How to Fix a GE Dishwasher Leaking from the Bottom

If your GE dishwasher is leaking from the bottom of its door, there is likely a part within your dishwasher that's worn out or damaged, like the door gasket, inlet valve, float switch, hose, or pump. Replacing any of these parts is quite simple, but will require some tools and some DIY time!

Why is my GE Dishwasher Leaking from the Bottom of the Door?

If you notice that your dishwasher has a leak, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for to help you figure out which parts are ultimately causing the leak, which you can then inspect and replace or fix!

• Reduced Cleaning Performance: Any amount of water leaking from your dishwasher can reduce the cleaning ability of the dishwasher as a whole, so if you're noticing a significant drop in dishwasher cleaning performance, like dishes not being cleaned fully, it means there's a part like the filter, inlet valve or drain pump that are causing it.
• Mildew or Mold: Another easy sign of a leak or water presence in general is mold or mildew growth. Normally mold or mildew will also come with an unpleasant smell, so seeing or smelling it is an easy indication of a leak from somewhere underneath your dishwasher, such as the drain pump, hose or inlet valve.
• Unusual Noises: A not-so obvious sign that you may not think of is sound, specifically unusual sounds like gurgling or bubbling can be associated with a clogged drain hose or improperly sealed pump.
• Water Not Draining: If after a load of dishes you notice water still left in the dishwasher, it's a sign that one of the parts within the draining system for the dishwasher is either clogged or not working as it should, which could or potentially may already have resulted in leaks.

How to Fix a Leaking GE Dishwasher

Now if you're seeing, hearing, or smelling any of those signs, there is a good chance a part (or multiple of them) are damaged, defective, or broken. Replacing a part in your dishwasher, however, is quite simple and will only require some tools, dedicated DIY time, and step-by-step guides to show you exactly how to fix your dishwasher.

How to Replace a Damaged or Torn Door Gasket in a GE Dishwasher

The easiest part to replace in your dishwasher that could be causing a leak is the door gasket. The gasket for your GE dishwasher is the rubber material that surrounds the door frame that's intended to seal the interior of the dishwasher cabinet from the inside of your home, and if it's torn or damaged will lead to water leaking. This is one of the most common causes of dishwashers leaking, and will result in you finding water at the bottom of the front of your dishwasher, during or after a cycle. If you notice your dishwasher is leaking and you have a suspicion that a damaged gasket is causing it, you can find an OEM dishwasher door gaskets for your GE model, and then read the following guide to assist you in replacing it.

1. Open and lower the door for your dishwasher.
2. Inspect the gasket seal around the perimeter of the dishwasher door. If you notice any rips, tears, holes, or any sort of damage, it will need to be removed and replaced.
3. Pull the old door gasket out from the dishwasher's door frame and dispose of it.
4. With the new gasket in hand, carefully push it into place around the perimeter of the dishwasher door frame.
5. Now run a quick washing cycle and monitor for any leaks.

How to Replace a Clogged Filter in a GE Dishwasher

The filter in your dishwasher, like any other appliance, is there to collect food debris that would otherwise cause issues later on in the draining process. Water sitting at the bottom of your dishwasher after it's finished its washing cycle is a good indication that the filter is clogged, and that could become a leak if not cleaned or replaced. But if you've never changed your GE dishwasher filter and you're now noticing a leak at the bottom or front of it, there's an even greater chance that the filter is causing the leak. Lucky for you, a filter is an incredibly easy part to replace (or clean), and we'll show you precisely how to do it.

1. Turn off the power to your dishwasher.
2. Open your dishwasher door and locate the filter housing at the bottom of the cabinet.
3. Remove the lower spray arm.
4. Twist to remove the old filter. If there's a securing latch, you may need to disengage it before you can remove the filter.
5. Clean the current filter by soaking it for a few minutes, and then washing it by hand with soap. But if there's significant damage to it, replace it with a new filter.
6. Install the new filter by twisting it into place.
7. Reinstall the lower spray arm.
8. Close the dishwasher door and run a quick cycle to test the new filter.

How to Replace a Broken Water Inlet Valve in a GE Dishwasher

A water inlet valve is an electrically controlled valve that is used to regulate and control the water flowing into it, as well as just acting as a gateway for the dishwasher's water supply itself. A broken or shorted water inlet valve will cause leaks in your dishwasher, because it has limited or no control over the flow of water entering it. And since inlet valves are normally located near the bottom of the appliance, it's safe to say that it would be the cause if there's a substantial amount of water around the valve, or underneath near the rear when your dishwasher's off. An easy way to test if the inlet valve is bad, is by opening the door of the dishwasher while it's running – if the water is running, the valve is defective. If your GE dishwasher's inlet valve needs to be replaced, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do that.

1. First, turn off the power and water to the dishwasher, and ensure there is no water on the floor near your appliance.
2. Unthread and disconnect any screws securing the kick plate at the bottom of your dishwasher.
3. Locate the water inlet valve and disconnect the water supply line from it. This may require a wrench to do.
4. De-clamp the drain and fill hose underneath your sink, then unthread any securing screws to the dishwasher.
5. Unthread and disconnect the wires in the junction box before continuing, if necessary.
6. Pull your dishwasher into an open area and rotate it onto its back.
7. Inspect the valve for any signs of damage, breaks or leaks.
8. (Optional) Use a multimeter to test whether the solenoid (part that opens and closes it) has continuity, or whether it's bad.
9. Unscrew and disconnect the valve and its wire harness to remove it.
10. Install the new inlet valve by securing it with screws and connecting the wire harness.
11. Rotate the dishwasher back upright and push it back into place.
12. Connect the water supply line to the valve, and clamp the hoses back into place.
13. If the junction box was disconnected previously, reconnect all of the wires.
14. Plug your dishwasher back in and run short washing cycles and monitor it for leaks.

How to Replace the Float and Float Switch in a GE Dishwasher

The float and float switch, also known as a flood switch, in a GE dishwasher are necessary for detecting and managing the level of water inside the dishwasher during the washing cycle by turning the drain pump on and off. The float will rise and lower depending on the level of water in the dishwasher, but if it gets stuck in either the 'on' or 'off' position (up or down), the pump will either stay on indefinitely or not turn on at all – which is where a leak would arise. So if your GE dishwasher float switch is defective or broken, and you've got a leak underneath your dishwasher, not only do we have the parts you need, we'll tell you how to replace it, too!

1. First, disconnect power to the dishwasher by unplugging it from the wall outlet, turn off the water supply, and remove the racks within the interior of the dishwasher.
2. Remove the lower spray arm.
3. Remove any filters from the bottom of the dishwasher to gain access to the float switch.
4. You may need a screwdriver to unthread and disconnect certain panels within the dishwasher assembly.
5. Once the float switch is accessible, carefully pull it out and disconnect any wires attached to it.
6. Now, you can completely remove the float switch and test it with a multimeter if you'd like.
7. To install the new float switch, connect the wire harness to it and install it within the dishwasher.
8. Reconnect any panels necessary and secure them properly.
9. Reseat the filters and the spray arms, as well as replacing the racks within the dishwasher.
10. Run a quick cycle within the dishwasher and monitor for any leaks.

How to Change a Pump in a GE Dishwasher

The pump in any dishwasher is simply used to circulate and drain water during its washing cycle, and without it working properly or if it's damaged, it will cause excessive water to build up and/or simply leak. An easy way to detect if your drain pump is out of commission is to see if it actually runs during the drain cycle. If it simply hums quietly when it should be draining, it needs to be replaced. However, if it runs and you're still noticing water left in the dishwasher after the cycle is over, your issue likely lies with the drain hose. So if you're finding water underneath your dishwasher, we have a wide-range of GE dishwasher pumps for you to choose from, and a replacement guide to assist you in replacing it!

1. Unplug and disconnect your dishwasher's power, and turn off and disconnect the water supply.
2. Open your dishwasher's door and remove all of the interior contents, including spray arms and filters.
3. Unthread any screws securing the kick plate of your dishwasher.
4. Unthread any securing screws holding your dishwasher in place.
5. Unscrew and disconnect the wires in the junction box before pulling your dishwasher into an open area, and rotating it on its back.
6. Take pictures of any and all wire harnesses for future reference.
7. Inspect the drain pump and the seals for any damage, cracks, or indication of leaks. Replace it if it's damaged.
8. Disconnect all wires and sensors connected to it, then loosen and remove the drain hose.
9. If your model has pump latches, disconnect them.
10. Remove the pump assembly from underneath or through the inside of the cabinet.
11. Now, carefully remove the drain pump motor.
12. Install the new drain pump, and any seals or clamps necessary.
13. Use a small amount of dish soap to lubricate the sump seal, and set it into the dishwasher.
14. Rotate the dishwasher onto its back and secure the sump assembly.
15. Reconnect the drain hose, as well as all wires and sensors to the assembly.
16. Push your dishwasher back into place, and reconnect any wires.
17. Reconnect the water line, kick plate, filter, spray arm and dish racks to the dishwasher.
18. Run a quick cycle and monitor for leaks.

How to Replace a GE Dishwasher Drain or Fill Hose

A clogged, broken or cracked dishwasher hose can be a leading cause for why your dishwasher is leaking and why you're discovering water at the bottom of it. Fill and drain hoses are meant to transport water in and out of the dishwasher, and if they're cracked, clogged, or simply broken, they will eventually leak and cause damage in your home. But finding the right dishwasher hose is simple enough with our wide range of OEM GE dishwasher parts, and we'll even show you exactly how to replace it!

1. First, unplug your dishwasher from the wall outlet and turn off and disconnect the water supply.
2. Unthread and remove the kick plate at the bottom of your dishwasher.
3. Unthread and disconnect the wires in the junction box before continuing, if necessary.
4. Disconnect the drain hose from the sink, and unthread any screws securing the dishwasher.
5. Carefully pull the dishwasher into an open area and rotate the dishwasher onto its back.
6. Locate the drain hose assembly in the dishwasher, and carefully disconnect it if it's damaged or cracked.
7. Install the new drain hose, ensuring all connections and clamps are secure.
8. Rotate the dishwasher back upright and then push the dishwasher back into place to secure it.
9. Connect the new drain hose to the sink where the previous connection was.
10. Reconnect the any junction box wires, as well as the water supply line to the inlet valve.
11. Secure the kick plate at the bottom of your dishwasher, and turn the water supply back on.
12. Plug your dishwasher back in, and run a quick wash cycle to monitor for leaks.

How to Prevent Future Leaks in Your GE Dishwasher

It's important that your GE dishwasher is equipped and in its best condition to ensure that maintenance issues, like leaks, don't happen – or at the very least, not very often. And dishwashers are only as effective at cleaning our dishes as we allow them to be, so these are the most important things you can do to ensure your dishwasher does not leak and gets your dishes clean:

• Use Correct Detergent: An extremely overlooked aspect of dishwashing is using the right detergent; using the wrong type can cause overflow of water and soap, and result in a nasty leak.
• Clean or New Drain Hose: Even though it's a part we mentioned replacing, maintaining a clean drain hose or replacing it when it's clogged or nearing the end of its life cycle will prevent water buildups and leaks.

Now that you hopefully have your dishwasher back in order, you're already on the road to getting clean dishes without the worry of flooding your home! If you're ever in need of assistance with any other appliances and the error codes they may produce, or if you're looking for a helpful home improvement guide, check out what else the PartSelect blog has to offer!