Applies to: dishwasher.
How to fix E1 (leak)
- Turn off the water supply and cut power.
- Look for water on the floor, under the sink and at the hose connections, and dry what you can reach without removing panels.
- Use only dishwasher detergent and check the door gasket for damage.
- If the leak is inside the machine, call GE service. Removing the kick panel and replacing seals or hoses is technician work.
When to stop and call a repairer
Do not run it until the base is dry and the leak found.
What it costs
| Parts | Not published by GE. |
|---|---|
| Service | Service prices vary by region and are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service agent for a quote before booking a visit. |
| Worth repairing? | Yes. |
How to check the error log
GE does not publish a consumer diagnostic-mode sequence for its dishwashers. Service-mode entry differs by model and lives in the technical service manual for your model number (printed on the tub or door edge). Button sequences circulating online are model-specific and often wrong, and service mode can run pumps, valves and heaters, so we do not list them. GE's own reset is: Start/Reset, wait two minutes, then switch off at the breaker for about 30 seconds.
Clear the log after a repair so you can tell whether the fault has really gone.
Beyond the fix
Tips and tricks
- On Floor Protect with Alert models, GE says the cycle cancels and remaining water is pumped out when moisture is detected.manufacturer manual
- If it is also beeping, GE advises disconnecting power until it is repaired.manufacturer manual
Common mistakes
- Resetting and running the dishwasher again after a leak message.
- Ignoring slow drips under the front.
Easily confused with
- 999 on models with Floor Protect with Alert can also mean a possible leak, per GE.
Further reading
Questions
What does E1 (leak) mean on the GE Appliances dishwasher?
Leak detected: the flood switch in the base has activated (GE shows LEAK DETECTED on many models; "E1" is an owner-reported label). We found no GE page that defines E1; the label is owner-reported, and GE shows LEAK DETECTED on many models. It means water reached the base pan. Plausible causes are 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. Look for water on the floor, under the sink and at the hose connections, and dry what you can reach without removing panels.
How much does it cost to fix E1 (leak)?
Not published by GE. Service prices vary by region and are not published by the manufacturer. Ask an authorised service agent for a quote before booking a visit.
Is it worth repairing?
Yes.
E1 (leak) during startup or during use?
GE Appliances dishwashers report E1 (leak) any. That timing is a useful clue when narrowing the cause.
Can I keep using the machine with E1 (leak) showing?
Treat it as a stop-using signal: E1 (leak) marks a fault that can damage the machine (or worse) if you keep running it. Do the safe first steps below, then stop.
Will E1 (leak) clear on its own?
Sometimes. Try the reset and cleaning steps first — they cost nothing and clear the milder cases. A code that returns within a day or two needs the parts fix.
How long does the repair take?
Thirty minutes to an hour if you are comfortable opening the case; budget an afternoon the first time.