Ge Washer Drain Pump Not Working

Introduction

Finding your GE washer full of water at the end of a cycle is frustrating. The drain pump, responsible for removing water after the wash and rinse cycles, may be the culprit. When the ge washer drain pump not working, clothes stay soaked, creating a potential for mildew and unwanted odors. Addressing this promptly prevents further damage and gets your laundry routine back on track. It’s a fairly common issue, and many times it can be fixed without needing to call a professional.

Common Causes of ge washer drain pump not working

Several factors can cause a GE washer drain pump to fail. Here are some of the most common:

Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Lint, hair, and small objects can accumulate in the drain pump filter, obstructing water flow.
Obstructed Drain Hose: Kinks, bends, or clogs in the drain hose can prevent water from exiting the washer.
Faulty Drain Pump Motor: The motor itself might be burned out or malfunctioning.
Blocked Drainpipe: The drainpipe where the washer’s hose connects may be clogged.
Loose Wiring Connections: The wiring connecting the drain pump to the washer’s control board might be loose or damaged.
Defective Pressure Switch: A faulty pressure switch may not be signaling the pump to activate.
Air Lock: Air trapped in the drain hose can prevent proper drainage.
Control Board Issues: Although rare, a malfunctioning control board can prevent the pump from receiving the signal to start.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to confirm if the drain pump is the problem:

Washer is full of water after the wash cycle.
Washer makes a humming noise but doesn’t drain.
Washer displays an error code related to draining.
Water drains very slowly or not at all.
You hear no noise from the pump during the drain cycle.

How to Fix ge washer drain pump not working Step-by-Step Guide

Unplug the Washer: For safety, disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
Locate the Drain Pump: Consult your washer’s user manual for the exact location. It’s usually behind an access panel at the bottom front or rear of the machine.
Drain Remaining Water Manually: If the washer is full, use a shop vacuum or carefully bail the water out with buckets into a sink or tub.
Access the Drain Pump Filter: Once you’ve located the pump, find the filter cover. Usually, it’s a small door or panel that you can unscrew or pop open. Have a towel ready to catch any remaining water.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Remove the filter and clean out any lint, hair, coins, or other debris. Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water.
Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller: With the filter removed, look inside the pump housing for the impeller (a small fan-like component). Check if anything is blocking it. You can try to gently turn the impeller with your finger (washer unplugged!) to see if it moves freely.
Check the Drain Hose: Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the washer. Inspect it for kinks, clogs, or bends. Straighten any kinks and remove any visible blockages. You can use a garden hose to flush out the drain hose with water.
Inspect the Drainpipe: Ensure the drainpipe where the washer hose connects is clear. Run water into it to check for proper drainage.
Check Wiring Connections: Examine the wiring connections to the drain pump. Make sure the wires are securely attached and not damaged.
Check for Air Lock: Sometimes air gets trapped in the drain hose, preventing the water from draining. Try lowering the drain hose to the floor momentarily to release any trapped air, then reattach it securely.
Reassemble and Test: Reinstall the drain pump filter, reattach the drain hose, and plug the washer back in. Run a short drain cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
Check the pressure switch hose: Locate the pressure switch and follow the hose that leads from it down to the tub assembly. Disconnect this hose from the tub and blow into it. If you feel resistance, there is likely a clog in the hose or the pressure switch itself.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many times, you can resolve a drain pump issue without buying new parts:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the drain pump filter every few months to prevent clogs.
Avoid Overloading: Overloading the washer can strain the drain pump.
Use Laundry Bags: Use laundry bags for small items like socks or lingerie to prevent them from entering the drain pump.
Ensure the washer is level: An unleveled washer can cause drain issues. Use a level to check and adjust the feet of your washer.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the ge washer drain pump not working persists, the pump itself might be defective and require replacement. Drain pump replacements can range from $50 to $150 for the part itself, depending on the model. Professional installation can add another $100 to $200 to the cost. A commonly failing part is the pump motor itself.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
Be careful when handling water to avoid electric shock.
Avoid over-tightening screws when reassembling the washer.
Be prepared for water spillage when accessing the drain pump area. Have towels handy.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Shop vacuum (optional)
Buckets
Towels
Flashlight

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about GE washer drain pump problems:

Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad? A: If the washer is full of water, the pump makes a humming noise but doesn’t drain, or you get an error code related to draining, the pump might be faulty.
Q: Can I clean the drain pump myself? A: Yes, cleaning the drain pump filter is a simple task that most homeowners can do.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter? A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every few months, or more often if you notice drainage problems.
Q: What error codes indicate a drain pump problem? A: Common error codes include “E22,” “Drain Error,” or any code specifically mentioning the drain pump. Refer to your washer’s user manual for details.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a ge washer drain pump not working can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Start with the simple solutions like cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose. If the problem persists after trying these steps, consider if the pump needs a replacement before calling a technician. Remember safety first, and good luck!