GE Dishwasher Won't Drain

Dishwasher Repair
1

Hi Folks,

I have a GE Dishwasher Model GSD5560. The last time I washed dishes, the tub did not drain. It was filled right up to the bottom of the door, but did not overflow.

I checked the troubleshooting guide in the manual, which suggested issues with the air gap (I don’t seem to have one in the places they suggest), the sink drain (which seems to be fine), or the disposal (also fine). I’ve also run a single rinse cycle, just to see if it would clear it. Afterwards the water level was just the same (so some water must be getting out, perhaps through an overflow drain).

I another posting someone suggested a “check valve” and posted a diagram, but that was for a different brand of dishwasher. I suspect I might have the same problem, but could use instructions/diagrams for this model.

Also, there was another post about this model, where the poster was asked if it was a US model. Mine shows every indication of being a US model (I’m in the US, the manual is in English and gives US Contact Addresses, etc.). The other models in the same manual are: EWD3000, GSD5400 - GSD5900.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

  • Charlie
2

Our GE washer is also having draining issues like what you described. We just moved in and the previous owners had just installed it, but we didn’t notice the draining issue until now. I don’t have the model number, but I will check it later. They didn’t leave a manual either. I’m interested in what you find out.

Rod

3

[SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman]If it were not pumping out at all I would suspect a clogged drain hose. Here are some things to check. Turn the washer on and after it has been on for a little bit press reset. Once done it will attempt to pump out. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
[LIST]

  • [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]There is a solenoid on the side of the motor that should pull down when you press reset. If it doesn’t pull down try to push it down by hand. If you cannot press it down by hand it is bad replace it. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
    [LIST]
  • [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Across the back of the inside of the tub you should see a filter, remove it. Under the filter you should see a piston/nut #564 on the #1 parts breakdown. Unscrew this part to inspect it. This part is just a rubber stopper attached to a spring. What you need to check is the rubber stopper. Sometimes the stopper will dissolve to the point that it will no longer plug the hole in the top of the nut, if so replace it. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/LIST][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
    [LIST]
  • [SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman]If you look under the dishwasher you should see a small water pump. There is a black hose that connects this pump to the valve body (not the main pump). Inside this back hose on the pump side there should be a red flapper that acts as a check valve. At times this flapper will sometimes break of or warp out of shape so that it will no longer block water flow if so replace it. Note that I couldn’t find this part on the parts breakdown of your washer but I am almost sure it is there because the main pump has a drain solenoid. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/LIST][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman]Post what you find and I hope this helps. Dishwasher Not Draining Repair Guide[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
    [SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]
4

[QUOTE=CharlieC;100508]Hi Folks,

I have a GE Dishwasher Model GSD5560. The last time I washed dishes, the tub did not drain. It was filled right up to the bottom of the door, but did not overflow.

I checked the troubleshooting guide in the manual, which suggested issues with the air gap (I don’t seem to have one in the places they suggest), the sink drain (which seems to be fine), or the disposal (also fine). I’ve also run a single rinse cycle, just to see if it would clear it. Afterwards the water level was just the same (so some water must be getting out, perhaps through an overflow drain).

I another posting someone suggested a “check valve” and posted a diagram, but that was for a different brand of dishwasher. I suspect I might have the same problem, but could use instructions/diagrams for this model.

Also, there was another post about this model, where the poster was asked if it was a US model. Mine shows every indication of being a US model (I’m in the US, the manual is in English and gives US Contact Addresses, etc.). The other models in the same manual are: EWD3000, GSD5400 - GSD5900.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

  • Charlie[/QUOTE]

Hi Charlie,

The first thing I would do is unscrew the piston & nut assembly (#564 on the diagram) and check the cone seal. Replace the piston & nut assembly if the cone is worn out. Also the shaft with the cone seal should go freely up and down.

If this is not the issue then disconnect the drain hose from the garbage disposer, put it in a bucket and see how it will drain.

If the garbage disposer has been replaced recently then it is possible it was installed improperly. It has a plug where the dishwasher drain hose is connected and this plug must be removed at the installation.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for GE GSD5560G00SS | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

5

Hey Folks,

Thanks for the helpful replies!

Armed with the parts diagram, I went after the problem.

I used a wet/dry shopvac to suck out all the water I couldn’t get by bailing. Then I tried cleaning out the sump and making sure that there weren’t obvious disconnections and such. Then I found a surprise. I followed things down from the sump, and inside the pump assembly (#325 on the parts list) I found two pistachio shells. As far as I can recall there haven’t been pistachios in my house since I moved in two years ago… but maybe the previous owner or maybe a guest… In any case, they were caught in the waterwheel-like thing inside the assembly and wouldn’t let it turn. I pulled 'em out, reassembled everything (while also snugging up the noise blanket and adjusting the front/rear tilt, which I’d been meaning to do for some time). Now it works like a charm.

A satisfying afternoon’s work.

Thanks again!

  • Charlie
6

You are welcome Charlie. We are glad you were able to fix it and it was that simple.

Gene.

7

[COLOR=#333333]Just wanted to let you guys know that I found this link last night and followed your instructions and found that the piston/nut was stuck and worn out! Bought one for 10 bucks today and replaced. Presto, dishwasher draining again![/COLOR]
[COLOR=#333333]Thanks for the GREAT instructions![/COLOR]
:smiley: