My GE Triton Dishwasher has Water Left Over at the Strainer

Normal Operation

• The motor and pump that move the water to the arms of the dishwasher are underneath the lower spray arm, which in turn sits on top of the drain and strainer. This design is purposeful. Water draining down the pipes lubricates the pump and seals. If they are not lubricated, they dry out and crack, according to the Repair Clinic website. For that reason, most dishwashers are designed so that a small amount of water remains at the bottom of the bin even after draining.

Clogs

• A large amount of water left over at the strainer might indicate a drainage problem. The most common issue is a clog in the drain line, which runs from the dishwasher's drain to the garbage disposal or plumbing system. To fix this, you must remove the drain line and clean it out, or call a professional to do it for you.

Other Problems

• A defective motor or pump will also cause the dishwasher to malfunction and hold water, as will broken timers; electric solenoids, the triggers that help the dishwasher move from cycle to cycle; and levers, which direct water down the drain. Diagnosing these problems can be difficult and usually requires the help of a professional.

Prevention and Maintenence

• The best way to prevent your GE Triton dishwasher from clogging up, and the motor or pump from breaking down, is to make sure you clean out the strainer periodically. In addition, scrape large pieces of food from the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Pre-washing the dishes is not required -- it wastes water, according to the Repair Clinic website -- but large chunks of food should be removed before washing the dishes.