GE Washer Error Code 18: Washer Not Draining (Front Load and Top Load)

What the code means

On GE UltraFresh front-load washers (GFW510, GFW550, GFW650, GFW850 and related models), GE's Technical Service Guide 31-9327 defines fault code 18 as Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed. The trigger condition is that the pressure sensor indicates water in the tub after the washer has attempted to drain. So the washer ran its drain step, then checked the water level, and the water was still there. The guide notes that specific failures associated with the drain pump can set code 18. The pump is a 120 VAC motor with a removable, consumer-cleanable filter that keeps foreign objects out of the impeller and drain outlet; it runs during spin and moves about 10 gallons per minute. Because code 18 is based on what the pressure sensor reads, a pinched or water-filled pressure tube or a blocked pressure chamber port can also make the control think water is still in the tub, which is why GE's checklist includes the pressure system as well as the pump and hose. On GE top-load washers in the GTW series, Sears PartsDirect's GE error code chart lists code 18 as not draining, with checks for a clogged drain, a kinked or restricted drain hose, the wire harness between the control board and the drain pump, and the pump itself. Code 19 is a different fault (a cycle paused more than 24 hours, or water sensed in the tub while the washer is idle), so don't mix them up. On front loaders you can view stored codes with GE's Consumer Fault Code Mode: from idle with all lights off, press and hold Start for 10 seconds until all the lights come on, then press Start to step through the saved codes.

Likely causes

• A clogged drain pump filter on a front loader (coins, hair ties, socks and lint caught in front of the pump)
• A kinked, crushed or clogged drain hose, or a clogged household drain or standpipe
• A standpipe that's too tall: GE's front-load service guide gives a 96-inch maximum and 24-inch minimum height measured from the floor, with a recommended minimum standpipe diameter of 1 1/4 inches
• A drain pump that doesn't run, or a loose or damaged wire harness between the control board and the pump
• A pinched pressure tube where it passes through the top cover grommet, water trapped in the pressure tube, or a blocked pressure chamber port, so the sensor wrongly reads water in the tub (front load)
• A failed pressure sensor (front load), which GE checks with service mode test 10

Safe DIY checks

1. Unplug the washer before working on it. If the tub is full, be ready to bail water out or drain it slowly through the filter.
2. Front loaders: open the access door at the bottom of the front panel with a coin or small flat screwdriver, fold the drain funnel down, and turn the filter counterclockwise to pull it out. GE warns up to 1 quart of water can come out, so put a shallow pan and towels underneath. Clear out anything stuck in the filter and the opening, then screw it back in snugly.
3. Check the drain hose behind the washer: straighten kinks, make sure it isn't crushed against the wall, and make sure it isn't pushed too far down into the standpipe or sealed tight in it.
4. Make sure the standpipe or laundry sink drain isn't clogged. Pour a bucket of water down it; if it backs up, the house drain needs clearing, not the washer.
5. Check the standpipe height. GE's front-load guide calls for 24 to 96 inches from the floor and at least 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
6. Run a Drain & Spin (or Rinse & Spin) with an empty washer and listen. A humming or running pump that doesn't move water points to a blockage; total silence points to the pump, its wiring or the control.
7. Front loaders: if you want to see whether 18 is a stored code, use Consumer Fault Code Mode (from idle with all lights off, hold Start for 10 seconds, then press Start to step through codes). Any other pad or knob exits.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• 23 GE Washer 23
• 26 GE Washer 26
• 27 GE Washer 27
• 3 GE Washer 3
• 38 / E38 GE Washer 38 / E38

All GE codes →

Sources

1. GE Appliances Technical Service Guide 31-9327 Rev. 1, UltraFresh Front Load Washer (April 2020): fault code 18 Drain Pump Clearing Algorithm Failed trigger and actions, drain filter access, drain pump specs and standpipe limits, Consumer Fault Code Mode (ApplianceAid copy)
2. Sears PartsDirect: GE GTW top-load washer error codes (18, not draining; drain, hose, wire harness and drain pump checks)