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ErrBase

GE Washer Error 353: Drain Pump Failure Fix

Quick Answer

GE washer Error 353 is a drain pump fault. The washer could not drain water in the allotted time. Check for a foreign object blocking the pump impeller, inspect the drain hose for kinks, and clean the drain pump filter on front-load models.

In my experience, Error 353 is often caused by a simple physical blockage rather than a total part failure. I usually find coins, hairpins, or even baby socks jammed in the pump impeller. On these GE models, the system is very sensitive to back-pressure. If your drain hose is shoved too deep into the wall pipe, it creates a siphon effect that triggers this code even if the pump is actually trying to work.

GeWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–60 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$35 – $70
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers

What Does the Error 353 Code Mean?

This is a 'drain timeout' error. The control board expected the tub to be empty after a few minutes, but the pressure sensor still detected water. Before you go out and buy a new pump, we need to check the filter and the installation height. GE washers are notorious for throwing this code if the drain hose doesn't have a proper air gap at the standpipe.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Foreign object (coin, hairpin, bra wire) lodged in pump impeller40%
Drain hose kinked, clogged, or installed too deep into standpipe24%
Drain pump filter severely clogged with lint and debris14%
Control board failing to send signal to pump12%
Pump motor burned out or seized10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Error 353 flashes mid-cycle, often right at the transition from wash to spin when the pump should be kicking into high gear.
  • You open the door after the cycle 'ends' and the drum is still holding a full load of water, clothes soaked and way heavier than normal.
  • The pump tries to hum but the water level barely moves, or drops so slowly it takes 15+ minutes to clear what should take under 4.
  • A grinding or rattling sound from under the machine when the pump kicks on, like something hard is bouncing around inside.
  • The washer keeps pausing and restarting on its own, trying to drain multiple times before it finally gives up and throws the 353 code.

Can you reset a Ge washer to clear the Error 353 code?

To clear the logic after you have cleared the clog, unplug the washer from the wall for at least 60 seconds. Once you restore power, run a Drain and Spin cycle with an empty drum. This allows the control board to recalibrate the water level sensor and confirm the pump is moving water at the correct rate.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersMultimeter with ohms/resistance settingShallow baking pan or cookie sheetOld towels (at least 3-4)Flashlight or headlampShop vac (optional but really helpful)Bucket

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range10–15 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Drain PumpWH23X10030 · $35–$70

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GE washer Error 353 mean?
Think of Error 353 as a timeout signal. The control board expected the tub to be empty within about four minutes, but the water level sensor reported it was still wet. It's usually a physical blockage in the pump or the filter, though a burnt-out motor coil is a close second in these newer GE front loaders. If the pump can't spin fast enough to move the volume of water required, the board stops the cycle to protect the electronics.
How do I manually drain a GE washer showing Error 353?
For front loaders, use the small rubber hose in the access door at the bottom left before you touch the main filter cap. Get as much out through that little hose as you can. If you've got a top loader, it's a bit messier. You'll need to lower the drain hose into a bucket on the floor, or use a shop vac to suck the water out. Keep the bucket as low as possible since gravity's your friend here, and don't let the shop vac fill up all the way or you'll just make a second mess.
Where is the drain pump filter on a GE front-load washer?
On the GFW series, it's right behind the flip-down panel at the bottom front left. Takes about 10 seconds to get to once you know where to look. If you've got a GTW top loader, you don't have a traditional user-accessible filter. On those models, the blockage is usually where the big black corrugated drain hose connects to the pump body under the tub. You'll have to tilt the washer back to reach that connection and clear it out manually.
How long does it take to replace the drain pump on a GE washer?
If you're comfortable with basic tools, it's a 45-minute job. On front loaders, you'll usually need to tilt the machine back or pull the front panel to get decent access to the pump. It's not a hard repair but it's definitely a wet one. Keep a bucket close by because there's always a cup or two of water trapped in the internal hoses even after you drain the main tub. The pump itself usually runs $40 to $80 for a genuine GE part.
Can a clogged drain hose cause GE Error 353?
Absolutely, and honestly it's one of the first things I check. If your drain hose is shoved too far down into the wall pipe, it creates a vacuum that either pulls water back in or prevents it from leaving at all. Use the plastic 'U' shaped hose guide that came with the washer to keep it at the right insertion depth. If the hose is kinked behind the machine, the pump works overtime, eventually overheats, and triggers the 353 code. Pull the machine out and check the back before you assume the pump is bad.

Related Ge Washer Error Codes

Code: HUBGE Washer Error Codes GuideCode: TROUBLESHOOTINGGE Washer TroubleshootingCode: RESETHow to Reset a GE Washer

Same Fix on Other Brands

Lg washerOE: LG Washer OE Error CodeMaytag washerF9 E1: Maytag Washer F9 E1 - Won't Drain

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Ge shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Ge washerGE Washer HUB Error Code: Meaning and FixGe washerGE Washer Reset Guide for Top-Load and Front-LoadGe washerGE Washer Diagnostic Mode: How to Run a Service Test CycleGe washerGE Washer H2O Supply Error: Water Not Entering the MachineGe washerGE Washer Canceled Display: Causes and TroubleshootingGe washerGE Washer Error 18: Overflow Protection Activated

Models Known to Experience Error 353 Errors

This repair applies to most Ge washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

GTW685BSLWS, GTW720BSNWS, GFW850SPNRS, GFW550SSNWW, GFW148SSMWW, GFW650SSNWW, GTW465ASNWW, GFW490RPKDG

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026