Introduction

Use this guide to clear a noisy or blocked drain pump on a GE GDF520PSF6SS dishwasher. The drain pump, also called the drain motor or drain pump motor, removes water from the tub during the drain cycle. A chunk of plastic or other debris in the pump volute can cause crunching or grinding only when the dishwasher drains, while the wash circulation may still sound normal. This guide was written for the GE GDF520PSF6SS, but nearby GE models may have minor differences.

What you need

Step 1 Shut off power and water

Turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker or disconnect switch.
Confirm the dishwasher controls no longer light or respond.
Turn off the dishwasher water supply valve under the sink.
Electric shock can cause serious injury, so don't open the junction box until power is off and verified.

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Step 2 Remove the lower access covers

Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the two hex-head screws securing the lower cover beneath the dishwasher.
Some dishwashers may use 5/16 inch screws for this cover.
Remove the lower cover and set it aside.
Use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove the screw securing the electrical junction box cover.
Remove the junction box cover.
Use a multimeter to verify no voltage between hot and neutral and between hot and ground.
If voltage is present, stop and turn off the correct circuit before continuing.

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Step 3 Disconnect the junction box wiring

Remove the wire nuts from the junction box wires and separate the wire connections.
Press the tabs on the electrical grommet or Romex connector into the connector body.
The connector tabs and junction box edges can scrape fingers, so work slowly.
Push the connector out through the back of the junction box.
On this model, tabs may be on three sides, so release all tabs before forcing the connector.

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Step 4 Disconnect the water line and drain hose

Place a towel under the water supply connection.
Disconnect the water supply line from the dishwasher.
A small amount of water may drip from the line even with the shutoff valve closed.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the worm gear clamp securing the drain hose to the drain pump.
Pull the drain hose off the drain pump.
A crunching noise only during draining often points to debris in the drain pump impeller area.

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Step 5 Release the dishwasher from the cabinet

Open the dishwasher door and locate the two mounting screws along the top edge.
Remove the two mounting screws securing the dishwasher to the countertop or cabinet top.
These screws keep the dishwasher from tipping or rocking out of the opening when the door is open.
Carefully slide the dishwasher forward from under the counter.
Guide the drain hose through the cabinet opening as the dishwasher moves forward.
Release the drain hose clips and preserve the air gap or air trap loop routing for reassembly.

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Step 6 Tip the dishwasher and locate the drain pump

Place a towel on the floor in front of the dishwasher.
Tip the dishwasher onto its back to access the underside.
Reposition the insulating blanket if it slips out of place.
Identify the drain pump on the bottom of the dishwasher near the drain hose connection.
The drain pump sits on a mounting post under a bracket and may lift off the post during removal.

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Step 7 Remove the drain pump

Release the clamp securing the rubber hose to the drain pump.
If the original crimped clamp bends during removal, replace it with a worm gear clamp during reassembly.
Pull the pump out of the hose.
Water trapped in the pump may spill, so keep the towel under the work area.
Squeeze the middle of the electrical connector and unplug it from the pump.
Lift the pump off the mounting post and remove it from the dishwasher.

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Step 8 Open the pump volute

Use a screwdriver to remove the three screws from the top of the pump volute.
Separate the volute from the pump housing.
Inspect the volute and impeller area for plastic chunks or other debris.
Remove any obstruction from the volute and around the impeller.
A chunk of plastic in the volute can make the impeller crunch or grind during the drain cycle.

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Step 9 Reassemble the pump housing

Check that the O-ring around the pump housing is seated.
The O-ring seals the volute to the pump housing.
Align the flat spot on the pump housing so it faces the dishwasher floor when installed.
Position the drain outlet bend so the outlet rises at about a 45-degree angle when the pump is on the dishwasher.
Press the volute onto the pump housing.
Use a screwdriver to reinstall the three volute screws.

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Step 10 Reinstall the drain pump

Align the notch in the rubber hose with the notch on the drain housing.
Slide the drain pump into the rubber hose.
Tighten the reusable clamp or install a worm gear clamp to secure the hose.
Set the drain pump onto its mounting post under the bracket.
Reconnect the electrical plug until it seats fully.
Make sure the electrical plug is connected before the dishwasher goes back into the cabinet.

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Step 11 Restore the drain hose routing

Stand the dishwasher upright.
Keep the insulating blanket in place around the tub.
Guide the drain hose back through the cabinet opening.
Restore the drain hose air gap or air trap loop exactly as it was before removal.
Snap or press the drain hose clips back into place.

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Step 12 Reconnect the dishwasher

Push the dishwasher back into the cabinet opening far enough to reach the connections without pinching hoses or wires.
Reconnect the drain hose and tighten its clamp.
Reconnect the water supply line.
Feed the electrical cable and grommet back into the junction box.
Reconnect the wires with the wire nuts in their original configuration.
Keep the circuit off while reconnecting the junction box wiring.
Reinstall the junction box cover.
Leave the lower cover off until leak testing is complete.

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Step 13 Check for water leaks

Turn the water supply valve on.
Inspect the water supply connection, pump hose, and drain hose for drips.
Tighten any dripping connection until the leak stops.
Keep the towel under the repair area until no drips appear.

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Step 14 Secure the dishwasher

Slide the dishwasher fully into the opening.
Use a screwdriver to reinstall the two mounting screws into the countertop or cabinet top.
These screws prevent the dishwasher from rocking or tipping out when the door opens.
Check that the drain hose and water line aren't pulled tight or kinked.

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Step 15 Test the drain pump

Restore power to the dishwasher.
Start the dishwasher and let it fill until water is in the tub.
Check below the dishwasher for leaks while it fills.
Press Cancel to run the drain pump.
Listen for the pump; crunching or grinding should be gone if the obstruction was removed.
Listen at the connected drain or garbage disposal for water discharging.
Open the door when the pump stops and confirm the tub is empty.
If it still grinds or doesn't drain, turn power and water off and recheck the pump volute, impeller, drain hose, and hose routing for debris or blockage.

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Step 16 Install the lower cover

Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to reinstall the two lower cover screws beneath the dishwasher.
Some models may use 5/16 inch screws for the lower cover.
Wipe up spilled water and remove the towels from the work area.

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Conclusion

Run a short fill-and-cancel drain test again if you need to confirm the noise is gone, and check the connections for leaks before regular use. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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