GE Appliances Dishwasher Error C1: Drain Pump Running Too Long

1. SAFETY: Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug before inspecting.
2. Remove the lower rack and take out the drain filter assembly — twist counterclockwise to unlock, then lift out. Rinse under running water.
3. Inspect the sump area beneath the filter for food debris, broken glass, or small objects blocking the pump intake.
4. Check the drain hose behind or beneath the dishwasher for kinks. The hose must form a high loop under the counter or connect to an air gap.
5. If connected to a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal's knockout plug has been removed.
6. Run the disposal for 30 seconds to clear any blockage at the drain connection.
7. Restore power and run a rinse cycle to confirm C1 has cleared.
8. If C1 returns with a clear filter and unobstructed hose, the drain pump may need replacement.

Error C1 on your GE Appliances dishwasher means: The drain pump has been running continuously for more than 2 minutes without the water level dropping as expected. The dishwasher has stopped the pump to prevent motor burnout. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system detected this condition and paused the current cycle.

The most frequent cause is drain hose kinked or clogged, preventing water from leaving the tub. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most GE dishwasher errors can be resolved without a service call.

Many cases of C1 can be resolved by the homeowner. The steps below cover the full DIY checks — if they do not resolve the error, a technician is needed.

The drain filter is the first thing to check on any GE dishwasher drainage error. It sits in the tub floor beneath the lower spray arm and traps food debris on every cycle. Cleaning it takes 5 minutes and resolves the majority of drainage faults without any further work.

• Drain hose kinked or clogged, preventing water from leaving the tub
• Drain filter or sump strainer clogged with food debris blocking pump intake
• Drain hose improperly installed — not elevated to the required high-loop or air gap
• Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed on new installations
• Drain pump impeller clogged with a foreign object

• Do not run the dishwasher with water standing in the tub — repeated attempts damage the pump motor

C1 returns immediately after cleaning the filter and confirming an unobstructed drain path

• Grinding or humming sounds from the pump area during drain

• Clean the drain filter monthly — remove, rinse, and reinstall to keep drain flow unrestricted
• Scrape plates before loading to reduce food buildup in the sump