Frigidaire Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining properly? If you notice water pooling at the bottom after wash cycles, it may be caused by a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, or even an obstruction in your garbage disposal. Understanding these common issues can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Ensure knockout plug removed in garbage disposal inlet if newly installed; blockage prevents drainage.

Possible Causes

Clogged filter / food trap

How to Identify: Standing water with visible food debris around filter area at bottom of tub.

Part: Filter assembly (glass trap and filters)

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Hose bent, pinched, or blocked; water remains after cycle and hose behind dishwasher may show kinks.

Part: Drain hose

Garbage disposal / air gap obstruction

How to Identify: Backflow into dishwasher or slow sink drain; air gap visible with debris when removed.

Part: Garbage disposal and air gap

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: Pump hums but does not expel water; no drainage after cleaning blockages.

Part: Drain pump assembly

Faulty check valve or impeller damage

How to Identify: Water cannot exit even with clear hose and functional pump; impeller fins missing or check valve stuck.

Part: Check valve or impeller

DIY Solutions

Clean filter and food trap

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, warm water
  1. Turn off power and open dishwasher door.
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filter assembly.
  3. Remove filter and rinse with warm water to clear debris.
  4. Reinstall filter securely and run test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before starting.

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, flexible brush or water source
  1. Turn off power and pull dishwasher forward to access back.
  2. Locate drain hose; check for kinks or bends.
  3. Disconnect hose and flush with water or use a brush to clear debris.
  4. Reattach hose ensuring proper orientation and no kinks, then test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before handling hose.

Clear air gap and garbage disposal connection

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, brush
  1. Remove air gap cap and clean debris.
  2. Run garbage disposal to clear internal blockages.
  3. Check that knockout plug was removed if disposal recently installed.
  4. Run dishwasher to test drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure disposal power is off when inspecting.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace check valve or impeller

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

Control board repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump makes unusual noises or fails after DIY checks
Water remains after clearing filter and hose
Electrical/ control issues suspected (no pump operation)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters: Clogs leading to drainage failure
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose: Hose kinks and build-up
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Run disposal before dishwasher: Disposal-related drain blockages
    Frequency: each dishwasher use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher not draining?
Common causes include a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher not draining myself?
Clean the filter, inspect the drain hose, and clear any blockages in the garbage disposal.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repair costs range from $30 for parts to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if the problem seems complex.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

15%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain hose (5 mentions)
  • Faulty drain pump (4 mentions)
  • Obstructions in the drain line (3 mentions)
  • Faulty pressure switch or control board (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for obstructions in the drain hose and clean with vinegar.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  2. Remove stuck brass button from the hose outlet.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  3. Inspect for a failed water valve or kinked drain line.

    Success rate: 4.0%
Analysis based on 20 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire dishwasher not draining.
  2. Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher not draining - already tried t...
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  5. Frigidaire Dishwasher not draining at end of cycle
  6. Frigidaire Dishwasher not always draining
  7. Frigidaire dishwasher - is my pressure switch broken?
  8. Frigidaire dishwasher not draining
  9. Frigidaire DW help? Did lots of troubleshooting
  10. Frigidaire dishwasher not draining.
  11. Frigidaire Gallery FGIP2468UF1A Not Draining After Cycle
  12. Dishwasher not draining
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  15. Dishwasher not draining consistently
  16. Frigidaire Dishwasher blinking
  17. Need help with my frigidaire dishwasher.
  18. Need some help with Frigidaire a10797601 dishwasher not drai...
  19. Frigidaire dishwasher not draining ffid2426td5a
  20. Frigidaire dishwasher not draining

Community Discussions

not draining

A brass button was stuck between the hose and the outlet, preventing drainage.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dishwasher not draining, water leaking through the front by the bottom of the door

Possible bad drain pump or blockage in the drain hose.

DIY View on Reddit →

stops randomly and gives i20 error code

Check for obstructions in the drain hose and sensor; clean with vinegar.

DIY View on Reddit →

water in the bottom after cycle ends

Check for a failed water valve, suds reverting to water, door switch malfunction, or kinked drain line.

DIY View on Reddit →

shut down mid cycle, error codes iF0, i20, i30, water in the drip pan, overflowing water

Possible faulty pressure switch or control board; no definitive solution found.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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