GE Profile dishwashers let you know there’s a problem by displaying error codes. Some are more difficult than others to solve, but the E1 error code is pretty straightforward if you know what to do.
E1 error codes a GE Profile dishwasher is a leakage error. The code appears when there’s water in the appliance’s base, enough to trigger the flood switch. Water builds up in the dishwasher’s base if there is a damaged sump or hose, a loose hose connection, or the drain hose isn’t in an elevated high loop.
As you read this guide, you’ll learn what the E1 error code means. Then, you’ll walk through a step-by-step process to troubleshoot and reset the code.
What Does E1 Mean On A GE Profile Dishwasher?
This error code on your GE Profile dishwasher means there’s a leakage error going on. More specifically, the error occurs when the appliance detects water flooding its base.
The dishwasher uses a lot of water, so it’s natural for the compartment to be wet. However, there should never be water in the machine’s base under normal conditions.
The leakage that triggers the error code can be a one-off problem. That means it can happen once but go away without you having to do anything about it. However, if the code keeps being triggered, that means there’s an ongoing leak somewhere on the dishwasher’s underside.
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How Do You Troubleshoot A GE Profile Dishwasher E1 Error Code?
The root cause triggering this error code isn’t always so straightforward to identify. That’s why it’s best to take an organized approach to troubleshoot the problem.
Here’s a step-by-step process for troubleshooting and resetting the E1 error code on your GE Profile dishwasher.
Step 1: Check For Water At Dishwasher’s Bottom
About this step: As you’ve read above, the E1 error code on a GE Profile dishwasher is a leakage error triggered when the appliance detects water at its base. The machine detects water thanks to a flood switch at the bottom of the machine.
So, in this troubleshooting process, you’ll focus on the appliance’s bottom and its parts.
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What to do: To begin this troubleshooting process, you must pull the dishwasher out from under your kitchen counter. This step is crucial for two reasons.
Firstly, it allows you to check if there’s water building up at the bottom of your dishwasher. That will confirm that the E1 error is accurate and not just a fluke.
Pulling the dishwasher out will help you empty the water and access the base for the other troubleshooting steps below.
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Step 2: Tip Dishwasher To Drain Water Out
About this step: Remember: there should not be a water buildup in the dishwasher’s base. That’s why there’s a flood switch there that’s triggered when there’s a leakage.
Unfortunately, the buildup of water can be a one-off problem instead of an ongoing issue.
What to do: In this second step, remove the water built up inside your dishwasher’s base. You can do that by gently tipping the dishwasher at an angle until all that water drains out.
This step can be pretty challenging, considering the weight of the appliance. So, it’s best to ask someone else to help you tip the dishwasher slightly and then put it back down gently.
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Step 3: Monitor To See If Problem Persists
About this step: As you read earlier in Step 1, the water buildup at the dishwasher’s base could be a one-off issue. For example, a temporarily clogged drain hose might have sent water dripping into the dishwasher’s base.
If that’s the case, draining the water in Step 2 will be enough to reset the error code and solve the problem.
However, suppose the water builds up again, and the E1 error code returns. In that case, one of the appliance’s components continuously leaks water into the base and triggers the flood switch.
What to do: After you complete Step 2, push the dishwasher back under your sink and continue using it as usual. Monitor your dishwasher for the E1 error code for at least a few complete wash cycles to see if it returns.
If the code doesn’t return, that means you’ve successfully solved it in Step 2. The problem is solved, and your troubleshooting process is complete.
However, if the code comes back, proceed to the next step.
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Step 4: Check For Leaks On Dishwasher’s Underside
About this step: A persistent leak that causes water to build up in your GE dishwasher’s base means that something in that area is damaged or loose.
For example, the sump assembly could be cracked, or the machine’s hoses might have tears. Besides that, the clamps that are meant to keep those hoses connected tightly could have come loose.
When any of that happens, water will continuously fill up the dishwasher’s base, triggering the flood switch and the E1 error code.
What to do: This step requires a much closer inspection of the parts in your dishwasher’s base. You’ll have to pull the machine out from under the kitchen counter and lay it on its side or back to access the bottom.
Then, you’ll have to check the sump assembly, hoses, and hose connections for loose parts or signs of damage.
You can quickly reattach any loose connections firmly. However, cracked or damaged sump assemblies or hoses must be removed and new ones installed.
Step 5: Ensure Drain Hose Has High Loop At Kitchen Sink
About this step: A crucial part of your dishwasher’s setup is the drain hose’s high loop at your kitchen sink. To put it simply, the drain hose from your dishwasher must be looped at a higher point, which is the kitchen sink above it.
That high loop will prevent the appliance’s wastewater from flowing back into the machine, which can flood its base and trigger the E1 error code.
What to do: If your GE Profile dishwasher’s base keeps getting flooded despite no leaks or damaged parts, the next step is to check the drain hose.
As you read above, that hose must have a high loop at the kitchen sink.
If yours isn’t set up that way, the problem is caused by water in the drain hose flowing back into the dishwasher and flooding its base.
Read: 4 Top Reasons Why Bosch Dishwasher Getting E15 Error Code
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below, you’ll find a few crucial questions and answers to help you understand the problem you’re facing:
How Do You Loop A Dishwasher Drain?
You can create a high loop for your dishwasher drain by fastening it to the kitchen counter or sink above the appliance.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of A GE Dishwasher Leaking?
Your GE dishwasher will typically leak because of damage to the sump assembly or its hoses. Besides that, a loose hose attachment will also cause water to leak, triggering the E1 error code.
Is It Worth Fixing A Leaking Dishwasher?
Yes, it’s worth fixing your leaking GE Profile dishwasher. After fixing or replacing any damaged components, your dishwasher will function normally again.
Why Is There Standing Water In My GE Dishwasher?
The standing water in your GE dishwasher is likely because the drain hose isn’t in a high loop. As a result, a blockage can cause water to flow back into your dishwasher.
Where Is The Reset Button For A GE Dishwasher?
Press the Start/Reset button to reset your dishwasher. Alternatively, you can reset it by disconnecting its power supply for 1 minute. Reconnecting the power supply will complete the reset process.