’t being agitated or drained correctly, which, once again, leaves you with wet and dirty clothes at the end of the cycle.
Here we’ll need to ensure that the clothes are loaded into the machine properly and in a way where they won’t just bundle together mid-wash.
3. The Washer isn’t Leveled
For optimum efficiency, the washer needs to be level with the floor.
This assists in allowing the water to drain away properly, as well as ensuring the load distribution is even, and the clothes can’t bundle together.
Fortunately, most washers have convenient adjustable legs on each corner, allowing you to set the height and get it perfectly level with the floor.
4. The Drain Hose is Kinked
The dirty washer water is drained through a hose connected to your home’s water drain.
Sometimes this hose can become kinked or pinched, which can heavily reduce the amount of water it can drain away. Consequently, it can cause water to back up into the washer, leaving you with wet, dirty clothes by the end of the cycle.
Here we’ll need to adjust the hose so the water can flow freely out of the washer.
We’ll also need to ensure the hose is below 96 inches from the floor, or the water won’t be able to flow out of the machine naturally.
5. A Drain Pump Problem
In order for water to drain away from a washer, a drain pump is used to help push the water out.
Sometimes this drain pump can become clogged up with small items pulled from the clothing or by an excessive build-up of lint due to the lint filter having not been cleaned in some time.
We’ll need to inspect the drain pump for clogs and blockages and remove them before the water is able to drain.
In some rarer cases, the drain pump may have failed or malfunctioned, in which case it may need to be replaced.
6. The Pump Filter is Blocked
A drain filter screen functions similarly to the lint filter, which is there to help catch debris or items before they make it to the pump.
So if you notice that water isn’t making it to the pump, it may be because the pump’s filter is already very clogged up.
Once again, we’ll need to inspect the drain filter for blockages and clear it out.
7. A Lid Switch Problem
When you place the lid down on a top-loading washer, it activates the lid switch, letting the washer know that it’s safe to turn off.
Sometimes this sensor can fail, in which case it should be tested with a multimeter for continuity. It will need to be replaced if it’s found to be defective.
8. The Belt is Damaged or Worn
A washer drum spins using a drive belt connected to the motor. These belts tend to wear down over time and prevent the drum from spinning properly.
You’ll need to inspect the drive belt for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying. If the belt looks pretty old, this should also be replaced.
How to Fix a GE Washer Not Draining
Now you have a better idea of what causes this issue. Let’s walk through how to fix these problems to get your washer back in working order.
1. Adjust the Amount of Detergent Being Used
When too much detergent is used, it will cause excessive suds to accumulate in the machine. These suds tend to stick around and not get washed away properly.
This isn’t helpful to the operation of the washer, so you will need to adjust the amount of detergent you’re using.
The first thing to do is check that you are using the right detergent for your washer. For example, if you are using a HE (high efficiency) washer, you should only use HE detergent with it.
Next, you should ensure you are using the correct amount as indicated on the detergent packet to ensure there isn’t an excess build-up of suds during the wash cycle.
If you’ve been dealing with excessive suds build-up for a while, running a cleaning cycle in your GE washing machine is a good idea to flush out the accumulated soap deposits. You can add a cup of vinegar or RID-X to the drum and run a hot water cycle.
2. Redistribute the Clothes
If the clothes become all bundled up, it will cause an uneven weight distribution inside the GE washing machine drum, putting excessive strain on the mechanism.
You should ensure that the clothes are evenly distributed across the drum, so it spins evenly.
Additionally, GE recommends making sure the load washer drum isn’t more than 75% full, so the clothes have enough room to agitate properly, which can help reduce the risk of bundling.
3. Level the Washer
If the load washer isn’t properly leveled, it can cause both operational and draining problems.
So the first thing to do is take a spirit level and check how level the GE appliance is.
Once you’ve identified which corners are too low and need to be raised, you can easily adjust the height of the feet on each corner.
You might need to do this a few times before everything’s completely level. But you should see a good increase in draining performance after leveling your washer.
4. Unkink the Drain Hose
If the drain hose is kinked, then the dirty water won’t be able to pass through the hose and away from the GE appliance.
Start by pulling out the GE front load washer from the wall. Inspect the drain hose for any kinks or areas where it might be pinched. To unravel it, you may also need to detach the hose from the GE front load washer.
Once it’s straight and the water can take a smooth path through the hose, you can then re-attach it.
When you push the washer back up to the wall, you should be very careful not to introduce any new kinks or pinches into the hose.
5. Fix the Drain Pump
When there is a drain pump issue, it’s either a blockage or a component failure.
So the first thing to do is check the drain pump for blockages. If any debris or objects are found there, they should be removed.
If the pump doesn’t work even after the blockage is removed, it may have failed. In this case, you’ll need to contact GE customer support, who will help arrange for a technician to install a new pump.
6. Unblock the Pump Filter
If the drain pump filter is blocked, it will need to be cleaned. First, you’ll need to turn off the water supply and pull the washer away from the wall. Take off the back panel and locate the drain pump.
You will need to remove the drain pump filter and spray it down with some water to remove any built-up debris.
At this time, it’s also a good idea to clean the lint filter. You can just remove this and let it sit in a sink of hot water for a few minutes to loosen up the lint. Next, scrub it clean with something like a toothbrush. Be sure to let it dry before reinstalling.
7. Replace the Lid Switch
If the lid switch has failed, the washer will think the lid is still open, which may stop the drum mid-cycle.
The switch should be tested with a multimeter for functionality. If it’s found to be non-functional, then once again, the best option is to contact GE support, who will help arrange for a new one to be installed.
8. Replace the Worn Belt
If the belt is found to be old and worn out after inspection, then it should be replaced with a new one.
You can access the belt from the rear of the washer by removing the access panel. You’ll need to unscrew the plastic belt cover before you can pull off the old belt.
Once this is done, you can go ahead and install the new drive belt in its place.
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.
