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GE Appliances dishwasher E1 (leak): leak detected

E1 (leak) means: Leak detected: the flood switch in the base has activated.

Short answer. Water reached the base pan. Too much or the wrong detergent (suds), a door gasket leak, a split hose or a pump seal.
Part at faultbase flood switch, hoses and seals
Severityhigh
DIY difficultymoderate
When it appearsany

How to fix E1 (leak)

  1. Turn off the water supply and cut power.
  2. Pull the kick panel and dry the base; look for where the water came from.
  3. Use only dishwasher detergent, check the door gasket, and tighten hose clamps.
  4. Replace a leaking pump seal or hose.

When to stop and call a repairer

Do not run it until the base is dry and the leak found.

What it costs

Parts: Gasket $20 to $40; hose $15 to $30.

Service: A home visit from an appliance technician runs $120 to $250 for diagnosis plus the part. Boards are the expensive part; sensors and switches are cheap.

Worth repairing? Yes.

How to check the error log

On most GE dishwashers, hold Start for 5 seconds with the door open to enter the service menu; on models with a hidden display, press Select Cycle and Start together for 5 seconds. The last error shows on the display. Turn power off at the breaker for 60 seconds to reset the board.

Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.

FAQ

What does E1 (leak) mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?

Leak detected: the flood switch in the base has activated. Water reached the base pan. Too much or the wrong detergent (suds), a door gasket leak, a split hose or a pump seal.

Can I fix E1 (leak) myself?

DIY difficulty: moderate. Turn off the water supply and cut power. Pull the kick panel and dry the base; look for where the water came from.

How much does it cost to fix E1 (leak)?

Gasket $20 to $40; hose $15 to $30. A home visit from an appliance technician runs $120 to $250 for diagnosis plus the part. Boards are the expensive part; sensors and switches are cheap.

Is it worth repairing?

Yes.

Code meanings are compiled from manufacturer service references and repair documentation for the GDT / GDF / GDP / Profile / Cafe; fixes follow documented repairs and owner reports. Model revisions can differ. If your appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before opening it.