GE Washer Error Code E2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

E2 on a GE washer means water is not draining from the drum. The washer tried to drain but still detected water after the time limit. Check the drain hose and clean the pump filter first.

Affected Models

GE Top Load Washer
GE Front Load Washer
GE Profile Washer
GE UltraFresh Front Load Washer

Common Causes

A clogged pump filter is blocked with lint, coins, or small items
A kinked or clogged drain hose is preventing water from leaving the machine
The drain hose is inserted too deep into the standpipe, creating a siphon effect
The drain pump motor has failed and cannot pump water out
A small object such as a sock or coin has jammed the pump impeller

How to Fix It

Cancel the current cycle. The drum will have standing water in it — do not open the door yet on a front loader.

On front loaders, use the emergency drain hose (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front) to drain the water manually before opening the door.
Check the drain hose at the back of the washer. Make sure it is not kinked, bent, or crushed behind the machine.

The drain hose should not be pushed more than 6 inches into the standpipe or sink — too deep causes a siphon.
Locate and clean the pump filter. On front loaders, it is behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine.

Place a shallow pan and towels under the filter cap before opening it — water will spill out. Remove any lint, coins, or debris.
Reinstall the filter cap securely. Run a drain and spin cycle to test if water drains normally.

The cycle should complete without the E2 code reappearing if the blockage is cleared.
If E2 returns after clearing the filter and hose, the drain pump itself needs to be inspected and likely replaced.

You may hear a humming or grinding noise if the pump is jammed or failing. A technician can confirm and replace the pump.

When to Call a Professional

If the hose and filter are clear but E2 keeps coming back, the drain pump has likely failed. A technician can replace the pump in about an hour. Expect $150 to $250 for parts and labor depending on your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

My washer has standing water in it — is E2 why?

Yes — E2 means the washer failed to drain. Do not open a front loader door with water inside. Use the emergency drain hose at the bottom of the machine to remove the water first.

What is a pump filter and where is it?

The pump filter catches lint, coins, and small items before they reach the pump. On GE front loaders, it is behind a small rectangular panel at the very bottom front of the machine. It should be cleaned every few months to prevent E2 errors.

Can I run laundry with an E2 error?

No — the washer will stop mid-cycle when it cannot drain. You will be left with wet clothes sitting in water. Fix the drain issue before running another load.