Reasons Ge Dishwasher Fills With Water Then Stops
Your expectation is that your GE will not only fill with water but also run a complete wash cycle to clean your dishes. But if your GE dishwasher fills with water then stops, you should run a complete troubleshootingto identify and fix the problem.
Your GE dishwasher fills with water then stops because of a stuck or damaged motor, a blockage in the filter, a faulty pump impeller, a clogged drain hose, or an issue with the drive belt. Its also possible for the machine to fail operating because of an issue with drain solenoid.
Having dealt with the GE Profile Dishwasher, I can confirm that these errors dont need a professional technician to fix.
In this guide, Ill show you exactly how to get your head around each error, so you can diagnose the unit and have it not only filling with water but also running a full wash cycle successfully.
Reason #3 Drain Solenoid Malfunctions
The drain solenoid is a dishwasher component responsible for draining excess water from the appliance. If it activates too quickly or is malfunctioning, the float switch activation can be triggered, resulting in a dishwasher not filling with enough water.
To check the performance of the solenoid, access and listen to the drain valve at the start of the wash cycle. If the solenoid is broken or malfunctioning, you will either hear water drain out as fast as it flows in, or hear it trigger the float and not hear water flowing into the tub, you have no other choice but to replace it.
Clogged Or Broken Dishwasher Pump Filter
If the water is not spraying, check if your dishwasher is getting enough water pressure. If it is, then check the pump filter. The pump takes the soapy water from the tub to the spray arm.
Food particles can easily clog your dishwashers filter and pump, leading to the spray arms not working as well as they should. This is most often due to filters being located at the base of the dishwasher. However, every brand differs so its best to check for this information in the manual.
There are two ways to clean the filter and pump if it has collected debris. You can wash it under warm water, or you can vacuum the debris out using a vacuum cleaner. To maintain your dishwasher in excellent condition, clean these parts twice a year at a minimum.
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How Serious Is This Problem
As far as washing machine issues go, this is not that big a deal. Its an easy repair compared to most other issues that could happen with a GE machine. Assuming you dont have water flow issues with your plumbing, you wont even need to spend too much to get it fixed. Even so, its a repair that you need to get done in order to get your dishes cleaned.
What you should be aware of is what these kinds of problems mean. Float switches and inlet valves tend to be some of the first things to go bad in a dishwasher. So if you notice that your parts are starting to go, it may be time to start saving up for your next washing machine.
Why Is No Water Going Into My Ge Dishwasher
One possible cause of a GE dishwasher not filling with water is a blocked water inlet valve, which is described below. During a wash cycle, the water intake valve permits water to flow into the dishwasher from the sink. If youre wondering why there isnt any water flowing into my dishwasher, its possible that the input valve has been clogged with dirt.
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Broken Or Clogged Spray Arm
Are your dishwasher spray arms clogged or broken? This common problem can significantly reduce spraying power. If the spray arms repeatedly bang against dirty dishes and cookware, they can suffer holes or cracks. If you find your GE dishwasher not spraying water, examine the spray arms for damage that can reduce their spraying ability. A broken spray arm must be replaced.
If the spray arm isnt damaged, check it for clogs that can prevent water from spraying. Each spray arm has small holes that emit water during wash cycles. These holes can be prone to clogs from hard water buildup, food particles, or other debris that limit water flow. Consult your user manual to make sure the spray arms on your model dishwasher are removable. Removing and washing them should be part of your regular dishwasher cleaning routine.
Heres how to clean dishwasher spray arm to improve performance:
- Remove the upper and lower spray arms according to your owners manual instructions.
- Scrub the spray arm with a sponge and warm, soapy water.
- For hard water stains, soak the arms in the sink with warm water and a few drops of white vinegar.
- Unclog spray armholes with a pipe cleaner or straightened wire hanger.
- Replace the upper and lower spray arms.
Incorrect Dishwasher Cycle Settings
When starting your dishwasher first make sure a cycle is selected. The dishwasher will not start until a cycle is specified. Meanwhile, certain features like the GE dishwasher child lock setting or Delay Start feature can prevent an immediate start. Check your control panel display codes to see if these settings are enabled. Holding down the Start button for 3 seconds should disable any selected cycle.
In some cases, moisture or damage to the control panel could result in the GE dishwasher display not working properly, preventing cycle selection. We recommend that a professional service assess and replace the display if necessary.
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How To Fix A Dishwasher That Wont Spray Water
A dishwasher that will not spray water can be attributed to a few different problems.
The first thing to do is make sure the washer on the top rack of dishes is not clogged with food.
If this is not the problem, then it might be that the dishwasher is not connected to a water line, or there are no gaps where the water line connects to the dishwasher.
Now check if the dishwasher is not leveled correctly. To correct this issue, the dishwasher needs to be adjusted so it is level.
If the above solution doesnt solve the issue then, it might be that there is a build-up on the waterline or the sprayer.
To fix this, remove the top rack of dishes and clean out any clogs.
If this is not the problem, then wipe the sprayer nozzle to clear out any clogs.
Malfunctioning Dishwasher Float Switch
The float switch is an essential part of the dishwasher. It monitors the water level and activates the inlet valve to trigger water flow. When the basin fills with enough water, the float switch will signal the inlet valve to stop the water flow.
The float switch may malfunction and send the wrong signal to the GE dishwasher water inlet valve. More specifically, this switch may create the impression that the basin is full hence, the inlet valve should shut off the water flow.
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Why Does My Dishwasher Not Spray Water
If your dishwasher is not spraying water, it might be because the filter and pump are clogged, the overfill float switch is not working properly, or the spray arms are obstructed in some way. There might be a problem with the water valve or insufficient pressure. You can determine why the water supply valve is not spraying water by turning it on and off.
Why Does My Ge Dishwasher Start Then Stops
If your GE dishwasher starts, fills with water, and then stops all of a sudden, its likely that the thermal fuse may have blown. It could also be that the thermal fuse shorts because its loose, dirty, or broken.
Cleaning the thermal fuse or replacing it with a new one altogether can go a long way to fix this issue and getting your unit running smoothly.
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How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Dishwasher That Wont Fill
If you just have a clog in your inlet valve, then it wont cost anything to repair. However, many machines that have this problem will require a float switch or inlet valve replacement. Most GE float switches will cost between $20 and $100. If you need an inlet valve, expect to pay around $20 for the part.
Though some people are able to replace the defective parts on their own, most people tend to hire plumbers or appliance repairmen to do this. A typical dishwasher repair call for a GE model that wont fill up will cost between $100 and $200. This includes the parts and labor for
Reason #4 Water Supply Kinks
What you thought was a faulty dishwasher not getting water, might not be the appliance at all. Before jumping to conclusions and rushing to get a new one, examine the water supply line that sends a stream of water to the device. It may either be damaged or bent.
In the case of the latter, you are in the clear straightening the supply line will solve your problem. If the supply line is damaged youll need to fix or replace it. We recommend hiring a technician to handle the process since you will need to reconnect a new supply line to the dishwashing machine as well.
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Why Wont My Ge Dishwasher Drain All The Way
Your GE dishwasher struggles to drain properly because theres a problem with the drain pump.
More often than not, the drain pump fails because there are solid food particles clogging the pathway where water should pass.
An obstructed air gap, wrongly placed garbage disposal, or a damaged drain pump motor can also cause the dishwasher not to drain all the way.
Ge Dishwasher Emitting Bad Smell
Dishwashers boast that they can get dishes remarkably clean, even if the dishes are covered with food. However, its important to remember that food particles on the dishes now sit in the dishwasher. Anything that cant drain with the water can get trapped inside. This stuck food can then smell, creating a bad odor from the dishwasher.
The best way to avoid odor problems is to keep your dishwasher clean. To keep your dishwasher clean, do some tasks daily, while you can do others weekly.
Each day, pick up any food particles that you see along the bottom of the dishwasher. This can go a long way in keeping the appliance cleaner and running smoothly. About every one to two weeks, give the dishwashers interior a gentle wipe down to avoid grime buildup.
You should also check the users manual and look at how you can remove the filter from the bottom of the appliance. Also, give your filter a gentle cleaning periodically to make sure it works well.
Finally, youll want to do a deeper cleaning about every one to two months. Run the wash cycle on the appliance using hot water and place a cup of vinegar inside to break up any other food particles and residual dishwasher detergent. The rest of the dishwasher can remain empty.
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Power Surge Or Power Cut
If there is a power surge or power cut, most GE dishwashers will need to be reset. Reset instructions will vary depending on the model and type of GE dishwasher. However, in some cases, pressing the Start/Reset button and then waiting a few minutes will get the dishwasher to reset and reboot.
For other models, after a power failure the dishwasher Start/Reset button may blink when the power is restored. Pressing the Start/Reset button once should start the drain pump to remove residual water from the dishwasher. After about a minute, the dishwasher should be back to normal and ready to be used.
If the power went out while the dishwasher was in the middle of a cycle, with most GE models, the dishwasher will remember where it was in the cycle and resume from that point.
How To Fix A Ge Dishwasher Not Draining
A dishwasher that cannot drain is a problem you will want to get fixed quickly. Not only is there a risk of further damage caused by leaking water, but dirty dishes will also start piling up in the sink. Fortunately, this guide is here to help you.
Most of the time, the dishwasher will not be draining because of a defective drain pump. However, before you access the drain pump, check that the drain hose is connected properly and not blocked. The filter and sump should also be checked for debris. If the dishwasher still will not drain, there may be a defective solenoid causing the issue.
Go through the checks below to diagnose and fix the drainage issue in your GE dishwasher.
This guide applies to most GE dishwasher models, including the following:
DDW550B-45
SD4920X66BB
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Solution #: Checking And Replacing The Float Switch
The float switch for a dishwasher will be located below the floating actuator, which might be responsible for the GE dishwasher not getting water.
To reach the switch, just locate the float assembly in the dishwasher and look down. The float switch will have two wires attached to it.
You may check the switch using your multimeter. First, turn the devices ohms dial to the multiplier of 1.
Next, make contact with one terminal of the switch using each probe. The result of this procedure should be either 0 or infinite.
Repeat touching the probes to the terminals and depressing the switchs button.
Finally, the indicator has to be switched to the complete opposite. If your switch does not pass any of those tests, you must replace it.
Replacing the Switch
Remember that the float switch will have two wires attached to it. Theyre joined using snap-on adapters that are easy to install and remove.
Its a good idea to so you can put them back together in the right order afterward.
To remove the switch:
Now it is time to install the new switch:
It is done! You can now test to see if your dishwasher will fill with water.
Ge Dishwasher Leaking From Bottom Of Door
It can be alarming when you notice your GE dishwasher leaking from the bottom. Luckily, you have some easy ways to identify the root cause of the leak and how to fix the issue. Our guide walks you through how to diagnose the reason for the leak.
This guide covers all main models of GE dishwashers, including:
DDW550B-45
SD4920X66BB
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Faults In Float Assembly
As your dishwasher fills, a float rises and at a predetermined level stops the flow of water.
If the float gets stuck in this position, it can prevent water from filling your dishwasher.
Check your float assembly to find out if there is anything obstructing the float from moving freely. Replace the assembly if a repair cant be made quickly and easily.
Ge Dishwasher Door Leaking
Dishwashers come equipped with a special rubber seal that helps prevent water from leaking out as the dishwasher runs. However, as the dishwasher ages, this important strip can begin to break down.
You might notice that the seal starts to become brittle and cracked. It can also start to leak. If your dishwasher leaks water during its cycles, open the appliance to look at this seal carefully. Look for signs of the seal beginning to break down or otherwise no longer completing its job well.
If you discover that a degrading seal explains your leaking door, youll probably have to replace the seal to prevent the problem from happening again.
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For An Easier & Safer Repair Call West Coast Chief
It all sounds like such fun! If you love tinkering with electronics and mechanical stuff, then it may be your idea of a good time to spend a Saturday afternoon on the kitchen floor, surrounded by testing equipment and dishwasher parts.
Otherwise, abandon the notion of a DIY water inlet valve repair in the interest of saving a few bucks. Call us at West Coast Chief repair instead. Well determine where the problem lies after all, it may not be the dishwasher water inlet valve, or it may be much more than the inlet valve.
Once we diagnose the malfunction, well offer an affordable solution to meet your budget repair or replacement, depending on the condition and age of your dishwasher. And in most cases, well have your dishwasher running like a champ by the end of our service call.
Test The Water Inlet Valve
Attach your test cord or battery pack to the valve. If water flows freely through it, the inlet valve isnt causing your dishwasher problems.
But if the water flows slowly or not at all, the inlet valve may need cleaning. And if its free of debris yet still restricting water flow, you have a broken valve that must be replaced.
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Blockage In The Water Supply Line
Regardless of how clean water comes from the source, it can always get contaminated along the way. For instance, corrosion in the plumbing pipes can cause the water to come out discolored. Similarly, water from the source can accumulate debris in it.
This debris may cause the water supply line to block, hence, preventing the smooth flow of water into the dishwasher. You may want to call a service technician to come and take a look at your plumbing system as well as the dishwasher.