GE dishwasher not draining? Is it possible that your GE dishwasher is taking too long to drain? When I turn on my GE dishwasher, no water comes out. Because GE dishwashers are known for their efficiency and longevity, it can come as a surprise when yours stops performing properly.
Clogs, poor water pressure, broken solenoid valves, and other factors could be to blame for your GE Dishwasher not emptying properly. This blog post will go over some of these frequent issues in-depth and provide solutions that may assist you in getting back up and running.
One of the most vital appliances in any home is the dishwasher. It's usually the first thing you notice when you come into someone's kitchen, and it has the power to make or shatter your impression of how tidy the home is. With that in mind, I'll tell you how to fix a GE dishwasher that won't drain water!
GE DISHWASHER NOT DRAINING? TROUBLESHOOT AND DIAGNOSIS
If your GE dishwasher isn't emptying, there may be a simple solution! To diagnose the problem and get back on track, use these instructions. These instructions can also be applied to other dishwasher brands.
Drain Hose Inspection
If the hose is clogged, the GE dishwasher will not drain water, so inspect it. If the GE Dishwasher Drain Hose is clogged with food, use hot, soapy water and gently push down on the hose until all food particles are removed.
If this doesn't work for your GE Dishwasher, try boiling water with vinegar or baking soda to help break up the tough-to-clean chunks!
You should also check that the hose isn't kinked or has any holes in it. Before turning on the water, double-check your drain valve seal for any leaks and tighten everything back down if necessary.
Clogged Drain Filter
A blocked GE Dishwasher drain filter could be the cause of your dishwasher not draining water. The GE dishwasher's drainage system uses the GE Drain Filter to collect food particles and other debris before they reach the pump area of the dishwasher.
If there are too many particles in the flow while washing dishes or cleaning up after cooking, a thin layer of protective coating on this filter can become clogged.
For maximum results, clean your GE Drain Filter with hot soapy water and rinse well every time you use your dishwasher (and at least once a month); do not put any greasy substances down drains because they will coat surfaces inside pipes, stopping them from flowing freely.
Examine the Garbage Disposal System
If your dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal rather than a drain line, you may not have removed the plug that is in it. Water will not be able to drain out of it as a result of this. The drain plug must be left in place in dishwashers that are not linked to waste disposal.
If your waste disposal is connected to your dishwasher, you must:
- Remember to take out the drain stopper.
- To guarantee appropriate drainage, disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal and clean both ends.
- If the dishwasher does not empty, the drain hose may need to be reattached. Check to see if turning on your dishwasher solves the problem.
Drain Pump Inspection
A broken drain pump could be the cause of your GE dishwasher's inability to drain. An impeller in the drain pump forces water through the hose and out of the dishwasher. If this component fails, drainage problems may arise.
You'll need to use an ohmmeter to check the drain pump for the problem of a dishwasher that won't drain. If no reading can be obtained, or if power appears to be there but the pump does not function properly, the part should be replaced. The drain impeller's job is to drive water through the machine and into the garbage disposal or down the drain. Replace it if it's broken.
Many readers want to know if the device has a drain pump and how to fix it. To replace the dishwasher's drain pump, find it, open up access to the area where it is located, and replace it with an exact replacement part.
Close the Gap in the Air
The little cylinder on the back edge of your kitchen sink, known as the Air Gap, is designed to keep water from siphoning up and out of it. If you observe that when you run a dishwasher, water sprays out all over the counter or even just once when washing dishes, something must have been obstructing Air Gap previously, such as food particles.
The bottom of GE dishwashers has an air gap that prevents water from spilling into your kitchen. The water will not drain out of your dishwasher if it is clogged, and you may end up with a complete overflow problem. To correct it, follow these steps:
- Remove the air gap and clean it inside.
- Disconnect the hose in its entirety.
- Make sure the hoses aren't clogged.
Using the Incorrect Detergent
Certain types of detergent may be incompatible with some GE dishwashers. Use the right type for your GE unit and make sure you're using the right amount to avoid draining issues.
Dishwashing soap is made for dishes, although different soaps may sud up your sink more. Turn the dishwasher off and wipe down the interior to remove any suds if you accidentally placed the wrong dish soap in it. Clean out the soapy tray with a sponge after opening the door. After that, run your empty machine for 30 minutes on hot water with only physical detergent and no soap products in it. You may avoid the GE Dishwasher Not Draining issue this way.
Check Valve Is Stuck
You usually don't think about the check valve in your dishwasher, but it could be the source of your GE dishwasher's inability to drain. If you suspect a blockage in the drain hose or if wastewater is backing up into the tub, this piece of equipment may need to be replaced.
Some dishwasher models have a check valve at the drain exit to allow water to flow outside while preventing unclean water from entering and ruining the cleaning process. When there is an impediment on either end of one side (the pump) or both ends (the pump), the problem develops (drain tube). That means no liquid can freely pass through, creating suction for circulation and detergent action - both of which are required for washing all those plates!
Examine the flapper visually for signs of wear or damage. You should also check for any obstructions to movement and remove them.
Check the Water Pump Belt
If the prior procedures didn't work and your GE Dishwasher still won't drain, it's time to look at the water pump belt. The water pump belt swings back and forth around the outside of the pump, pumping the water through the dishwasher.
Check your machine's handbook to find where the water pump is located.
- However, it is normally located on the left side of most dishwashers, directly behind the front wheels.
- Remove the screws that hold the plastic cover of the pump in place, then the belt.
- Examine the belt for any cracks or missing loops where it links to the dishwasher.
- If that's the case, get it replaced right away! Dishwasher leaks are fairly common as a result of this.
Timer
It's possible that a faulty timer is preventing your dishwasher from draining. Make sure you check for a defective timer and, if necessary, replace it. If simply replacing the timer isn't enough, consider investing in a new assembly.
Tips for GE Dishwasher Care
Even if you're careful, a variety of items can end up on your dishes. So, in order for dishwashers to work correctly, you must clean them on a frequent basis.
The following are some suggestions for extending the life of your GE dishwasher.
- Every time you use the dishwasher, wipe out the trap. This will keep your dishes cleaner and fresher between washes by preventing food and other residues from accumulating.
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher every time you use it and run a cycle without any dishes in it. Food particles that aren't visible to the naked eye, such as dried-on dairy products or sauces, will be removed with vinegar.
- Clean any sticky residue left behind by spilled liquids or food, such as butter or syrup, with an all-purpose cleaner. If these things remain on the dishes, they can produce odor problems.
- To remove built-up food particles and odors, clean the racks at least once a month.
- When the racks become too full with dishes, the wash action slows down, allowing particles and odors to accumulate. Using a brush or sponge, clean them with hot water. Avoid using soap since it will leave an oily residue on the plates.
- As much as possible, keep the dishwasher door closed. Evaporation will be reduced, and your dishes will be cleaner.
- Grease and oil-soaked rags should be thrown away. Clogs can be caused by these substances.
- When cleaning, never use an aluminum pan to heat water. The acids in the water may cause damage to the pan. For this, only use ceramic or steel pans.
- When cleaning, never use an empty plastic bottle to contain water. Acids from the plastic may leach out and cause damage to the surfaces you're cleaning. Instead, use a glass or ceramic jar.
- When cleaning, avoid using paper towels and cotton rags. They can leave a sticky film that is difficult to remove (if not impossible).
Finally, I hope you've been able to solve the GE dishwasher not emptying issue.
Take the time to double-check all of the items I've listed. Your dishwasher will not drain correctly if one of them is defective. You might be able to detect and repair the problem yourself if you check everything yourself.
If this is not the case, contact a plumber who can properly diagnose and correct the issue. If you're concerned about the cost of hiring a repairman, don't wait.