GE · Washer Moderate

E31 — Drain Timeout

The washer took too long to drain within the allowed time. This is a drain-fault code — a pressure/water-level sensor failure is a separate code (E65), not E31.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Moderate

How to fix it

  1. Power off and unplug the washer.
  2. Place a shallow pan and towels under the front-right access panel.
  3. Open the pump filter (coin trap) and clear lint, debris, and coins.
  4. Pull the washer out and inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs.
  5. Verify the standpipe height is 30-96 inches and not blocked.
  6. Spin the pump impeller by hand — it should turn freely.
  7. If the pump hums but doesn't move water, replace the drain pump.
  8. Restore power and run a Drain & Spin to confirm.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Water remains in the tub at the end of a cycle · Cycle stalls during drain or spin · E31 flashes on display · Pump hums but no water flow

  • Clogged drain pump filter or impeller Lint, coins, or hair locking the impeller is the #1 cause on GE front-loaders.
  • Kinked or clogged drain hose Check the hose behind the machine and where it enters the standpipe — it must not exceed 96 inches in height.
  • Drain line / standpipe blockage House drain backed up; water can't leave the standpipe.
  • Failed drain pump motor Pump electrically dead or seized; won't pump even when the path is clear.
  • Control board pump driver fault Rare — the control is no longer sending power to the pump.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • GE washer drain pump (WH23X10028) Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • Drain hose Common replacement
    Amazon →

More GE washer codes

dE dE — Lid Is Open E22 E22 — Fill Timeout (No Fill / Slow Fill) E23 Drain Pump Error — Will Not Drain E42 E42 — Drive Motor Instantaneous Overcurrent E43 E43 — DC Fault, Inverter E54 E54 — No Motor Response / Lost Communication with Drive Motor

All GE codes → All washer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the E31 code mean on a GE washer?

The washer took too long to drain within the allowed time. This is a drain-fault code — a pressure/water-level sensor failure is a separate code (E65), not E31.

What causes the E31 code on a GE washer?

Clogged drain pump filter or impeller: Lint, coins, or hair locking the impeller is the #1 cause on GE front-loaders. Kinked or clogged drain hose: Check the hose behind the machine and where it enters the standpipe — it must not exceed 96 inches in height. Drain line / standpipe blockage: House drain backed up; water can't leave the standpipe.

Is it safe to keep using a GE washer with a E31 error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix E31 on a GE washer?

Power off and unplug the washer. Place a shallow pan and towels under the front-right access panel. Open the pump filter (coin trap) and clear lint, debris, and coins.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.