GE Washer Not Draining | 7 Reasons Why It Won’t Drain

When your GE washer not draining, many factors may cause this malfunction.

From the problem with the drain to the water level sensor on the washing machine, there are various reasons why this can happen.

And, it is up to you to find out what is happening. Some potential preventive measures for this problem include ensuring that your clothes are clean and dry before putting them into the washer.

If you notice that your clothes have a lot of lint, you need to clean out your lint filter and the washer hose periodically.

GE Washer Not Draining

Related:

It is also important to make sure that any items in your washer basket do not block the drain holes at the bottom of your unit.

You can do this by ensuring you have enough water in your washer or cleaning out any pipes.

Still unsure? No Worries.

In this post, we will go through all of the possible causes for your GE washing machine not draining in detail.

Make sure to read all the way to the end to learn how to repair these problems.

GE Washer Not Draining? Here is Why.

Here are the 6 possible issues and their solutions.

1. Check the water level control knob

GE washers operate with water level control knobs that have a range of settings. These knobs regulate the amount of water going into the washing load.

First, check the water level control knob and make sure it is not set to a position that will cause the machine to overflow. If it is at its highest setting, turn it down.

If the water level control knob is at its lowest position and you are still having this problem, then, it means your GE washer may be clogged with lint from too many towels or other large items being washed.

You can clean out any lint by running your hand around inside of the washer or using a long thin object like a coat hanger to poke out any lint that’s clogging up your machine.

2. Check the drain pump filter

The GE washer won’t drain if there is a clog in the pump filter. This is, however, a frequent issue with these machines, and it’s easy to fix.

The most prevalent cause of this issue is debris in the drain pump filter. If this is not cleared out, then it can stop water from draining out of the washer and leaking into your home.

Check out the ways to fix this issue.

  • Check for debris in the filter. It is possible for small items to get caught in the filter while you are washing clothes and build up over time.

    The easiest way to fix this problem quickly is by clearing out any debris from under or behind your machine using a vacuum cleaner attachment or compressed air.
  • Check for obstruction. Be sure to check the screen that stops large objects from dropping directly into the drum as well, as this can also cause trouble with draining water out of a GE washer.
  • Replace any broken pump filters before trying anything else, and make sure that there is not an air leak in either inlet or outlet pipe next to where they are connected to the tub.

Watch out for the video guide for a top load GE washer not draining.

Similar Blog: Whirlpool Washer Not Draining

3. Remove any kinks in the hose

GE’s washer may have a clog in the hose, filter, or pump, which can cause the washing machine not to drain.

Troubleshooting steps:

  • To fix this, turn off the washer and unplug it from the power outlet.
  • Then, remove any kinks in the hose and double-check that it’s connected to your GE washer properly.
  • If there are no kinks, check for any holes at the bottom of the washer and open them up to see if water comes out.
  • If this does not work, turn off the water coming into your house and clear any debris from around your home’s supply valve or in your yard.
  • Does the issue still persist? Then, there may be an issue with your drain pump. In this case, you will need to consult with a GE service center to provide you with assistance.

4. Check the Pump, Replace it if it is Faulty

If your GE washer is not draining, then you need to ensure that the pump is working. If it is not, then it could be clogged or faulty.

Here are the steps for troubleshooting:

  • First, check the pump. You can do this by turning off the power and removing any clothing from the washer to get access to it.
  • Take a flashlight and shine it onto the pump.
  • If you see water or soap bubbles coming out of it, then you know that there is a blockage in it, and you need to clean it out with a plunger or long thin rod, like a broom handle, until all of the bubbles are gone.
  • Once the cleaner has been poured back in and you have started up again, your washer should start draining properly again.
  • If you are still not sure what is wrong with the pump, give a call to the GE service center.

5. RINSE light is flashing (For Newer Models)

The rinse light is flashing, and the washer won’t drain, which indicates a problem with the pump.

Here are some symptoms that might indicate a problem with the pump:

  • The washer won’t fully drain and is low on water
  • The ringer is flashing
  • You hear an unusual noise, such as gurgling or loud banging, from behind your machine.

6. Check Lid Switch

If your GE washing machine is not draining, check the lid switch because it is a common problem for many people.

A lid switch is what tells the washer when to begin the drain cycle.

If you are having trouble with your washer not draining, it is most likely because of a faulty lid switch. You’ll need to make sure that your lid switch is working correctly.

There are several steps to troubleshooting this issue which can be found below:

  • Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
  • Remove the hoses from the washer’s rear and clean them with fresh water.
  • Check if any of the hoses are kinked or clogged.
  • Reconnect the hoses to their correct locations on either side of the washing machine and plug them in.
  • If there is still no water coming out, you should check if there is a cover over your pump filter on top of your washer. If there is, remove it and make sure that all debris has been removed.

7. Check the Drive Belt

The drive belt is often the first and most obvious place to check when a washer won’t drain. If you found it broken, replace it.

The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for this issue:

  • leaking pump causing water to overflow and get into the tub,
  • A defective inlet valve or inlet hose,
  • Faulty lid switch.
  • Jammed pump or motor.
  • Clogged pump basket.

You may like to read:

Samsung Dishwasher Problems
Samsung Washing Machine Problems
GE Refrigerator Not Cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you force a GE washer to drain?

One method to force a GE washer to drain is:
# Turn the power off.
# Open the door and place a bucket or container beneath the drain.
# Turn on the water so that it runs down from the drum through the trap into the container.
# This will cause enough pressure to release whatever air may be trapped in the pump or hose and allow you to open it for manual draining.

Why does my GE washer keep pausing?

The most common cause of GE washer pauses is an interruption in power or water supply. If you think this is the problem, disconnect the machine and re-plug it. If that doesn’t work, check to see if there’s a water supply issue.

You can also check:
Indesit Washing Machine Problems
LG Washing Machine Problems
Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning

Conclusion

This article has gone through the most common reasons why your GE washer won’t drain.

The level of water in the tub can affect the washer’s drainage. Check to see if there is too much water above the washer to ensure that it has adequate drainage.

If you want to fix a leaky or clogged drain, you may need to replace parts such as pipes, seals, and other hardware on your washer.

A clogged drain on your washing machine is not always an emergency repair job.

You can try plunging a toilet plunger into the drain to break up any clogs before using a small wrench to clear anything from inside the bottom of your washer.

We hope we have solved your problem. If you are still unsure about it, then you must contact a GE service center for help.

Or, you can also leave a comment below so we can provide you with a possible solution.

Steven Settles Author

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.

6 thoughts on “GE Washer Not Draining | 7 Reasons Why It Won’t Drain”

  1. Replaced drain pump with new. Water will drain out with the house at floor level (via gravity) but not thru pump. Pump is running (belt is brand new and motor is turning it )

    Reply
  2. I have a GE Deep Fill that sometimes will drain flawlessly and sometimes you can hear it try and start draining, but it wont. If i unplug it and plug it back in it will usually drain. The washer repair guy says there is a diagnostic sensor the GE guys can plug into it, but they won’t sell him one of the sensors. The diagnostics cost like 100 bucks then I’ll have to pay for repairs after they find the problem. I could get an old school non digital washer for that kind of cash. Any ideas?

    Reply
  3. I put 2 large bed spreads in the washer ( forcefully) and now the water won’t drain out the GE washer machine, what’s wrong with it ( newer model

    Reply
    • Hi Timothy,

      I hope you are doing great!
      You might have damaged the pump or the valve that forces water into the drum during the spin cycle. Or else, you may have inadvertently turned off the water supply to the washer. You should stop using the washer immediately and call a repair person to get this fixed.

      Reply
  4. My GE washer does not drain all the water out in the spin cycle. Most of water drains but leaves the clothes too wet to dry. Could it be the timer?

    Reply
    • Hi Loretta,

      It’s likely that your timer is stuck. To fix this, you can open up the front loader and manually remove any water leftover in the tub.

      Reply

Leave a Comment