How to Drain a GE Dishwasher with Standing Water (6 Steps)

Have you ever opened your GE dishwasher and found water standing at the bottom? It can be frustrating and messy, especially when you don’t know how to fix it. I’ve been there, and I know how worrying it feels when your dishwasher is full of water but won’t drain.

The good news is, you can drain that water yourself without calling a repair person. In this article, I will show you how to drain a GE dishwasher with standing water using simple, easy steps anyone can follow.

Check the Dishwasher Filter and Clean It

One of the main reasons your GE dishwasher has standing water is a clogged filter. The filter catches food bits and dirt, but if it gets too dirty, water cannot drain properly. Before doing anything else, open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack carefully. You will see a round or square filter at the bottom. It might look dirty or have stuck food pieces. Take it out by twisting or pulling it gently (check your dishwasher manual if unsure).

Rinse the filter under warm water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean off any stuck particles. Be sure not to use harsh tools that can damage the filter. If the filter is damaged or very worn out, replacing it is a good idea. Once clean, put the filter back in its place correctly. This simple step often fixes standing water because the water can flow freely again when the filter is clear.

If the filter is clean and the water is still there, the problem could be deeper in the drain system. But starting with the filter is always the best first step.

Remove bottom rack to reach the filter
Take out and clean the filter with warm water and a soft brush
Replace the filter carefully in the dishwasher
Test to see if water drains properly after cleaning

Inspect the Drain Hose for Blockages or Kinks

If cleaning the filter did not solve the problem, the next place to look is the drain hose. The drain hose is a tube that carries dirty water from the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Sometimes this hose gets blocked or bent, stopping water from leaving the dishwasher.

To check the drain hose, you need to find it first. Usually, it is under the kitchen sink or behind the dishwasher. You may need to pull out the dishwasher carefully to see behind it. The hose is usually connected to the dishwasher’s drain pump and the sink drain pipe.

Look closely for any kinks or sharp bends in the hose. Even a small bend can stop water flow. If you see a kink, straighten it gently. Next, check for blockages by disconnecting the hose (have a bucket ready because water may spill). Use a long flexible brush or a straightened coat hanger to gently push any blockages through the hose. You can also run water through it to make sure it flows freely.

Once cleaned and checked, reconnect the hose tightly so no leaks happen. Run the dishwasher again to see if the standing water is gone. This step can fix many drainage problems caused by hose issues.

Locate the drain hose behind or under the dishwasher
Check for and straighten any kinks or sharp bends
Disconnect the hose and clear any blockages using a brush or water
Reconnect the hose tightly to avoid leaks
Test dishwasher drainage after cleaning

Clear the Garbage Disposal or Sink Drain Connection

If your GE dishwasher’s drain hose connects to the garbage disposal or sink drain, a clog there could cause water to back up and stay in the dishwasher. Garbage disposals often get clogged with food scraps, grease, or other debris that blocks water flow.

Start by running the garbage disposal to clear out any small food pieces. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, check the sink drain for blockages. Sometimes, the dishwasher drain hose is connected to a drain pipe that is clogged.

If the garbage disposal is clogged, turn off the power and use a disposal wrench or plunger to clear it. For the sink drain, use a plunger or a drain snake to remove blockages. After clearing the disposal or drain, run water through the dishwasher drain hose to make sure water flows freely.

Make sure the knockout plug inside the garbage disposal (where the dishwasher drain hose connects) is removed. This plug can block water flow if not taken out during installation.

Clearing this area is important because the dishwasher cannot drain properly if the sink or disposal is blocked.

Run garbage disposal to clear small debris
Turn off power and use tools to clear any deep clogs
Check the sink drain for blockages and clear them
Remove knockout plug inside disposal if present
Test dishwasher drainage after clearing

Manually Remove Standing Water with a Cup or Towels

If you have standing water still inside the dishwasher after trying the above, removing it manually can help you continue fixing the problem or at least prevent water from spilling.

Open the dishwasher door and use a small cup or bowl to scoop out the water at the bottom. Pour it into the sink carefully. You can also use a sponge or old towels to soak up the water and wring them out into the sink. This step might be a bit slow but is very helpful if water is deep and not draining.

Removing the water manually helps you see the dishwasher’s bottom better and prevents water damage on your kitchen floor. Once the water is gone, you can inspect the drain area inside the dishwasher for any visible clogs or problems.

If water keeps coming back, it means the dishwasher pump or drain system is not working well, and you may need further help.

Use a cup or bowl to scoop standing water into the sink
Use a sponge or towel to soak up remaining water
Remove water carefully to avoid spills
Inspect dishwasher bottom for clogs or damage
Prepare for next fixes if water keeps returning

Check and Clean the Drain Pump

The drain pump is the part inside your GE dishwasher that pushes water out through the drain hose. If it is dirty, clogged, or broken, your dishwasher will not drain water. Checking and cleaning the pump is more advanced but still possible for beginners with care.

First, unplug the dishwasher to be safe. Remove the lower panel or access panel at the bottom front of the dishwasher (you might need a screwdriver). Locate the drain pump, usually near the bottom with a small motor and an impeller (small blades).

Check for any food bits, glass pieces, or debris stuck around the impeller or pump opening. Remove any visible dirt carefully. You can also try turning the impeller gently by hand to see if it moves freely. If it is stuck or broken, the pump might need replacing.

Clean the pump area with a damp cloth, and if you find a small clog inside the pump housing, clear it carefully. After cleaning, put the panel back, plug in the dishwasher, and run a drain cycle to check if the water goes away.

Unplug dishwasher before working on the pump
Remove bottom access panel to find the drain pump
Check pump impeller and surrounding area for debris
Clean any blockages carefully and test impeller movement
Reassemble and test dishwasher drainage

Run a Drain Cycle or Reset the Dishwasher

Sometimes, even if everything is clean and clear, the dishwasher might not drain due to an electrical or control issue. Running a special drain cycle or resetting the dishwasher can solve this.

To run a drain cycle, check your GE dishwasher manual for the exact buttons. Usually, pressing and holding the cancel or drain button for a few seconds will start the pump to drain water. This forces the dishwasher to pump out standing water.

If the dishwasher still won’t drain, try resetting it. To reset, unplug the dishwasher from power or turn off the circuit breaker for about 5 minutes. This resets the control board and can fix minor electrical problems.

After the reset, plug it back in and try a normal or drain cycle. If the dishwasher drains now, you have fixed the problem without repairs.

Use dishwasher controls to run a drain or cancel cycle
Unplug dishwasher or turn off breaker to reset controls
Wait 5 minutes before turning power back on
Test dishwasher with a drain cycle after reset
If it works, the problem was a control or electrical glitch

Final Thoughts

Draining a GE dishwasher with standing water is easier than it seems. Most of the time, the cause is a simple clog in the filter, hose, or garbage disposal. Cleaning these parts carefully will help your dishwasher drain well again. If water still stays, checking the drain pump and running a drain cycle or reset can fix the issue. Taking your time, being patient, and following these easy steps can save you money and stress. You don’t need to be a repair expert to do this yourself. Remember to always stay safe by unplugging the dishwasher before working on it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for water to stay in the dishwasher after a cycle?

Yes, it is common for a small amount of water to remain in the dishwasher after a wash. Usually, some water stays at the bottom near the filter to keep the seals wet and prevent smells. But if you see a large amount of standing water, this means the dishwasher is not draining properly and needs checking.

Can I fix the drain pump myself if it is broken?

You can try cleaning and inspecting the drain pump yourself if you feel comfortable opening the dishwasher. However, if the pump is broken or the impeller is damaged, it usually needs replacing. In that case, it’s best to call a professional unless you have experience with dishwasher repairs.

Do I need to clean the dishwasher filter regularly?

Yes, cleaning the dishwasher filter regularly helps avoid standing water and keeps the dishwasher working well. A clogged filter stops water from draining and can cause smells. Cleaning it every few weeks or once a month is a good habit.

Is it safe to disconnect the drain hose to clear blockages?

Yes, it is safe if you are careful. Make sure to unplug the dishwasher first and have a bucket ready to catch any water when you disconnect the hose. Avoid forcing parts and take your time to avoid damage.

Can a clogged garbage disposal cause the dishwasher not to drain?

Yes, if the garbage disposal is clogged, water cannot flow out from the dishwasher properly. Clearing the garbage disposal or sink drain usually fixes this problem and lets the dishwasher drain freely again.

Do I have to unplug the dishwasher before cleaning the drain pump?

Yes, unplugging the dishwasher before cleaning the drain pump or any internal parts is very important for safety. You don’t want to risk electric shock while working on the dishwasher.

Is there a way to reset my GE dishwasher easily?

Yes, you can reset most GE dishwashers by unplugging them from power or turning off the circuit breaker for about 5 minutes. This resets the control board and can fix minor errors causing drainage problems.

Can running a drain cycle solve standing water issues?

Running a drain cycle can help because it forces the dishwasher pump to push out any water inside. If the dishwasher’s controls are working correctly, this can clear standing water without needing other repairs.