Ge Dishwasher Not Draining Here Are 4 Reasons Why
Opening your GE dishwasher and finding a puddle of dirty water inside can undoubtedly be an unwelcome surprise. While standing water seems like a clear sign of a GE dishwasher not draining, pinpointing the cause can feel less clear. Why is my GE dishwasher not draining? To clarify the problem, well review the most common reasons your unit wont drain from a clogged dishwasher filter to an impeller malfunction.
Solution : Unclog Or Straighten The Drain Hose
The drain hose, as its name suggests, is the tube that drains the dirty water out of your dishwasher.
At times, the drain hose can get clogged with food debris, or folds or kinks in the hose can suppress water flow.
When this happens, water cant drain properly, causing a backup in your dishwasher.
Heres how to fix this issue.
Instructions
Note: This solution will require a comfort level with getting on the floor and looking under your dishwasher and the adjacent sink.
Check The Drain Solenoid Kit
If you still havent found the cause of your GE dishwasher not draining, the next component to check is the drain solenoid. The solenoid opens the drain valve so that water can drain out of the dishwasher.
To check if it is faulty:
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Defective Drain Check Valve
As we briefly discussed in the beginning, the drain can become clogged with debris. When checking this area, be sure to also check the drain valve.
Over time, this part can become clogged, or even stop working all together.
First, youll want to clean the valve if there is debris present. If youve already done this, but the unit still wont actuate, youll need to replace the valve.
Again, these parts are not repairable, so youll need to buy a new one and replace.
The Air Gap Has Been Blocked
Water that backs up into the sink drain and causes clogs is prevented by an air gap. On the other hand, the air gap may become blocked with debris over time, necessitating regular cleaning. Clogged drains can cause a dishwasher not to drain correctly if your house has an air gap.
To clear a blockage in the air gap, remove the air gap cover, wipe any debris away with your hand or a paper towel, and check for visible obstructions before replacing it.
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Ge Dishwasher Filter Is Full
A dishwasher filter screens out larger food particles to prevent them from clogging the drain pump. A GE dishwasher not draining may have a filter thats clogged with these particles, restricting water flow. Our dishwasher loading tips suggest removing larger particles from dishes before loading the dishwasher. However, regular cleanings are the best way to avoid clogs and draining problems.
Follow these steps to clean a full GE dishwasher filter:
Remove Standing Water From The Dishwasher
Now you’ll want to remove all the water from your dishwasher. It’s important to lay down towels around the base to absorb any spillage, especially if you have a lot of water at the bottom.
You can use towels to absorb the water or use a plastic cup to scoop it up and place it into a bucket. If there’s plenty of water and you want to speed up the process, you can also use a wet/dry vacuum for this step.
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Ge Dishwasher Not Draining Completely
It is normal to have a small amount of water remaining in the dishwasher after a cycle. This is designed to prevent the sump assembly from drying out and cracking. Normally, this water will be drained immediately prior to the next cycle.
This water is left over from the rinse cycle of the dishwasher. For this reason, it should appear clean and there should only be approximately one cup of residual water.
If there is more than this amount or the water appears to be dirty, you dishwasher may not be draining completely. Below is a more detailed explanation of the reasons why this may be happening.
Turn Off The Power Supply And Water Supply
Turn off the power supply by unplugging it from the outlet or shutting down the circuit breaker to which it’s connected.
Then, turn off the water supply by looking for the water line connecting to the dishwasher. This is a copper or stainless steel line that should be just right under the sink.
You also need to close the shut-off valve under the sink that supplies water to the dishwasher.
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Solution : Deep Clean The Garbage Disposal
Most dishwashers dont have a dedicated plumbing line. Instead, they connect and drain through the garbage disposal, which is connected to the outside drain pipe.
If you dont run your garbage disposal often, or you dont clean it frequently, food and debris can build up and prevent water from properly draining out of your dishwasher.
Look into the disposal with a flashlight and give the area a sniff.
If you see buildup around the disposal blades or smell a pungent odor, a clogged disposal could be causing your issue.
As a first step, run hot water and then turn on your disposal to make sure it is clear of food matter.
Then, run a dishwasher cycle to see if that fixed the problem. If not, follow the steps below to deep clean your disposal.
Instructions:
The Air Gap Is Clogged
An air gap prevents water from sink drain clogs from backing up into the dishwasher. However, the air gap itself can become clogged with debris over time and requires regular cleaning. If your home has an air gap, clogs can be why the dishwasher doesnt drain properly.
Heres how to clear air gap clogs:
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Garbage Disposal Is Clogged
If you have a garbage disposal, your dishwasher and disposal likely share a common drain. If the disposal is clogged with debris, water from the dishwasher cant drain properly and can back up into the dishwasher during a wash cycle. At this point, youll notice that your dishwasher has standing water after cycle ends.
We recommend running the garbage disposal before starting a wash cycle. This will clear the drain of any lingering food particles that can cause clogs and backups.
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Ge Dishwasher Wont Drain
A dishwasher that doesnt drain can cause a variety of issues. Not only does it prevent you from washing dishes easily, but it also can lead to flooding. If your GE Dishwasher doesnt drain, address the issue immediately to avoid further frustration and damage.
If your GE Dishwasher doesnt drain, check the drain hose below the sink for any blockages or kinks. You should make sure that the drain hose is a white, corrugated hose as worn hoses promote crimping and blockages. Also, check that you dont have a clogged kitchen sink drain.
Check The Dishwasher Filter
- After youve checked the plumbing, check inside the dishwasher along the bottom of the tub for food and waste buildup. Clean the area with a rag or abrasive sponge.
- Check the filter. It will be located at the back or along the bottom of the tub near the spray arm. New units have smaller grids that are built into the base. These are designed to protect the filter from buildup, but sometimes debris can still accumulate.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the casing. Remove the filter and clean it as needed.
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Understanding The Parts Of Your Dishwasher
Before I get into how to fix standing water, its helpful to know about the parts of your dishwasher and to have a basic understanding of how dishwashers work.
Dishwashers often have the same types of parts, but they may vary based on the manufacturer.
Here are some common parts Ill mention in this article:
Air Gap: An air gap, also known as an air cap, is a device that prevents dirty water from re-entering your dishwasher, ensuring that the water used to wash your dishes is clean. Not all dishwashers use an air gap however, some states plumbing codes require it.
Dishwasher Filter: Depending on the manufacturer, you may have a manual or self-cleaning filter. This filter is usually located on the bottom of the dishwasher, but your owners manual will have exact details. Its purpose is to catch food and other debris during the wash cycle to keep the recirculating water as clean as possible.
Drain Hose: This is a hose that connects the dishwashers drain pump to your garbage disposal or air gap.
Drain Pump: This part pushes water from the dishwasher into your drain line or garbage disposal.
Spray Arm: This part rotates and shoots water onto the dishes during the cleaning cycle.
Not sure which parts your dishwasher has and where they are located?
Thankfully, you can access detailed product manuals online for your specific dishwasher brand and model.
Below are links to the manuals for the most popular brands:
Remove Pump And Motor Assembly Parts
Move the pump and motor assembly to a stable work area. While holding the motor shaft, remove the cutter blade, grater, wear ring and retainer, and discard. While continuing to hold the motor shaft, remove the impeller and then remove the motors pump.
The pump should slide off the motor shaft, then you can set it aside.
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Common Reasons Your Ge Dishwasher Wont Drain
Your GE dishwasher washes dishes and then removes any water from the washtub after the completed cycle. The dishwasher does this by pumping the wastewater through a drain hose and out into the sink drain.
It can be normal for small amounts of water to remain in the bottom of the tub. However, if you begin to have more than a cup of standing water, you have a problem. Here are some common reasons your GE dishwasher wont drain.
How To Drain A Clogged Ge Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is not draining, you may need to drain excess water manually. This will allow you to inspect the filter and sump better to determine the cause. To drain the dishwasher manually, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Place towels under the dishwasher to soak any water spills.
Step 2: Place one bowl either side of the dishwasher door to collect any large leaks as you open the dishwasher door.
Step 3: Unlatch the door, but do not open it fully.
Step 4: Slowly open the door fully to make sure no water spills onto the floor.
Copyright article owner is Readytodiy.com for this article. This post was first published on 2021-07-15..
Step 5: Use a cup to empty most of the water down the sink.
Step 6: Soak up the last of the water with a towel.
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Dishwasher Filter Is Clogged
A dishwashers filter screens out large food particles and debris, preventing them from clogging the dishwasher drain. However, the filter can become blocked with debris if its not cleaned regularly. This leaves the drain vulnerable to food remnants that can cause clogs and result in a GE dishwasher, not draining.
For optimal function and to prevent drain clogs, we recommend cleaning the dishwasher filter monthly. Follow these simple steps to clean your GE dishwashers Fine and Ultra-Fine Filter:
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Tips To Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly
Dishwashers are one of the most essential appliances in a modern kitchen. They are such a workhorse when everything is running smoothly.
But what if your dishwasher stops working? Surely, it will be a nightmare for you.
There are several fantastic dishwashers available on the market. They are, however, never unbreakable. They can also be problematic at times.
There are several least-trusted dishwasher brands out there, GE is not one of them. However, regular maintenance is the key!
Not only the dishwasher but also any other appliances work better when used carefully. In this way, you can use them for a longer period of time.
Here are some tips for you to run your GE dishwasher smoothly below.
- Run The Hot Water Before Starting
Every time while running your dishwasher you should use hot water for the filling cycle. Never use cold water before using hot water.
Especially, in the winter days, using hot water before cold water will help to run your dishwasher smoothly.
Dishwashers are a great tool to save time and energy.
However, you should stop overcrowding the dishwasher to get the service for a longer period. Sometimes, wash some plates with your hands too.
- Remove The Food By Your Hand
The dishwashers are designed for washing your dishes not for scraping them.
So, before putting all the dishes in your dishwasher remove the foods with your hands to reduce the number of particles.
If you let the most amount of food go inside the dishwasher it will affect the drainage system.
Damaged Or Blocked Pump
Although the filter will remove most debris from the water before entering the pump, fine debris can still build up in the pump housing and cause a blockage. Lime scale can also build up over time. In order to clean the pump, you will need to follow the steps below.
Step 1: Turn off the power and water to your dishwasher.
Step 2: Unscrew the dishwasher from its brackets to pull out from under the bench.
Step 3: Follow the drain pipe to locate the pump underneath the dishwasher
Step 4: Unscrew the clamp to remove the drain pipe from the pump.
Step 5: Remove the second clamp securing the pump to the dishwasher.
Step 6: Remove the pump and rinse with water and a sponge, removing any food debris in the process.
Step 7: Reassemble the pump and drain pipe with their clamps.
Step 8: Return and secure the dishwasher under the bench.
Step 9: Turn on the power and water supply.
Unfortunately, if the pump is damaged, you will need to order a new one. This is because a repaired pump has a very short life expectancy and therefore it is not worth the money.
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