Why is my GE dishwasher holding water in the bottom?

Author: Dr. Julia Pfannerstill Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, April 11, 2025

Wh is my GE dishwasher holding water in the bottom The drain pump is one of the most essential components of a GE dishwasher, as it is responsible for draining water. If the pump is faulty, worn out, or clogged, the dishwasher will struggle to empty itself properly, leading to water pooling at the bottom.

How do I fix the water standing in the bottom of my dishwasher?

If draining your dishwasher is an issue, here are eight simple techniques to try at home.
  1. Run the disposal. ...
  2. Check for blockages. ...
  3. Load the dishwasher correctly. ...
  4. Clean or change the filter. ...
  5. Inspect the drain hose. ...
  6. Double-check the drain valve. ...
  7. Try vinegar and baking soda. ...
  8. Listen to your machine while it's running.

How to get rid of standing water in GE dishwasher?

To drain standing water in your dishwasher, check and clear the drain filter of debris and ensure the drain hose isn't clogged. Run the dishwasher's drain cycle or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water.

Why is there water in the bottom of my GE dishwasher when not in use?

A cup or so of water in the sump area of your dishwasher is normal. It is there to prevent the seals from drying out. The dishwasher will pump this old water out before beginning to wash. If you have recently installed a garbage disposer in your home, make sure that the drain plug on the disposer has been removed.

How do you fix a GE dishwasher that isn't draining?

Take out the trap and wash it under running water, removing any debris that might be clogging it. If the trap is fine, check the drain hose that connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Make sure it's not kinked, twisted, or clogged with food scraps or grease.

How To Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain

Why is the water pooling at the bottom of my dishwasher?

The most likely cause of dishwasher drainage concerns is a dirty filter. Tough food particles like popcorn kernels or wet chunks of paper from container labels can get caught in the filter and keep water from draining out of your dishwasher. Make sure the overflowing isn't caused by using dish soap in the dishwasher.

What is the most common problem with GE dishwashers?

The most common problem with GE dishwashers is that they won't start or run. This could be due to various reasons including a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty door latch, or problems with the control panel. Other common issues include not draining properly, dishes not coming out clean, and unusual noises.

How do I know if my GE dishwasher drain pump is bad?

To determine if the drain pump is defective, check the pump motor for continuity using a multimeter. If the motor does not have continuity, or if is getting power but won't run, replace the drain pump.

Why is water running out of the bottom of my dishwasher?

The most common causes of dishwasher leakage are hose leaks, leaking seals, and drain line issues. Hose Leaks: When the hoses that supply water to the dishwasher become worn out or damaged, they can leak water. It can be identified by wetness near the base of the dishwasher.

How do you reset a GE dishwasher?

To begin resetting the dishwasher, hold the 'Start' button for 5 seconds until its button lights up. Once again hold the 'Select Cycle' and 'Start' button for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds the touchpad should light up to indicate it's reset, and you can resume using your GE dishwasher as normal.

How do I unclog my dishwasher drain?

Since it is common for debris to get stuck in the dishwasher drain, try cleaning it with a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda and vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then run a rinse cycle at the highest heat setting.

Why is my GE dishwasher wet inside?

If your new Dishwasher has some water inside the tub or if there is water dripping from the drain hose, this is normal. This is residual water that did not clear the appliance during the testing process at the factory.

Why is the bottom of my dishwasher not drained?

A reason for the dishwasher not draining completely could simply be a kinked or twisted drain hose. Kinks and twists can prevent water flow and trap food and other debris. Disconnect the machine from the power supply. Check the drain hose has no kinks or twists.

Should a dishwasher hold water in the bottom?

If the amount of water left in your dishwasher after a cycle is no more than two cups, then this is normal. Usually the appliance remains wet after a cycle due to the condensation drying principle which causes water droplets in the tub – they are indeed desirable here.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is clogged?

About five seconds after you start running a dishwasher cycle, the drain pump will start making a low humming noise. This will be due to a piece of glass blocking the impeller from turning, resulting in the dishwasher pump not working properly. When this happens, you'll need to remove the blockage.

How do I get rid of standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?

Remove the water in your dishwasher—Line the floor under the dishwasher with towels and use a large cup or plastic container to scoop the water out into a large bowl or the sink. When the water becomes too shallow to scoop, use a towel to soak up the rest of the moisture.

Why does the bottom of my dishwasher keep filling up with water?

Occasionally, a dishwasher may have standing water remaining if the cycle has been interrupted before the draining process has been completed. Excessive standing water that fills the bottom of your dishwasher after a complete wash cycle is likely due to a clog in the drain or nearby garbage disposal.

How to drain water in GE dishwasher?

you cannot do it with the door open but all you have to do is press cancel one or 2 times and the display with show a "2" meaning 2 minutes of drain. The dishwasher will go into a two minute drain from that point.

How do I know if my dishwasher pump needs to be replaced?

Water will not pump into the dishwasher.

If the pump has failed, it also needs to be replaced. These repairs are something your plumber can do because it requires taking the dishwasher apart. Tip: Never run a dishwasher that will not pump in the water. You can cause the appliance to overheat and fail completely.

What is the average lifespan of a GE dishwasher?

Dishwasher Lifespan at a Glance

Average lifespan: 10–15 years (up to 16 with proper care). Signs of aging include leaks, cold dishes, and increased noise. Frequent use and poor maintenance can reduce lifespan to 6–8 years. Regular maintenance like cleaning filters and descaling can help extend life.

Why is there water at the bottom of my GE dishwasher when not in use?

Some water (standing water), usually one to two cups, remaining in the bottom of the Dishwasher tub is normal. If dirty water is building up over time in the bottom of the Dishwasher and your installation does not have an air gap, make sure you have a high drain loop.

Is it worth fixing a GE dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is within the five-year limit, it's definitely worth fixing. But if your dishwasher is closer to ten years, finding replacement parts might be too expensive, so you'd be better off replacing your machine.

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