How To Fix a GE Front Load Washer That Is Not Draining Properly

Nothing quite puts a damper in your laundry day like a washing machine that is not draining properly. It leaves your clothes soaking wet and water pooling in the drum, which can result in bacteria growth, musty-smelling clothes, and even electrical problems.

If your GE front load washer isn’t draining properly, there are usually several reasons why — like a faulty component or a clogged filter. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions to get your washing machine working normally again. 

Why Your GE Front Load Washer Isn’t Draining: Common Causes and Solutions 

The Tub is Too Full 

Your washing machine tub should not be overloaded or unbalanced, as this can prevent the appliance from correctly spinning and draining. For a front load washer, it can be difficult to see how many clothes you’re stuffing in and whether there’s sufficient space for the drum to spin. 

If your clothes are coming out dripping wet and still soapy, your washer makes a loud thumping sound during the cycle, or you notice abnormal vibrations or sounds, split the load into several smaller ones and see if that makes a difference.   

A Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose 

The drain hose is usually located at the lower back of a GE front load washer. It’s a vital component as it ensures dirty water doesn’t stay in the drum after the cycle has concluded. If there’s something wrong with the structure of the drain hose, this can affect how well drainage occurs. 

Carefully pull the washing machine forward and check that the hose is not crushed, bent, kinked, or blocked. 

The Motor or Drive Belt is Broken 

The motor and drive belt powers the spinning during wash and rinse cycles. In particular, the drive belt connects the motor to the drum in your GE front load washer. When this belt is damaged or broken, the washer will struggle to spin properly — meaning poorly washed clothes and water that isn’t draining as it should. 

A drive belt can easily be purchased in-store or online, just make sure it correctly matches your GE washer model. Check for signs of damage before replacing, like cracks from stretching, fraying, and the smell of burning rubber. 

A Clogged Drain Pump Filter 

The pump filter is an important part of the washing machine’s draining system, as it helps prevent the drain pump from being clogged by lint built up, clothing debris, and items in pockets that may have been forgotten. A clogged drain pump filter is one of the most common reasons that a washer isn’t draining properly, because many people don’t realise that it needs to be cleaned every couple of months. 

Check your GE model manufacturing guide on how often the filter will need to be cleaned or replaced. General guidelines state cleaning it every 50 uses. For a GE front load washer, you will often find the drain pump filter under the access cover at the front bottom. Take it out and give it a good wash and clean to clear out debris.  

A Failure in a GE Front Load Washer Part 

A washing machine has multiple components that allow it to spin, drain, and clean properly. These include the drain pump, control panel, drain pipe, motor, water inlet valve, tub, and circuit board which all work in tandem. One or multiple failures in a GE front load washer can cause malfunctions which can affect water drainage. 

It can be hard to identify and go through every component, especially if you don’t know where to start. A good way to do this is to look out for unusual smells or sounds in specific parts, and then get assistance from a washing machine repair technician. 

Loud buzzing, thumping, and hissing is not normal and should be looked at. Likewise, if you notice electrical sparks, smoking, or excessive heat production from a component, unplug the machine instantly and get assistance. 

How To Drain a GE Front Load Washer Manually 

Do you want to get rid of the water now? Here’s how to drain a front load washer manually in the most effective way to save you hassle down the line. 

1. Get Your Workspace Ready 

Unlike a top load washer, the door of your front load washer shouldn’t be opened if it’s full of water. Instead, you’ll want to get rid of the water through the drain pump opening at the bottom front of the machine. 

Start by prepping everything you’ll need beforehand. Unplug the washer from the power source, locate the drain pump cover, and have a tray or two to catch the water. Ensure the tray is lower, so it can effectively catch the water from the height of the drain pump. 

2. Find The Rubber Drain Hose 

Remove the cover to locate the rubber drain hose. It will look like a narrow hose, usually black and with a stopper on the end. Most GE washers will come with a drain hose, but on the occasion that there is only a large cap to screw open, get your tray ready for the water to come out all at once. 

3. Drain The Water 

Because the hose is relatively narrow, draining can take some time. Uncap the hose and let the water trickle out, stopping it back when the tray needs to be emptied. Repeat the process until the water level in the drum recedes fully and no more water comes out. 

4. Clean and Reassemble 

Locate the drain pump filter and give it a good clean in the sink to get out any additional debris that may have collected while draining. Place the filter back and carefully reassemble the hose cap, hose, and exterior cover back where you found it.