GE Dishwasher Fills Itself and Is Overfilling and Causing Leaks

Defective Water Valve

• A faulty water valve can cause a GE dishwasher to fill itself, overflow and leak. The water valve controls the amount of water that is allowed to enter the dishwasher. However, the Appliance Parts Pros website states that a worn or defective water valve can remain stuck in the open position, and even when the appliance should be off, this can cause the dishwasher to fill with water and eventually overflow. Replacing the faulty water valve should solve the problem.

Water Valve Clog

• Even if the water valve is not defective, it may be the culprit in a GE dishwasher that randomly starts, fills and overflows. Debris may be clogging the valve and preventing it from closing. In addition, if you have hard water, these deposits may also be clogging the water valve. The remedy for this problem is to clear the obstruction. However, if the debris has damaged the water valve, you will need to replace it.

Hot Water Line Obstruction

• A recent obstruction in your hot water line may also be causing the appliance to intermittently start and overfill. If you have recently replaced your water heater, there may be soil in your pipes that will negatively affect not only your dishwasher but other appliances as well. To remove this sediment, flush the hot water line to the dishwasher, as well as the other hot water lines in your residence.

Drain Connection

• The GE dishwasher may be starting itself, filling with water and overflowing because of a problem with the drain connection. Although a certain amount of water in the sump is normal, when the machine starts filling with water at times when the appliance should be off, the water may not be draining properly and is instead coming back into the dishwasher. Check the dishwasher drain hose for obstructions, and if you have an air gap -- which would be mounted on the sink -- check to see that the hose connecting it to the garbage disposer is not blocked.