GE Dishwasher Not Draining? What's Normal, the Filters and the High Loop
Quick answer: First, check how much water there is: GE says one to two cups left in the bottom of the tub is normal. More than that, clean the filters (twist the ultra-fine filter counterclockwise and lift it out), then check the drain hose. GE wants a high drain loop at least 32 inches (81 cm) above the floor or an air gap, and nothing else plumbed into the dishwasher hose.
Once it drains, we pick BLITZ: one tablet in the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle breaks down the grease and food film left in the sump, filter and spray arms, for about $1.04 a clean. Septic-safe, like every BLITZ product, from a Québec company in Laval, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Shop BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner, $24.95
Before you start: power off and get the water out
Turn off the power at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher first, and lay towels in front of it. Bail the water into a bowl, then use a turkey baster or a sponge for the last of it in the sump, the low well around the filter.
GE: some standing water, usually one to two cups, in the bottom of the tub is normal. A pool that covers the filter after a full cycle, or dirty water that builds up between cycles, is what needs fixing.
How to fix a GE dishwasher that won't drain, step by step
- Remove the lower rack and twist the ultra-fine filter counterclockwise to lift it out.
- Rinse it under running water. GE's manuals say to inspect and clean the filters every month.
- No filter in yours? GE models with a hard food disposer have no removable filter: go straight to the hose.
- Lock the filter back and run the hot tap at the sink until it's hot: GE asks for incoming water of at least 49 °C (120 °F).
- Run a short cycle and listen for the pump at the end.
The GE drain hose, high loop, air gap and garburator
- High drain loop: GE wants the hose to loop up to a minimum of 32 inches (81 cm) above the floor, usually fastened to the underside of the countertop.
- Air gap: the hose can run to the house drain directly or through an air gap. GE: without a high drain loop or an air gap, dirty water from the sink can flow into the dishwasher.
- Nothing else on the hose: GE says not to plumb other devices into the dishwasher drain hose.
- The garburator: run it first. If it's new, its knockout plug must be removed, on any brand of dishwasher.
Dirty water in a GE dishwasher between cycles?
Dirty water that appears in the tub when nobody ran the dishwasher is sink water coming back, and GE says the cause is a missing high drain loop or air gap. Raise the hose so the top of the loop sits at least 32 inches above the floor, or have an air gap installed.
Also check that nothing else, such as a second appliance or a water filter line, is connected to the dishwasher hose.
Once it drains: clean out the grease that caused it
The food and grease that blocked the filter also coat the sump, the spray arms and the walls. Left there, they slow the next drain and smell. One BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner tablet clears them:
- Put the clean filter back and lock it.
- Put one tablet in the detergent compartment of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a normal cycle, then one tablet every two weeks.
A box of 24 is $24.95, about $1.04 a clean, a year at one tablet every two weeks. The rest of the routine is in how to clean a GE dishwasher, and every brand's drain checks are in dishwasher not draining: 6 causes.
When to call GE or a technician
- No sound from the pump at the end of a cycle, with a clean filter and a clear hose.
- A steady hum but no water moving: something may be stuck in the pump.
- Water on the floor or under the cabinet.
- A burning smell, damaged wiring or a breaker that keeps tripping: stop using it.
Have the model and serial number ready: they're on a label on the edge of the door or the tub opening.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to have water in the bottom of a GE dishwasher?
A little, yes. GE says one to two cups of standing water in the bottom of the tub is normal. More than that after a full cycle means a drain problem.
Why is my GE dishwasher not draining?
A clogged filter, a kinked or clogged hose, a missing high loop or air gap, or a garburator that's clogged or still has its knockout plug.
How high should a GE dishwasher drain loop be?
At least 32 inches (81 cm) above the floor, GE says, usually fastened under the countertop.
Does my GE dishwasher have a filter?
Most have an ultra-fine filter that twists out of the tub floor. Models with a hard food disposer have no removable filter.
Sources
GE Appliances support: “Dishwasher: Water in the Bottom of the Tub”; GE dishwasher owner's manuals (filters, water temperature); BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner product page and directions. Checked October 30, 2026.
GE is a trademark of its owner. BLITZ is not affiliated with GE.
KEEP THE SUMP CLEAN
BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer
One tablet in the detergent compartment of an empty dishwasher removes grease, grime and limescale from the sump, walls, racks and spray arms. 24 tablets for $24.95, a year at one every two weeks.
Free shipping across Canada on orders of $40 or more, 10% back in store credit, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
