GE Washing Machines Washer Not Draining: How to Fix It Yourself
When your GE washer will not drain, the most likely cause is a clog in the drain pump filter or drain hose. Small items like coins, buttons, and hair ties love to get stuck in there. Clearing the clog is quick and easy — no special skills needed.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the washing machine before starting.
- Have a bucket and towels ready — there will be standing water.
- Be careful not to slip on wet floors.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Unplug the washer
Pull the plug from the wall outlet. Do not skip this step. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- 2
Manually drain the standing water
Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe or laundry sink and lower it into a bucket on the floor. Gravity will drain most of the water. You may need to empty the bucket a few times.
- 3
Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs
Inspect the entire length of the drain hose from the back of the machine to where it connects to the wall. Straighten any kinks. Disconnect the hose from the machine (use pliers to loosen the clamp) and look inside for clogs. Flush it with water in a sink if needed.
- 4
Clean the drain pump filter (if accessible)
Some GE washers have an accessible pump filter at the front bottom. If yours does, open the access panel, place towels down, and unscrew the filter cap. Remove any debris. If your model does not have a front-access filter, the pump is accessed from underneath.
- 5
Listen to the pump
Plug the washer back in and start a drain/spin cycle. Listen to the pump area (bottom of machine). If you hear humming but no water drains, the pump may be jammed or burned out. If you hear nothing, the pump motor may have failed.
- 6
Test and confirm
After cleaning, run a full cycle with a small load. The water should drain completely at the end. If the washer still will not drain, the pump likely needs replacing.
If That Didn't Work
- Clogged standpipe or home plumbing
- Failed drain pump motor
- Faulty lid switch preventing spin/drain cycle
- Bad control board (rare)
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the hose and filter does not work and the pump sounds dead, you will need a new drain pump. The part is cheap ($18–$30) but accessing it requires tilting or removing the back panel. If that sounds like too much, a tech will do it for $120–$180 total.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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