Why Does My GE Dishwasher Fill and Drain at the Same Time?

Drain Hose

• A problem with the drain hose will allow the dishwasher to fill and drain at the same time. If the hose is too low, the water being siphoned out of the appliance will simultaneously flow back into the dishwasher. The prevent this, the drain hose should be at least 12 inches higher than the floor. Also, General Electric recommends the drain hose be pushed no further than two inches down the drain. In addition, the house drain should have a minimum height of 30 inches.

Drain Valve Obstruction

• The dishwasher may fill and drain at the same time due to a drain valve obstruction. Any debris or other particles that lodge in the drain valve will prevent the water from flowing out before a new cycle starts filling the dishwasher with more water. If the drain valve’s electric solenoid is jammed, this can also hinder the water from draining out.

Pump Assembly

• A malfunctioning pump assembly can also result in the dishwasher filling and draining at the same time. The pump assembly contains three parts: a pump, which funnels water out of the machine; a washer impeller; which forces water through the spray arm; and a wash impeller, which steers water to the drain. Any debris trapped in the pump assembly, or any worn-out or malfunctioning parts of the assembly, can stop the water from draining before the dishwasher starts filling again.

Timer

• The dishwasher may be filling and draining at the same time due to a defective timer. All dishwashers have either a mechanical or an electronic timer, which controls the appliance by starting and stopping the machine’s functions at the scheduled time. However, if the timer assembly or timer motor is defective, it will hinder the dishwasher’s ability to drain water before the machine refills.