Frigidaire Dishwasher: drainage issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a drainage issue with your Frigidaire dishwasher? If your dishwasher cycles are complete yet leaves standing water at the bottom, you may hear gurgling sounds or see error codes indicating a problem. Common causes include clogged filters, blocked drain hoses, or issues with the drain pump.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire specifically highlights ensuring the knockout plug has been removed from the garbage disposal inlet during installation.

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or glass trap

How to Identify: Standing water after a cycle with visible debris in filter; slow drainage; food particles in bottom of dishwasher

Part: Dishwasher filter / glass trap

Kinked or blocked drain hose

How to Identify: Water not leaving tub; hose visibly bent or pinched; water may back up into sink

Part: Drain hose

Garbage disposal blockage or improper knockout plug removal

How to Identify: Dishwasher drains into sink but water returns or will not exit; newly installed disposal may still have plug

Part: Garbage disposal / connection

Faulty drain pump (clogged or failed impeller/motor)

How to Identify: Humming or strange noises during drain cycle; no water movement despite clear hoses/filters; motor may not run

Part: Drain pump assembly

Air gap blockage

How to Identify: Water backs up into dishwasher or sink; water collects at air gap top

Part: Air gap (if installed)

Malfunctioning check valve or drain valve/solenoid

How to Identify: Persistent standing water with everything else clear; electrical test failure

Part: Check valve / drain valve / solenoid

Control board electrical issue

How to Identify: No pump activation despite correct controls; error codes; electronic failures

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Clean the dishwasher filter and glass trap

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, warm water, soft brush
  1. Turn off dishwasher and open door
  2. Remove bottom rack to expose filter
  3. Twist and lift out filter and glass trap
  4. Rinse under warm water and scrub debris with brush
  5. Reinstall filter and close dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid sharp debris in filter area

Inspect and clear the drain hose

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, long flexible brush or wire
  1. Turn off power to dishwasher
  2. Pull dishwasher out to access back
  3. Inspect hose for kinks or bends
  4. Disconnect hose from dishwasher and sink/disposal
  5. Flush hose with water and clear any blockages with brush
  6. Reconnect hose ensuring no sharp bends
  7. Push dishwasher back and test
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is unplugged; beware of sharp edges

Clear the garbage disposal inlet and check knockout plug

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, tongs
  1. Run garbage disposal to clear clogs
  2. Look into disposal inlet for debris
  3. Remove any obstructions carefully
  4. Confirm knockout plug was removed if recently installed
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect disposal power before inserting hands or tools

Clean air gap (if present)

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, small brush/toothpick
  1. Remove air gap cap near sink
  2. Clear any debris inside
  3. Rinse with water and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid damaging air gap parts

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace check valve or drain valve/solenoid

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Control board diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump humming but not pumping water
No water movement after filter/hose/disposal cleared
Electrical error codes persist
Water leaks or internal wiring issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean dishwasher filter: Filter clogs causing drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose: Blockage or kinks in hose
    Frequency: annually
  • Run garbage disposal before dishwasher: Back-ups interfering with dishwasher drainage
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher Drainage issue (dishwasher not draining)?
Common causes include clogged filters, kinked drain hoses, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher Drainage issue (dishwasher not draining) myself?
You can clean the filter, check the drain hose for blockages, and inspect the garbage disposal.
How much does it cost to fix Drainage issue (dishwasher not draining)?
Professional repairs can range from $30 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for Drainage issue (dishwasher not draining)?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect a faulty drain pump or control board, call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain hose
  • Faulty pressure sensor
  • Blocked filter

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear the drain hose. Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and the sink, and inspect for clogs. Use a straightened coat hanger or similar tool to remove any blockages. Reconnect the hose securely.

  2. Inspect and replace the pressure sensor. Access the sensor by removing the lower spray arm and the cover. Disconnect the old sensor and install a new one, ensuring all connections are secure.

  3. Clean the filter. Remove the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher, rinse it under warm water, and scrub any debris with a soft brush. Reinstall the filter properly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dishwasher Drainage Error

Community Discussions

i20 error code, drainage issue

Replace the pressure sensor.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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