For water left in the GE Profile PDT785, GE's troubleshooting table gives four entries. Water standing in the bottom of the tub: the air gap is clogged, or a high drain loop or air gap was not installed, so refer to the installation instructions. Water that won't pump out: the drain is clogged, so clean the air gap, run the disposer clear and check the kitchen sink is draining well, otherwise you may need a plumber. Suds and a clogged filter also cause poor draining. Steam and warm moist air through the vent while pumping out are normal and needed for drying.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher will not drain or leaves water in the tub”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A clogged air gap
What separates it Water stands in the tub and gurgles at the air gap
How to confirm Clean the air gap as the Care and Cleaning section shows
- 2
A high drain loop or no air gap where one is required
What separates it Water drains back from the hose after each cycle
How to confirm Refer to the Installation Instructions for proper drain line installation
- 3
A clogged drain or disposer
What separates it Water will not pump out and the sink drains slowly too
How to confirm Run the disposer clear and check the sink; call a plumber if it does not drain
- 4
A clogged filter
What separates it There is slow draining with gritty dishes because of a clogged filter
How to confirm Clean the Ultra Fine and Fine Filters, and run a drain
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the dishwasher drains into a disposer or an air gap
- Whether the sink also drains slowly
- How much water remains after a cycle
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedLook at the standing water
ReversibleSome water in the bottom of the tub after a cycle points to the air gap or the drain loop. Steam during pump out is normal.
Clean the air gap
ReversibleAn air gap protects the dishwasher; GE's Care and Cleaning section says it is easy to clean. Clean it if you have one.
Flush the disposer
ReversibleIf the dishwasher drains into a disposer, run the disposer clear. Check to see whether the kitchen sink is draining well.
Check the drain loop
ReversibleRefer to the Installation Instructions for a proper drain loop or air gap, since a high loop or no air gap lets water stand in the tub.
Clean the filters
ReversibleClean the Ultra-Fine and Fine Filters with warm soapy water; a clogged filter slows draining and washing.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Air gap and drain notes
- GE asks: does your dishwasher have an air gap? An air gap protects the dishwasher and is easy to clean. The table also says a high drain loop or missing air gap can leave water standing in the tub, so the Installation Instructions are the reference for the drain line.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- high loop drain hose from pump to drain hose ext, part number WD24X27778, at $16.47; user cleanable fine filter and basket asm, part number WD12X25995, at $27.56; drain hose extension, part number WD24X10062, at $23.96; check valve, part number WD12X25476, at $7.99.
- 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 water will not pump out after clearing the air gap, disposer and filters, contact GE Appliances service
- !If the kitchen sink is also clogged, call a plumber for the house drain
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
Why is there water in the bottom of the tub?+
A clogged air gap, or a high drain loop or missing air gap.
What if the water will not pump out?+
The drain is clogged. Clean the air gap, run the disposer and check the sink.
Can UltraFresh leave water?+
With UltraFresh on the dishwasher may add and drain water outside a cycle; you may see water in the bottom.
What does the air gap do?+
It protects the dishwasher and prevents back flow; keep it clean.
Is a drain pump sound normal?+
Yes, and it may start and stop several times during each drain.