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What does H20 error code mean on your GE dishwasher? How to fix it!
Seeing an error code pop up on your appliance can be frustrating-especially when you’re just trying to get through the endless cycle of dishes. If your GE dishwasher is flashing the H20 error code, don’t be alarmed! It’s not as bad as it sounds, and most of the time, you can fix it yourself. We are here to break it down in simple terms for you and will walk you through the steps to get your dishwasher up and running again.
What Is the H20 Error Code?
H20 is an error code that means something is obstructing your GE dishwasher from getting adequate water. It is pretty much the dishwasher raising its hand and saying, “Excuse me, may we have a word about the water issue?” This is normally an error experienced in cases of low water pressure or obstructed water inlets.
The good news? You need not be a plumbing pro to troubleshoot this issue!
Common Reasons for the H20 Code
Before rolling up your sleeves, it’s helpful to know what might be causing the problem. Here are some of the usual suspects:
- Low Water Pressure: Your dishwasher relies on proper water pressure to function. If there’s an issue with your home’s water supply, the dishwasher will throw the H20 code.
- Clogged Water Supply Line: Dirt, debris, or mineral deposits in the water line may restrict the flow of water.
- Kinked/Damaged Water Hose: The water hose might be kinked or damaged, preventing the correct amount of water from reaching the machine.
- Faulty Water Valve: The inlet valve controls the amount of water intake in your dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, then the intake of water will not be appropriate.
- Float Switch Issues: The float switch monitors the water levels in the dishwasher. When this is stuck or faulty, your dishwasher receives incorrect readings and may think there is a problem when, actually, there is not.
Now that you know what might be causing this error to appear, let’s take action!
How to Fix the H20 Error Code on Your GE Dishwasher
Remain cool, and get your toolbox-or at least the flashlight on your phone-ready. Here’s how to troubleshoot the H20 code and fix it:
1. Check the Water Supply
First things first-verifying that your house water supply is on. Turn a nearby faucet on to ensure there’s reasonable water flow. If water pressure seems low, you may want to call in a professional plumber.
2. Check the Water Hose
Check behind your dishwasher for the water hose that connects it to the water supply. Ensure that:
- The hose is not kinked, pinched, or twisted.
- There are no visible cracks or damages. If there are any, you might need to replace the hose.
- The connections at both ends are secure and not leaking.
3. Clean the Water Inlet Filter
Most General Electric dishwashers use a small filter near the inlet water valve to catch some of the debris. These small filters will clog up over time with dirt or mineral deposits. Here’s how to clean it: First, shut off the water supply. Then disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and then find the inlet filter. Clean it very carefully using a brush and warm soapy water. Put the hose back on and turn the water supply on.
4. Check the Float Switch
The float switch is generally located at the bottom of your dishwasher and serves to prevent overfilling with water. Herein, what to do: Open the dishwasher door and locate the float switch; it is usually a small plastic dome. Wiggle it gently to see if it’s stuck. If it doesn’t move freely, clean it to remove any grime or debris. Test your dishwasher again to see if the error clears.
5. Test the Water Valve
If everything else checks out and the H20 error code is still appearing on your GE dishwasher, then you’ll want to examine the water inlet valve. This is the part responsible for the flow of incoming water within the appliance. Some valves are simply clogged and would require cleaning or replacement. You can also check this part with a multimeter for electrical failure; otherwise, this step will need to be taken by an appliance professional if you’re not comfortable taking the task on for yourself.
6. Reset Your Dishwasher
Sometimes, simply resetting the machine can resolve temporary glitches. Here’s how:
- Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it (or switch it off at the circuit breaker).
- Wait about 5 minutes.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- If the error disappears, you’re good to go!
When to Call a Professional
Haven’t worked out as you wanted? It’s probably time to call in the professionals. A licensed appliance technician will be able to give your dishwasher a proper check-over to sort out problems that might require a more involved repair or replacement.
The good news is that a repair for the H20 error code is nearly always easy, and often you can fix it on your own without breaking into a sweat.
Keep Your Dishwasher Happy
Maintaining your General Electric dishwasher and not having future problems with it should be done regularly. Here’s how: regular cleaning of filters and spray arms; running cleaning cycles once a month removes buildup inside; using a higher quality detergent, along with the rinse aid feature, can reduce clogs of the nozzles; occasionally inspect hoses and their connections for possible signs of wear.
A clean dishwasher is a happy dishwasher, and happy dishwashers make life a lot easier.
Closing Remarks
Though the H20 error code in your GE dishwasher might be a little inconvenient to see, just a little troubleshooting and care will get you back into business in no time. It’s just part of keeping your appliance in tip-top shape so that it can nicely serve you for many years yet to come.
If you’re ready to tackle the issue, start with the steps above. And feel free to share your success story-or dishwasher tips!-in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you fixed your H20 error code!