You are standing in front of your GE dishwasher, and it just won’t drain. The dirty water sits there, making your kitchen smell bad. I’ve been there too, and I know how frustrating it feels. The good news is that you don’t need a plumber to fix it. You can do it all by yourself using simple tools and easy steps. In this article, you will learn how to drain GE dishwasher the right way, even if you have never fixed anything before. It’s easier than you think.
Check the Dishwasher for Standing Water
The first thing you need to do is check if there’s still water sitting at the bottom of your GE dishwasher. This step is very important. Sometimes, it may look like it’s empty, but if you pull out the bottom rack and look carefully, there may be dirty water hiding under the filter or around the drain area. If water is still there after a full wash cycle, something is wrong.
You can start by opening the dishwasher door fully. Slide out the bottom rack gently and place it to the side. Now, take a flashlight or use your phone light to look down into the dishwasher base. You are looking for a pool of water. If there is water, touch it carefully to see if it is warm, cold, or full of food particles. This gives you clues about what’s blocking the drain.
Once you see water, use a plastic container or a cup to remove as much as you can by hand. Scoop the water and pour it into the sink. When most of the water is gone, use paper towels or an old cloth to soak up the rest. Be careful not to push food or debris down the drain.
Now, take a look at the filter. Most GE dishwashers have a round or square filter that you can twist and lift. It’s usually right in the middle or to the back bottom. Gently take it out. If it’s full of food, grease, or soap buildup, that might be stopping the water from draining.
If your dishwasher is full of suds, you may have used the wrong soap. Dishwashing liquid can create foam that blocks the drain. Use a bowl of cold water to wash away the suds and try draining again.
- Open the dishwasher door fully and pull out the bottom rack
- Look closely at the drain area for standing water
- Use a cup or bowl to remove water manually
- Use paper towels to dry the rest
- Check the filter and remove any food buildup
- If you see foam, clean it out with cold water
Remove and Clean the Filter
Now that you have taken the water out, it’s time to clean the filter. The filter in your GE dishwasher plays a big job. It catches food bits, grease, and other stuff during a wash. If it gets blocked, water can’t flow through. That’s why it is one of the main reasons your dishwasher is not draining.
To remove the filter, find the bottom center or back of your dishwasher. It usually has arrows or lines showing how to twist and pull it out. If you feel stuck, don’t force it too hard. Try gently turning it counter-clockwise and lifting it. Once it comes out, check it carefully.
You will probably see food scraps, soft grease, or even small paper bits stuck in the mesh. Run the filter under warm water to remove the loose dirt. Then, take an old toothbrush or soft sponge and gently scrub the mesh. Make sure to clean all corners. Do not use anything sharp or it may damage the filter.
If the filter smells bad, soak it in a mix of warm water and dish soap for about 10-15 minutes. This will remove smells and sticky buildup. After cleaning, rinse it well under clean water.
Now go back to your dishwasher. Look into the area where the filter was sitting. Sometimes small food bits fall into that space too. Use a flashlight and carefully pull out anything you see. Do not push anything deeper inside.
Once the filter and that area are clean, place the filter back in the exact spot. Twist it until it locks gently. This ensures it’s in the correct position and can catch debris again.
- Locate the filter at the bottom center or back
- Gently twist and pull out the filter
- Rinse under warm water to remove loose food bits
- Use a toothbrush or sponge for deeper cleaning
- Soak in dish soap water if it smells
- Check the filter hole and clean out food scraps
- Reinstall the filter by twisting it back in place
Inspect and Clear the Drain Hose
If cleaning the filter did not fix the problem, the next thing to check is the drain hose. This hose moves water out from your GE dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. Sometimes, it gets clogged with food, soap, or grease. If that happens, water cannot leave the dishwasher.
Start by turning off the power to your dishwasher. Unplug it or turn off the breaker. You should also turn off the water supply. Next, look under your kitchen sink. You will find a plastic hose going from the dishwasher to the sink or disposal. This is the drain hose.
Put a towel or small bucket under it before removing it. Then, gently twist the clamp or screw that holds the hose. Carefully pull the hose off. You might see water come out, so keep the towel ready.
Now, check the inside of the hose. You can do this by shining a light or trying to push a long wire or flexible brush through it. If there’s a clog, it will stop the brush or wire. You can then push gently to clear it out. Be patient and avoid using too much force.
If the hose is very dirty or blocked, you can soak it in warm water with vinegar for 30 minutes. This will help loosen grease or gunk. After that, rinse the hose well and shake out anything inside.
Once clean, connect the hose back to where it was. Tighten the clamp again and make sure it is secure. Turn the power and water back on and try running the dishwasher. If it drains, then the hose was the problem.
- Turn off power and water supply
- Find the drain hose under the sink
- Use a towel or bucket to catch water
- Remove the hose carefully
- Check for clogs using a light or wire
- Soak in warm vinegar water if dirty
- Reattach the hose and test the dishwasher
Check the Garbage Disposal or Sink Connection
Your dishwasher may not be draining because of a problem with the garbage disposal or sink drain. Many GE dishwashers are connected to the garbage disposal through a small hose. If the disposal is blocked or dirty, the water from the dishwasher has nowhere to go.
If your sink is draining slowly or smells bad, this might be the reason. First, run the water in your sink. If it drains slowly or makes gurgling sounds, the disposal might be clogged. You can try to clear it by running the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.
Sometimes, when a new garbage disposal is installed, a small plug inside the connector (called a knockout plug) is not removed. If this is still in place, water can’t go through. You may need to take the hose off the disposal and check for this plastic plug.
Also, check the connection where the dishwasher drain hose meets the disposal or sink pipe. Food or grease might have built up there. Unscrew the connection and clean it with a cloth or brush.
Make sure everything is sealed tight when you put it back. If you have any leaks, water can drip under the sink and damage cabinets.
- Run water in the sink and test for slow draining
- Turn on the garbage disposal for 30 seconds
- Check for a plastic plug in new disposals
- Remove and clean the hose connection to the disposal
- Use a cloth or brush to clear out grease
- Reattach everything tightly to avoid leaks
Test the Drain Pump and Check for Blockages
If nothing has worked so far, the issue may be with the drain pump. This pump moves the water out of the dishwasher. If it’s not working, water will stay in the bottom no matter what you try.
To check the pump, you need to remove the bottom panel of the dishwasher. First, turn off power and water. Then, use a screwdriver to unscrew the front access panel. Inside, you will see wires, a small motor, and a pump connected to hoses.
The drain pump is usually small and round, connected to the bottom with screws. Look for signs of damage like broken parts or loose wires. If the pump is dirty, use a soft cloth to clean around it. If something is stuck in the blades or hose near the pump, remove it carefully.
Sometimes, small bones, glass, or food bits can get stuck in the pump. If you hear a clicking sound during draining, something may be stuck inside.
You can also use a multimeter to check if the pump is getting power. If you don’t know how to do this, ask a friend or a local repair person to help. If the pump is not working, you might need to replace it.
- Turn off power and remove front panel
- Find the pump and check for visible damage
- Look for stuck items like glass or bones
- Clean the area around the pump gently
- Use a multimeter to check power
- Replace the pump if it’s broken
Run a Test Cycle and Watch the Drain
After cleaning everything and checking for clogs, it’s time to test your work. Turn the power and water back on. Put the bottom rack back inside the dishwasher and close the door. Now, start a short rinse cycle.
Stay nearby and listen carefully. You should hear the water coming in, washing, and then draining. Open the door at the end of the cycle to check if the water is gone.
If the dishwasher drains properly, then you have fixed the problem. If not, watch carefully to see when the issue happens. Does it fill but not drain? Does it make noise but no water moves? This helps you know where to look next.
You can try the steps again, or it might be time to call for help if you still can’t fix it.
- Turn power and water back on
- Run a short rinse cycle
- Listen to the sounds during the cycle
- Open the door and check if water is gone
- Repeat steps if needed or call for help
Final Thoughts
Fixing a GE dishwasher that won’t drain can feel scary at first, but you can do it. With a little time and care, most problems can be solved without calling a plumber. From checking the filter to clearing the hose, every part helps water move out like it should. If you follow each step slowly and carefully, your dishwasher can work like new again. Always take safety first and remember—it’s okay to ask for help if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to open my dishwasher while it’s draining?
Yes, it is safe, but you should be careful. If you open your GE dishwasher while it’s draining, water may splash or spill out, especially if it’s full. It’s best to wait until the draining sound stops. If you need to check something, pause the cycle and then open the door slowly. Always use a towel just in case. You won’t damage the machine by opening the door, but it may interrupt the draining process.
Can I use baking soda and vinegar to help drain my dishwasher?
Yes, you can use baking soda and vinegar to help clean and clear your GE dishwasher. First, pour one cup of baking soda into the bottom of the dishwasher. Then pour one cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. These ingredients can help break down grease and small blockages. After that, run a short rinse cycle. This method is safe and natural. It won’t fix serious clogs, but it’s good for regular cleaning.
Do I need to clean the filter every week?
You don’t have to clean the filter every week unless you use your dishwasher a lot. But checking the filter once every 2 or 3 weeks is a good habit. If your GE dishwasher is washing big loads every day, then weekly cleaning is better. A dirty filter can cause smell and poor draining. Cleaning it takes only a few minutes and can keep your machine working better. Just rinse it under warm water and remove food pieces.
Is it hard to take off the drain hose?
Taking off the drain hose is not very hard, but you need to be careful. It’s usually held by a metal clamp. You may need a screwdriver to loosen it. Always put a towel or small bowl under the hose because some water may come out. Gently pull the hose without using too much force. If it feels stuck, wiggle it a bit. After cleaning, make sure to attach it tightly again to avoid leaks.
Can food scraps really block the drain?
Yes, food scraps are one of the main reasons a GE dishwasher won’t drain. Small pieces of rice, pasta, or even seeds can get stuck in the filter or drain pump. Grease and fat can also harden over time and block water flow. That’s why it’s a good idea to scrape off big food pieces before putting dishes inside. Filters help catch some of this, but too much food can still get through and cause a clog.
Do I need any special tools to fix draining issues?
No, you don’t need special tools to fix most draining problems in a GE dishwasher. You can use a screwdriver, a towel, a cup or bowl, and maybe an old toothbrush. If you want to clean the hose, a flexible wire or long brush can help. For safety, turning off the power and water is very important. If you need to test electrical parts, a multimeter is helpful, but not needed for basic cleaning and checking.
Is it okay to run the dishwasher if it’s not draining fully?
No, it’s not a good idea to run your GE dishwasher if it is not draining fully. If water stays inside, it can get dirty and smelly. It may also damage the pump or other parts over time. Always try to fix the draining problem first. If you run the dishwasher while it still has water, you will only make the problem worse. It’s better to stop and clean the filter or check the hose before using it again.
Can I replace the drain pump by myself?
Yes, you can replace the drain pump by yourself if you feel comfortable doing it. But it’s a little more advanced than cleaning the filter or hose. You will need to remove the bottom panel, turn off power, and maybe disconnect some wires. If you follow a simple guide or video, it can be done safely. But if you are not sure, it’s okay to call a professional. Replacing the pump usually solves draining problems when everything else has been checked.
