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HomeRepair HelpGE Washer RepairGE Washer won't drain Repair

GE Washer won't drain

If your GE washer won’t drain, the most likely cause is a blocked or failing drain pump. Small objects or clothing can obstruct the pump, and a pump that remains noisy during the drain cycle usually needs replacement. Next, check the control board, which supplies power to the drain pump. If the pump receives no voltage during the drain cycle, the control board may be defective. On some GE models, a faulty timer can cause the same problem by failing to send power to the pump. A kinked, crushed, or clogged drain hose is another common reason for a washer not draining and can leave standing water in the tub. Finally, inspect the door lock, door latch, or lid switch assembly for debris that may prevent the washer from operating correctly. Disconnect power before testing or removing parts, and use your model’s wiring diagram when checking voltage with a multimeter. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement drain pump, control board, timer, drain hose, door lock, or lid switch for your specific GE washing machine.

01 - GE Washing Machine Drain Pump

Sometimes, small objects or articles of clothing can get caught in the drain pump. To determine if anything is blocking the drain pump, remove the drain pump and check the pump for obstructions. If the drain pump is clear of obstructions, but is still noisy during the drain cycle, replace the drain pump.
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02 - GE Washing Machine Control Board

Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.
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03 - GE Washing Machine Timer

On some washing machine models, a timer is used to determine when voltage is to be sent to the washer's electrical components. A faulty timer may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the timer for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the timer is defective and will need to be replaced.
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04 - Drain hose is clogged or kinked

Check to see if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If your washer "dances" during cycles, it may have moved and kinked the hose. The drain hose could also be clogged with lint or hair. You can use a thin, long-handled brush to clean the hose.
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05 - Door lock or door latch obstructed

Remove any debris in the door lock or latch assembly. Any debris that is in the lock or latch can prevent the washer from working properly.
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06 - Obstructed Lid switch assembly or Door lock

Remove any debris in the door lock or lid switch assembly. Any debris that is in the lock or latch can prevent the washer from working properly.
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07 - GE Washing Machine Suspension Rod

If a top-load washer is not completing a cycle in addition to not draining, a broken suspension rod could be making the tub unbalanced and unable to spin or agitate properly. Inspect the suspension rods for damage and replace if necessary - it is recommended that all suspension rods be replaced at the same time for more even wear.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my GE washer drain?
How do I drain a GE washing machine with standing water?
How can I tell whether the GE washer drain pump or control board is bad?
Can a door lock, door latch, or lid switch cause a GE washer not to drain?
How do I find the correct GE washer drain pump or other replacement part?