my ge profile dishwasher won't drain at the end of the cycle, it's just full of water. what gives?

Diagnosis

The GE Profile UDT165SSMSS utilizes a dedicated drain pump to force water out of the tub and through the drain hose. When water remains at the end of a cycle, it is almost always due to a physical blockage preventing the pump from pushing water out, or a failure of the pump's impeller to rotate. This typically manifests as a pool of water covering the bottom rack, often with floating food debris or a "film" of grease on the surface. The most common root cause is a "foreign object" obstruction. Small pieces of broken glassware, plastic wrap, or fruit pits frequently bypass the filter assembly and lodge themselves directly in the pump impeller. If the pump is humming but no water is moving, the impeller is likely jammed. If there is no sound at all during the drain phase, the pump motor may have failed electrically or the control board is not sending the signal to trigger the drain sequence. You can confirm a blockage by manually scooping out the water and attempting a "Cancel/Drain" cycle; if the pump sounds strained or makes a rattling noise, the obstruction is internal.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to clear the drainage system and restore function:

1. Clear the Sump Filter: Remove the bottom rack. Rotate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub counter-clockwise to lift it out. Remove the flat mesh screen. Scrub both with a soft brush and warm soapy water to remove grease buildup.
2. Inspect the Air Gap: Locate the chrome cylinder (the air gap) on your countertop next to the sink. Pull the chrome cover straight up and unscrew the plastic cap. Use a pipe cleaner or a flexible brush to push through any food debris or slime that has accumulated in the tube. This is a primary failure point for the UDT165SSMSS.
3. Check the Garbage Disposal: If you recently installed a new garbage disposal, ensure the "knockout plug" was removed from the disposal's inlet where the dishwasher hose connects. If the plug is still there, the water has nowhere to go.
4. Verify the High Loop: Look under your sink. Ensure the drain hose loops higher than the entry point to the disposal or drain pipe. If the hose has sagged, gravity will pull dirty sink water back into the dishwasher, causing it to fill up even after a drain cycle.
5. Clear the Drain Hose: Disconnect the hose from the garbage disposal or sink drain. Place the end of the hose into a bucket and run a "Cancel/Drain" cycle. If water flows freely into the bucket, the clog is in the disposal or the house plumbing, not the dishwasher.

If That Didn't Work

• Manual Impeller Clear: If the pump is humming but not draining, you must access the drain pump. Remove the lower kickplate (toe kick) using a Torx T20 screwdriver. Locate the drain pump on the right side of the unit. Carefully check the impeller for debris like a piece of broken ceramic or a toothpick. Use needle-nose pliers to extract any foreign objects.
• Replace the Drain Pump: If the impeller is clear but the motor doesn't spin, the pump motor has likely burned out. Replace the pump assembly (Part #WS01X22534 or equivalent for your specific serial number). Ensure the wiring harness is seated firmly before reinstalling the kickplate.
• Inspect the Check Valve: There is a small rubber flap (check valve) located where the drain hose meets the pump. If this valve is warped or stuck closed, water cannot exit. Inspect the valve for tears or debris and replace if it does not flip open easily.
• Control Board Reset: Occasionally, the electronic control board hangs. Power down the unit at the circuit breaker for exactly 10 minutes. Restore power and immediately run a "Cancel" cycle to see if the pump triggers.

Heads Up

• Avoid Pre-Rinsing with Grease: Never pour liquid grease down the drain; it solidifies in the narrow drain hose of the UDT165SSMSS, creating a "plug" that is nearly impossible to clear without replacing the entire hose.
• Filter Maintenance: Clean the bottom sump filter once every two weeks. A clogged filter slows water flow and puts excessive strain on the drain pump motor, shortening its lifespan.
• Check for "Sudsing": Using non-dishwasher-specific soap (like Dawn) creates excessive foam. This foam can air-lock the pump, making it seem like the dishwasher isn't draining when it is actually just pumping air and bubbles.