GE dishwasher is leaking water: GE's manual for the Profile PDT785 handles leaks in two ways. On the PD*775 and PD*785, leak protection stops the cycle, drains the dishwasher and shows LEAK DETECTED; GE's instruction is to contact GE for service. Otherwise the leak you see is usually suds: the wrong detergent makes the dishwasher fill with suds that spill out of the vents and cover the floor, and spilled rinse agent foams too. Clear suds by letting them dissipate, opening the door, pressing and holding Start for 3 seconds and closing the door.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher is leaking water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A leak sensed by the leak detection system
What separates it LEAK DETECTED is on the display and the dishwasher drained and stopped
How to confirm Turn off the water and power and contact GE for service
- 2
Suds from the wrong detergent
What separates it Foam spills from the vents and the floor is wet
How to confirm Use only automatic dishwasher detergent; remove suds by draining
- 3
Spilled rinse agent
What separates it Foam builds after the rinse agent cup was overfilled
How to confirm Wipe up rinse agent spills at once and turn the dial counterclockwise to reduce foaming
- 4
A clogged air gap or drain
What separates it Water backs up into the tub or around the sink
How to confirm Clean the air gap and clear the disposer and drain
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether LEAK DETECTED shows on the display
- Whether foam is present and what detergent or rinse agent was used
- Where the water appears: door front, vents, below the unit or sink
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop and make it safe
ReversibleSlowly open the door to pause the cycle, switch off the breaker if water is near the electrics and mop up. Water on the floor and a beeping door-ajar reminder can be confused; check the display for LEAK DETECTED.
Read the display
ReversibleIf LEAK DETECTED is shown, the cycle was cancelled and the dishwasher drained. Contact GE for service.
Check for suds
ReversibleSuds mean the wrong detergent. To remove them, open the dishwasher and let the suds dissipate, then open the door, press and hold Start for 3 seconds and close the door.
Check the rinse agent
ReversibleWipe up rinse agent spills at once. Turn the rinse agent dial counterclockwise to reduce foaming or clockwise to reduce water drops and hard water spots.
Check the drain
ReversibleIf water stands in the tub, clean the air gap and check the drain loop; see the not-draining page.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Protect against freezing
- If the dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter, ask a service technician to turn off electrical power, turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet line from the water valve, and drain water from the inlet line and valve, then reconnect. Damage from freezing is not covered by the warranty.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- door vent seal, part number WD08X10092, at $30.09; water valve, part number WD15X27703, at $30.94; high loop drain hose from pump to drain hose ext, part number WD24X27778, at $16.47; pressure switch, part number WD21X25468, at $29.68.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PDT755, GDP665, GDT670, GDT650, GDF650, GDF510.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If LEAK DETECTED shows, contact GE Appliances for service as the manual says
- !If water keeps appearing with no suds, stop the dishwasher and have the connections checked
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for dishwashers; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own page for the Profile PDT785 with its installation guide and specifications.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Which models have leak detection?+
GE lists leak protection on some models, including the PD*775 and PD*785.
Why is foam coming out of the vents?+
The wrong detergent makes the dishwasher fill with suds that spill out of the vents.
Can rinse aid cause foam?+
Yes, if spilled. Wipe it up immediately.
What is the door-open beep?+
The dishwasher beeps once a minute if the door is left open during a cycle.
Should I keep using it after a leak alarm?+
No, do not keep using it after a leak alarm, and wait for service.
Does an air gap matter?+
A clogged air gap can leave water in the tub; clean it.