Dishwashers are intelligent systems but they can malfunction from time to time like not drawing the water at the end of the cycle. Blockage in the filter, faulty drain pump, and drain pump leakage are the common causes of a GE dishwasher not draining properly.
But, you can easily troubleshoot the problem without taking any help from professionals. So, let’s get you hooked up with some simple tips and methods on how to fix the dishwasher with a draining problem without calling any professional.
How to fix Ge Dishwasher not draining at end of cycle
There are several reasons which cause your GE dishwasher not to drain the water. All you have to do is troubleshoot the problem.
1. Blockage In The Filter And Sump
It would be best for you to check for a blockage at first. Determine whether your model has a fine or ultra-fine filter. Typically, a dishwasher filter can’t filter out large pieces of food and debris.
If you have the filter, remove it and check underneath for debris. If the filter isn’t cleaned consistently then it can become blocked with debris and resulting in the GE dishwasher not draining properly.
Follow the procedure given below to clean your fine and ultra-fine filter-
Step 1: Take out the dishwasher’s bottom rack
Step 2: Twist the filter anti-clockwise and pull upwards to remove
Step 3: Twist the two pots of the Fine filter anti-clockwise
Step 4: Clean each filter separately with lukewarm water and scrub the stains with a soft sponge.
Step 5: Once you are done with the cleaning part, replace the Fine filter first by turning the rear posts clockwise.
2. Air Gap And High Loop
If you see your dishwasher drain hose isn’t connected to the garbage disposal, then it might be connected with an air gap.
When your dishwasher doesn’t have an air gap, then the drain hose must be positioned in a high loop underneath the sink. Both the air gap and high loop stop water from flowing back into the appliance during a draining cycle.
In case of an air gap, remove the cap from the top of the air gap and remove any build-up of debris or food particles. Clearing out the air gap will increase the water flow. So, it is better to inspect and clean the air gap regularly.
3. Usage Of Too Much Detergent
While using the dishwasher, you need to be careful with detergent. If you use too much detergent, it will lead to drainage issues instead of cleaning the dishes.
Extra detergent can clog the drain with over-sud, so the water can enter the drain pipe during a wash cycle.
You may also find suds coming out of the washer and onto the floor and can easily see the big clogs of detergent forming in the drainpipe which cause improper drainage in your GE dishwasher.
So, we advise you to go through the instruction manual to get a good idea of how much detergent to use depending on the number of dishes.
Related: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent For Hard Water
4. Faulty Drain Pump
If the drain hose or filter is working fine and the drain hose is connected properly then your GE dishwasher might have a faulty drain pump. Your drain pump might fail either electrically or mechanically.
A drain pump functions by draining the water out of the dishwasher via the drain hose into the sink. Generally, a drain pipe uses an impeller to thrust the water out into the drain pipe.
If the impeller is damaged then you might need to change the entire impeller.
On the other hand, if the drain pump has failed electrically, then you need to access the backside of your GE dishwasher and use a multimeter to check for continuity (a continuous electrical path).
So, when the pump fails in the continuity test then you have to replace it with a new one. If the multimeter beeps, then there is nothing to be worried about.
5. Failed Drain Solenoid
Another reason a dishwasher won’t drain water is due to a failed drain solenoid. The function of drain solenoid is to open the valve of a drain so the water may exit to the appliance. But this will damage due to the high or low temperature and if it is broken then the valve won’t open. As a result, the dishwasher will not drain water.
To check the solenoid, first, disconnect the power and take out the bottom panel on the dishwasher. Once you have taken the bottom panel off, you would notice the drain solenoid attached to the main pump.
If the solenoid doesn’t move then you need to consider replacing it. if it does move, this means your solenoid is perfectly fine. But you should do the following step for further troubleshooting:
- Reconnect the power
- Start a new cycle on the unit
- If your timer is mechanical, slowly turn it on until the solenoid turns on
- If the timer is turned all the way around and still the solenoid is engaged, then replace the solenoid.
- If your dishwasher is electronically controlled, then start a new cycle and wait for a couple of minutes before pressing the start or reset button. This would force the solenoid to engage, if still doesn’t get engaged, replace it.
6. Clogged Garbage Disposal
Check whether the garbage disposal is connected to your dishwasher or not. If the dishwasher is connected to garbage disposal, just make sure the disposal is clear of any kinds of debris or blockage.
If the disposal is blocked with debris then, water from the disposal can’t exit the unit properly and can back up into the unit during another wash cycle. We advise you to run the garbage disposal before starting a wash cycle.
7. Sink
You would notice most of the dishwasher is connected to the kitchen sink, so a clog in the sink can prevent your GE dishwasher from draining completely.
Relevant: Kenmore Elite Dishwasher not Draining
So, make sure the sink is free from any large food particles or debris, if you find any then fish out with the help of a plumber’s snake.
Final words
If you have gone through all the quick checks and still can’t figure out the problem with your GE dishwasher, then we recommend you to call in a professional.
A faulty GE dishwasher can make your day very tiring and troublesome. So, it is better to troubleshoot the problem on your own.
We hope our Do-it-yourself guide helped you to get rid of the problems you are facing with your GE dishwasher. Do regular maintenance of your dishwasher to keep it healthy and running.