GE · Dishwasher

F8

Flood Switch Activated

Severity

High

Your GE Dishwasher stopped working and is showing error F8, which corresponds to a fault called "Flood Switch Activated". This is one of the most searched error codes for this appliance — you are not alone, and there is a clear fix.

Owner's Summary

GE's flood sensor in the base pan has been triggered. There is water where it should not be. Unplug the machine, remove the kick plate, and use towels to dry the base pan. Find the source of the leak before running the machine again.

Symptoms

GE dishwasher stopping immediately, F8 error, water under appliance

Common Causes

Water leak into base pan from door gasket
Loose hose connection inside machine
Cracked sump or pump housing
Overfill causing water to escape into base

How to Fix

1 Remove kick plate and inspect base pan for water
2 Dry base pan thoroughly
3 Run short cycle with kick plate removed to observe active drips
4 Identify and fix leak source — door gasket, hose, or pump seal
5 Replace damaged components

Tools You'll Need

Screwdriver Set Pliers Towels / Bucket Flashlight Replacement Gasket

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

GE uses a float-based flood switch in the base pan. F8 is generated when the switch closes, indicating water accumulation. The PCB immediately disables all solenoid and pump outputs and posts F8. The error will not clear until the float switch physically opens.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Urgent. Water in the base pan damages the motor, pump, and PCB. Address immediately.

Technician's Pro Tip

On GE dishwashers, the float switch probe is visible from inside the tub — it is a small plastic tower near the front-left corner of the tub floor. If it is stuck in the up position, F8 will persist even after the base pan is dry. Lift and release the float manually to free it.

Related Codes

E11 — GE Washing Machine

Water Fill Issue

High

E21 — GE Washing Machine

Slow Drain or Drain Fault

High

E31 — GE Washing Machine

Pressure Sensor Fault

Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code F8 mean on a GE Dishwasher?

Code F8 on a GE Dishwasher indicates "Flood Switch Activated." In practice, the most common trigger is water leak into base pan from door gasket. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $10 to $300.

Can I fix F8 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of F8 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: remove kick plate and inspect base pan for water. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code F8 showing?

Urgent. Water in the base pan damages the motor, pump, and PCB. Address immediately.

How much does it cost to repair F8 on a GE Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code F8 typically range from $10 to $300. Door gasket: $15–$60; Hose repair: $20–$80; Pump seal: $30–$120. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$10 – $300

Door gasket: $15–$60; Hose repair: $20–$80; Pump seal: $30–$120