What Causes the Drain Pump to Not Drain on the GE Front-loading Washer?

Drain Pump Obstruction

• When the drain pump on a GE washer is not working, a likely reason is an obstruction in the drain pump. The obstruction can be something such as coins, keys, hair bands or other items that might fall out of pockets during the wash cycle and get caught in the drain pump. This will slow down or stop draining entirely.

Drain Hose Obstruction

• Sometimes the obstruction to the drain pump is in the drain hose. Disconnect the washing machine and then disconnect the drain hose after placing towels on the ground. Shake the drain hose firmly with the end pointed down to dislodge any items. Blow through the drain hose to see if air is moving through the hose and flush out any remaining items with water.

Cleaning the Pump Filter

• Some GE front-load washing machines have an access panel to the drain pump filter on the front of the machine. This makes problems with the drain pump much easier to solve. Open the small access door on the front of the washer and set a bucket or container down. Turn the pump filter cap counterclockwise to open and allow the water to drain into the bucket. Then look inside the pump for items that might cause obstruction and clean as needed. Close the lid on the pump filter and shut the access door.

Cleaning the Drain Plug

• Other GE washer models without a pump filter access door are more difficult to access when the drain pump is not working. Disconnect power to the washing machine and then remove the three screws underneath the bottom front panel. Lift up and out on the panel to remove, and then locate the drain plug, which is white and found slightly right of the center underneath the washer door. Disconnect the drain pump carefully with towels or a bucket nearby to catch excess water, and then clean out debris from the pump.