Thread: Help with water standing in dishwasher

I hope someone here can help me. I've had my GE Nautilus 165D5450P004 for several years now. Lately, however, I've had water standing in the bottom. When I use it and the cycle is done, the bottom is dry, like it should be. However when I go to use it a day or 2 later, there is a lot of water laying in the bottom. Before I use the dishwasher, I use a sponge to get the water out and squeeze it out into the sink. It normally takes me between 15-20 times with the sponge to empty it out, a couple inches of water. I thought maybe the water was coming in from the sink drain. However, the water seems to be clean...like if I rinse a spaghetti pot in the sink you'd think the water in the dishwasher would be the color of the sauce, but it is clear. DH has checked the trap and there is nothing in there. Any idea what could be causing this? Also, what would happen if I just start the wash cycle without emptying out the existing water?

Mine always has water standing in the bottom, I don't take it out before I run the dishwater and my dishes are always clean..mine is clear, clean looking water too... wish I could help

googled and found this...



It doesn't drain

1. Air gap / Drain hoses
If there is an air gap (located in the sink, near the faucet), check to see if it is clogged. Unscrew the top cap and see if there is anything blocking inside. Note: If there is no air gap installed, the dishwasher might not drain properly.

If the drain hose is clogged, the dishwasher would not drain. If there is an air gap installed, it is very common that a hose going from the air gap into the garbage disposer is clogged. Remove and clean the hose. Make sure to reattach the hose before starting the dishwasher.

Note: If you recently had a garbage disposer installed, it is common to overlook removing the drain plug.

2. Broken belt
Some dishwasher models use a belt to drive the pump. Replace the belt if found broken.

Note: Sometimes the belt would just come off the pump. Even though it might not be broken, it is recommended that you replace the belt, because it is probably too stretched out.

3. Pump
Some models have two impellers inside the pump - one, wash impeller, takes care of the wash cycles, the other, drain impeller, drains the water out. If the drain impeller is broken (broken blades, shaft), the dishwasher would not drain. Replace any broken pump components.

4. Drain solenoid
Some models (for example most GE dishwashers) use a drain solenoid to drain water out. Sometimes the solenoid gets stuck, preventing the water from draining out. Try to free up the solenoid. If unsuccessful, you might have to replace the pump assembly.

5. Motor
If the motor is stuck, it is sometimes possible to free it up by manually spinning the motor.

Replace the motor if defective.

If there is no air gap (silver cap) located on your sink next to your faucet, you could have a clog in the drain line or at the drain port at the motor/pump assembly. Also, check to see if the drain hose (under sink) has a loop in it before it goes to the disposal or pipe. If there is no loop, water could be backing up into the tub.

OHH, THIS SAYS IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE!!!! YAY, MINE ISN'T BROKE, LOL


Should there be water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Yes. All dishwashers leave a small amount of water in the bottom, to keep the seals and pump wet. If the seals dry out, they can become brittle and begin to leak water.

Originally Posted by Lild

OHH, THIS SAYS IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE THERE!!!! YAY, MINE ISN'T BROKE, LOL


Should there be water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
Yes. All dishwashers leave a small amount of water in the bottom, to keep the seals and pump wet. If the seals dry out, they can become brittle and begin to leak water.

Glad you found the answer to your problem I know the amount of water I'm having in mine isn't normal, but I'm going to show dh all the other things you posted and have him check everything when he gets home. He's great with fixing most stuff around the house, but I'm not too sure about plumbing. We don't have the money for a plumber, so hopefully dh can fix it...I just HATE doing dishes by hand. I'd give up almost any of my other appliances, just help my dishwasher!!!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I thought you were having the same as mine.. so therefore I thought yours was fixed too!