How to Fix a GE Dishwasher H20 Error Code

Seeing an error code pop up on your dishwasher is never a good time, but at least the H20 code is easy to decipher! While it looks similar to the chemical formula for water (H2O/h2o), the code is actually H20 (or h20). It does however involve water, and seeing code H20 means your machine isn’t receiving enough of it. In this article, we’ll cover what causes this error code to occur, how to reset your machine to clear the code, and the troubleshooting steps and parts to inspect in order to resolve the water supply issue. With some basic tools and our easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to fix the H20 error code issue yourself!

What Causes an H20 Error Code on a GE Dishwasher?

If you are seeing an H20 error code, this means there is a water supply issue with your dishwasher; it is either not receiving any water, or too little water to run a proper cycle. This can happen when there is inadequate water pressure or supply to your home, or if the water supply line to the dishwasher has been turned off. If you recently had plumbing work done in your kitchen, it is possible the valve was not opened again by the plumber. Other causes may involve parts of your dishwasher, such as a kinked hose or a clogged sensor, which we will diagnose and fix below.

How to Reset Your GE Dishwasher to Clear the Error Code

To clear the H20 error code from your display, a simple reset will do the trick. Please note that clearing the error code is not the same as actually resolving it. To clear the code, follow these steps:

1. Check if your model of GE dishwasher has a designated “reset” button or a combo “start/reset” button. You can either hold the reset button or push the start/reset button twice. Wait a couple of minutes and try starting a cycle again to ensure that the error code has cleared.
2. If the reset button doesn’t clear the code, you can do a “hard” reset by disconnecting power to the dishwasher. At your electrical panel, flip the breaker switch for your dishwasher. Note that your dishwasher may share a breaker with other items in your home. They will temporarily lose power as well when you flip the switch. Wait 5 minutes, then flip the switch back on. This will allow any residual power to dissipate from the dishwasher and should clear the error code from the display once it starts up again.

If you require further information or need to enable the service mode on your machine, please refer to our full GE Dishwasher Reset article.

Initial Troubleshooting to Resolve the H20 Code

Before you start taking your dishwasher apart to check for issues, start with these common areas first. Often one of these simple fixes will resolve the issue for you.

Is There Sufficient Water Pressure?

The first item you’ll want to check is if there is an adequate water supply to the house. Has there been a water main break nearby? If you’re on a well, are the water levels low? Are you running other equipment like the washer or showers at the same time? If you typically have good water pressure at your home but are getting very little from running the taps, one of these external factors may be causing the water supply issue. The H20 code should correct itself once water pressure has been restored.

Is the Inlet Hose Kinked?

The inlet hose runs from your kitchen sink to the dishwasher, to supply the clean water for washing. Inspect the hose for any bends or kinks that could be restricting the water supply and causing the H20 code to appear. It’s possible items have been pushed up against the hose resulting in a kinked hose.

Is the Water Supply Valve Open?

This one may seem silly, but have you checked that the water supply valve is open? If you (or a professional) did any recent work, the valve might’ve been left closed after the job was completed. It’s also possible that the valve has been bumped while removing items from the cupboards. If the valve isn’t fully open, the water flow will be reduced, which would result in the H20 error code appearing.

Is the Dishwasher Level?

This last troubleshooting step is the only one that will require any tools, in the form of a bubble level. If your dishwasher isn’t level, the various switches and sensors that determine the amount of water in your machine might not be properly activated. This would lead the dishwasher to think it has not received the appropriate amount of water to start the wash cycle. Use the bubble level to determine that the dishwasher is even from side to side and back-to-back. If necessary, adjust the leveling feet on the bottom of the machine until the dishwasher is even.

Dishwasher Parts to Inspect to Fix an H20 Code

If the above troubleshooting steps didn’t resolve the water supply issue, a dirty or clogged part may be the problem. Inspect the following parts for debris or clogs, and clean or replace them if necessary.

GE Dishwasher Inlet Valve Screen

The water inlet valve can be found behind the access panel on your dishwasher, close to the front of the machine. The inlet valve will have a screen on it, which is used to block debris from entering the dishwasher. This screen can get clogged up with sediment over time, and may be restricting the water flow, resulting in the H20 error code. If this is the case, remove the inlet screen and use an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to clean the screen before reinstalling. While the exact steps may vary by model, the video below demonstrates how to access and remove the water inlet valve from a GE dishwasher.

GE Dishwasher Float Switch

The float switch in your dishwasher is used to detect the water levels and prevent the machine from overfilling. If the float gets stuck or fails completely, this could result in the dishwasher not filling with water at all, resulting in the H20 error code. If the float is dirty or clogged, it is easy to clean and it is just as easy to replace if the float is damaged.

1. Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack.
2. Unscrew the float cover with a quarter-inch nut driver, remove it, and set aside.
3. The float itself removes by simply lifting it off. If this is dirty with food debris, cleaning this up should resolve the problem.
4. If the float is damaged, replacing it is as simple as installing the new float in the same location, and reinstalling the float cover.

GE Dishwasher Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor functions similarly to the float, which tells the machine when there is sufficient water in the tub. This part is prone to a buildup of grime and residue, which can block the sensor and prevent it from performing properly. This would result in the H20 code as the machine won’t receive enough water. If your dishwasher model is a recent purchase (bought in 2020 or newer) you should be able to find the sensor just behind the kickplate. The sensor can be twisted out of the machine, and cleaned under running water, and a toothbrush or toothpick can remove any particularly stubborn gunk. Reinstall the clean sensor, and your dishwasher should properly fill with water again.

With these simple troubleshooting steps, your GE dishwasher should now be up and running and clear of the H20 error code! If you’ve discovered during this repair process that any of your GE dishwasher parts need to be replaced, you can find genuine OEM parts right here at PartSelect.