How to Troubleshoot a GE Dishwasher That Is Not Draining

The air gap is located next to the faucets in your kitchen sink.

A dishwasher that's stopped draining is almost invariably due to a problem with a clogged air gap--not with the appliance itself. Mandated by most local plumbing codes, the air gap is that little knob-like device adjacent to the faucets on the kitchen sink that stops any siphoning of waste water back into the drinking-water supply. .

Things You'll Need

• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Pull the decorative cap off the air gap and inspect the apparatus under the cap. Insert a toothpick and clean out any gunk. Unscrew the functional cap---the cap under the decorative cap---and do likewise. Replace both air gap caps securely.

2. Run your kitchen faucet to see if the kitchen drain empties normally. If it doesn't, you may need a plumber to unblock the drains.

3. Run the garbage disposal clear. If the garbage disposal is full of debris, it can block proper drainage, because many dishwashers drain straight into the garbage disposal.

4. Clean the dishwasher's filter if there is one. Remove the filter by pulling up on the handle. Rinse the filter under running water to remove large food particles.

References

• GE PDW1800 Series Manual
• Do It Yourself Forum