How to replace the inlet sump on a GE dishwasher

Is your GE dishwasher not performing as it should, maybe leaking or not draining properly? A damaged inlet sump could be the culprit, but don’t worry—this common issue can be easily fixed at home. Get started on your DIY repair journey by watching our step-by-step video guide below and save yourself the expense and wait for a service call.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The inlet sump on a GE dishwasher collects and holds water, connecting to the drain and circulation pumps. Over time, the inlet sump may become damaged, leading to issues such as leaking or improper water flow. 

The good news is that this repair is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a short amount of time. By following the provided instructions, you’ll be able to successfully replace the inlet sump yourself without a costly service call and get your GE dishwasher back in working order.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQo8eMYZy-8

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver 
• Towel/container
• 5/8″ wrench
• 5/16″ nut driver
• 1/4″ nut driver

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Open the dishwasher door and remove the two Phillips screws that secure the dishwasher mounting bracket to the countertop.
2. Remove both upper dish rack rail end caps using a flat blade screwdriver. Bend the rear tab out into the cutout and turn the top of the end cap inwards to free it. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
3. Pull the upper rack out.
4. Remove the lower dish rack.
5. Remove the lower spray arm by lifting and turning it counterclockwise. Then, turn the hub nut counterclockwise and remove it.
6. Rock the fine filter side to side and pull it out from the rear sump tube.
7. Place a towel and a plastic container under the shut-off valve to catch any water that may leak. Using a 5/8 open-ended wrench, disconnect the waterline.
8. Using a 5/16 inch nut driver, loosen and remove the hose clamp, then disconnect the drain hose from the air gap. Be cautious as there may still be water inside the hose. Use a container or a towel to catch any water.
9. Pull the dishwasher out and place it on its back. Ensure that the hoses are not under the dishwasher.
10. Using a 5/16 inch nut driver, loosen the check valve hose clamp, the pump hose clamp, and the top connector hose clamp.
11. Using the nut driver, remove the four screws and take out the two horseshoe-shaped sump rings. Place a towel underneath as water may come out.
12. Slide out the old sump from the cabinet and disconnect it from the top connector. Pull out the check valve.
13. Remove and set aside the pump hose clamp from the sump. Clean the seal around the opening using a wet sponge.
14. Place the hose clamp onto the new sump. Install the check valve into the side port, ensuring the little tab fits into the small cutout. Slide the clamp on.
15. Place the new drain pump under the large pump port, then insert the tub pump port into the cup connector. Push the sump into the opening, ensuring the edge of the sump is at the same level as the rim.
16. Install the sump rings and secure them with the four screws using the nut driver.
17. Using the 5/16 inch nut driver, tighten all three hose clamps.
18. With the dishwasher upright and reinstalled under the counter, reinstall the fine filter with the nozzle at the back placed inside the rubber tube sticking up from the filter. 
19. Install the hub nut and turn it clockwise to lock.
20. Place the lower wash arm in the hub and turn it clockwise until it locks itself.
21. Slide in the lower dish rack and install the upper dish rack on the tracks, then slide it in.
22. Put the bottom of the end cap in the rail, put the rear end into the cutout, and turn the end cap inside the rail. Repeat this procedure on the opposite side.
23. Slide the dish racks in.
24. Manually thread the waterline onto the shut-off valve and tighten it using a 5/8 open-ended wrench. Remove the towel and the container.
25. Connect the drain hose to the air gap and tighten the clamp.
26. Turn the water on, plug the dishwasher in, and run it to check for leaks.
27. Secure the dishwasher with two Phillips screws to the countertop.
28. Close the dishwasher door and run a test cycle.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the inlet sump in your GE dishwasher.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the inlet sump on your GE dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!