How to Drain a GE Dishwasher Quickly and Safely

ByPenelope Hughes Updated

How to Drain a GE Dishwasher?

To drain a GE dishwasher, follow these steps:
1) Check the drain hose for any blockages or kinks.

2) Remove and clean the drain basket at the bottom of the dishwasher.

3) Inspect and clean the air gap, if applicable.

4) Verify that the drain pump is working properly by removing any clogs or obstructions.

5) Run a Heavy Wash cycle without adding soap to see if the dishwasher drains properly.

6) Before running another full wash cycle with soap, ensure there are no foreign objects left in the bottom rack.

Key Points:

  • Check the drain hose for blockages or kinks
  • Remove and clean the drain basket at the bottom of the dishwasher
  • Inspect and clean the air gap, if applicable
  • Check and remove clogs or obstructions in the drain pump
  • Run a Heavy Wash cycle without soap to test drainage
  • Ensure there are no foreign objects in the bottom rack before running a full wash cycle

Did You Know?

1. Despite the common misconception, draining a GE dishwasher does not involve physically removing any water from the appliance. Instead, it relies on a built-in drain pump that automatically removes water during the wash and rinse cycles.

2. GE dishwashers are equipped with a unique feature called an “AutoSense Cycle” that uses advanced sensors to measure the soil level of the dishes. It then adjusts the duration of the wash cycle accordingly, saving both water and energy.

3. One interesting fact about draining a GE dishwasher is that it’s crucial to ensure the drain hose is properly installed and not kinked. A kinked hose can restrict the water flow, leading to potential draining issues.

4. GE dishwashers often have a filter system that helps prevent food particles from clogging the drains. Regular cleaning of this filter is essential for optimal drainage performance and preventing foul odors.

5. GE dishwashers have an innovative feature called “Steam PreWash.” This function uses steam to soften and loosen stubborn food residues before the wash cycle begins, resulting in cleaner dishes and easier draining.

1) Check Drain Hose For Blockages Or Kinks

A dishwasher that cannot drain properly can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, before jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst, it is important to check the drain hose for blockages or kinks. Begin by locating the drain hose, usually positioned at the back of the dishwasher, and carefully examine it for any visible obstructions or bends. If there are any blockages or kinks, gently remove them to allow the water to flow freely.

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It is also essential to ensure that the drain hose is properly connected. Over time, the connection can become loose, leading to drainage issues. Make sure the hose is securely attached to the dishwasher’s drain outlet and that it is not obstructed by any surrounding objects.

2) Clean Drain Basket At Bottom Of Dishwasher

The drain basket, located at the bottom of the dishwasher, plays a vital role in preventing larger food particles and debris from clogging the drain. Over time, this basket can become filled with residue and needs regular cleaning to maintain optimal drainage.

To clean the drain basket, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the bottom dish rack to access the drain basket.
  2. Carefully lift the drain basket out of its position.
  3. Rinse the drain basket under running water to remove the accumulated residue.
  4. For stubborn debris, use a soft brush to gently scrub the basket.
  5. Once cleaned, reinsert the drain basket back into its original position.

This simple cleaning process can significantly improve the dishwasher’s drainage performance.

3) Inspect And Clean Air Gap, If Applicable

Some GE dishwasher models are equipped with an air gap, which prevents wastewater from flowing back into the dishwasher. It is important to regularly inspect and clean the air gap to ensure proper drainage.

To begin, locate the air gap. It is usually positioned on the countertop near the sink and will have a decorative cover and sometimes a cap. Carefully remove the cover and inspect the gap for any visible debris.

If you find any debris, clean the air gap by running water through it. In case of stubborn residue, you can use a small, thin brush to remove it.

Once the air gap is cleaned, replace the cover and cap. This simple maintenance task will prevent potential drainage issues caused by a clogged air gap.

4) Verify Proper Function Of Drain Pump

The drain pump is a crucial component of the dishwasher as it is responsible for expelling water from the machine. A malfunctioning drain pump can result in poor drainage or a complete inability to drain. Therefore, it is essential to check for clogs or obstructions within the pump before assuming that it is defective.

To begin troubleshooting, access the drain pump which is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher. You can do this by removing the bottom-front kick plate or the bottom access panel. Once you have exposed the drain pump, visually inspect it and remove any visible debris that may be blocking its proper function. Take caution while doing this as there might still be water in the pump. To prevent any spills, it is advisable to use a towel or a shallow container to catch any water that may come out during the inspection.

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If the drain pump still appears to be clear of any obstructions, a more thorough inspection may be required. Test the drain pump for continuity using a multimeter. If the drain pump fails this test, it may need to be replaced. However, if it passes the test, the issue might be located elsewhere in the dishwasher.

5) Test Dishwasher Drainage With Heavy Wash Cycle

After carrying out the above steps, it is essential to test the dishwasher’s drainage with a heavy wash cycle. This will help verify if the problem has been resolved and ensure that the dishwasher can drain properly.

To do this, follow these steps:

  • Load the dishwasher with some dishes, but do not add any soap or detergent.
  • Select the Heavy Wash cycle, which typically runs for a longer duration and has a more powerful rinse and drain cycle.
  • Start the cycle and closely monitor the dishwasher.
  • If the dishwasher drains the water without any issues during this test run, it is a positive sign that the problem has been resolved.
  • However, if the dishwasher still fails to drain properly, further troubleshooting or professional assistance may be required.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific dishwasher model.

6) Ensure No Foreign Objects Remain In Bottom Rack

Finally, before running another full wash cycle with soap and detergent, it is necessary to ensure that no foreign objects are left in the dishwasher’s bottom rack. Often, small items such as utensils or pieces of broken glass can become lodged in the lower rack, obstructing the drainage system.

  • Carefully inspect the bottom rack, removing any objects that may impede the dishwasher’s drainage.
  • It is also advisable to inspect the spinning arms of the dishwasher to ensure they can rotate freely without any obstructions.

Once satisfied that the bottom rack and spinning arms are clear, the dishwasher is ready to be used for a regular wash cycle with soap and detergent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I force my GE dishwasher to drain?

To force a GE dishwasher to drain, you can try a simple reset by turning off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker for a few minutes, then turning it back on. This can sometimes resolve any minor issues causing the drain function to malfunction. If this doesn’t work, you can manually force the dishwasher to drain by locating the drain pump at the bottom of the dishwasher and disconnecting it from the power source. Then, carefully remove any blockages or debris from the pump and reattach it. This should allow the dishwasher to drain properly again.

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How do you manually drain a dishwasher?

To manually drain a dishwasher, start by removing the bottom rack to gain access to the standing water. Then, place absorbent towels or a sponge on the bottom of the dishwasher to absorb the remaining water. Gently press down on the towels to soak up the water effectively. If the dishwasher has standing water due to an interrupted wash cycle, you can also try running another uninterrupted cycle to drain the water completely.

Can I force my dishwasher to drain?

Yes, you can manually force your dishwasher to drain by following a simple procedure. First, place the drain hose in a bucket and make sure the dishwasher is turned off. Then, press and hold the drain/cancel/start button for three seconds. Close the dishwasher door to initiate the draining process. As the drain tube is positioned in the bucket, gently shake it to dislodge any blockages that may be causing the obstruction. By performing these steps, you can effectively force the dishwasher to drain and resolve any drainage issues you may be facing.

Can you force GE washer to drain?

Yes, it is possible to force a GE washer to drain by following a few simple steps. First, if the washer is currently running, press the “Start/Pause” pad once to pause the cycle. Then, select the “Drain and Spin” option and press the “Start/Pause” pad again. This will initiate the draining process and spin the clothes until they are dry. If the “Stop” pad had been previously selected and the washer is still filled with water, you can also select “Drain and Spin” and press “Start” to force the machine to empty its contents. These instructions will effectively force the GE washer to drain, allowing you to proceed with the laundry cycle as desired.