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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.

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. If the drain path is clear and the error persists, the pump motor (WH23X10030) has failed and needs replacement.

GeWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–60 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$35 – $70
Tools Needed
Needle-nose pliers, Multimeter
Wrong code?

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What Does the Error 353 Code Mean?

Drain pump fault - water could not be evacuated from the drum. Most commonly caused by a blocked pump impeller, kinked drain hose, or failed pump motor.

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 displayed mid-cycle or at end of wash
  • Tub full of water at end of cycle
  • Washer stops and water does not drain
  • Drain pump makes no noise or makes a humming/grinding sound
  • Clothes soaking wet at cycle end with standing water in drum

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

After clearing the blockage or replacing the pump, unplug the washer for 60 seconds to clear Error 353 from the control board. Plug back in and run a Drain and Spin cycle to verify normal drainage.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Needle-nose pliersMultimeterTowels and shallow panPhillips screwdriverFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

On GFW front-load models

On GFW front-load models, locate the drain pump filter access door at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels and a shallow pan underneath. Open the door, slowly unscrew the filter cap, and drain the residual water.

2

Remove the filter completely and inspect it for lint

3

With filter reinstalled

4

Run a Drain and Spin cycle to test

5

To confirm pump failure, disconnect power and locate the drain pump

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

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $53 (Parts) vs $900 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GE washer Error 353 mean?
Error 353 is a drain pump fault code. It means the control board sent the command to drain, but the drum did not empty within the allowed time. The most common causes are a foreign object jamming the pump impeller, a clogged drain pump filter, or a failed pump motor.
How do I manually drain a GE washer showing Error 353?
On GFW front-load models, place towels on the floor and open the small access door at the bottom front. Slowly unscrew the drain pump filter cap counterclockwise to drain water gradually. On GTW top-load models, lower the drain hose end below the washer level into a bucket to siphon water out.
Where is the drain pump filter on a GE front-load washer?
The drain pump filter is behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the GFW series front-load washers. Pry open the panel with a flathead screwdriver or coin, and you will see the filter cap. Clean it every 2-3 months to prevent Error 353.
How long does it take to replace the drain pump on a GE washer?
Replacing drain pump WH23X10030 on a GFW front-load GE washer takes approximately 45-60 minutes. You need to remove the front panel or access from the rear depending on the model. The pump is held by two screws and a wiring connector plus the drain hose clamp.
Can a clogged drain hose cause GE Error 353?
Yes. A kinked, clogged, or improperly installed drain hose can cause Error 353 even when the pump motor is healthy. The drain hose should not be inserted more than 4-6 inches into the standpipe, as a fully submerged hose creates a siphon effect or back-pressure that prevents proper drainage.

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 Error Codes: Complete GTW and GFW Series Troubleshooting GuideGe washerGE Washer Troubleshooting: 9 Most Common Problems and FixesGe washerHow to Reset a GE Washer: All Models Including 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 Showing Canceled: Why the Cycle Stopped and How to Fix It

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

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026