Frigidaire Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire washing machine not draining? This common issue can leave water in the tub after the wash cycle, preventing the spin phase from starting. Causes may include a clogged drain hose, a full drain pump filter, or an obstruction in the drain pump. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire official guidance emphasizes proper drain hose positioning (no tight seal in standpipe) and correct standpipe height for proper draining.

Possible Causes

Clogged or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Visible kinks in hose at back; water drains slowly or not at all even when hose is clear of pump issues.

Part: Drain hose

Clogged drain pump filter/coin trap

How to Identify: Obstructions like lint, coins visible when accessing pump filter; water remains after cycle; occasional noises from pump area.

Part: Drain pump filter/coin trap

Obstruction in drain pump (impeller jam)

How to Identify: Pump makes humming or grinding noise during drain attempt; water not expelled despite clear hose.

Part: Drain pump

Faulty lid switch/door latch

How to Identify: Machine won’t progress to drain/spin cycle; no click from lid switch; diagnostic multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Lid switch / door latch

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: Pump motor doesn’t run when expected during drain; no humming or activity detected; multimeter shows open circuit.

Part: Drain pump

Control board/timer not activating pump

How to Identify: Drain pump gets no power during cycle; no error code but diagnostic testing shows no voltage to pump.

Part: Control board / timer

DIY Solutions

Check and straighten drain hose

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Pliers, Bucket
  1. Unplug washer and pull it away from wall.
  2. Inspect drain hose for kinks or bends.
  3. Straighten any kinks and ensure hose is not crushed.
  4. Re‑attach and run a rinse/spin to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before handling hoses.

Clean drain pump filter / coin trap

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Philips screwdriver, Bucket, Towels
  1. Turn off and unplug washer.
  2. Locate access panel (usually front bottom).
  3. Place bucket under filter area and unscrew cover.
  4. Remove debris from filter/coin trap and rinse.
  5. Reinstall filter and test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves; avoid sharp debris.

Clear debris from drain pump

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Bucket, Flashlight
  1. Disconnect power and water.
  2. Remove access panel to reach drain pump.
  3. Disconnect pump and check impeller for debris.
  4. Clear obstructions and reassemble.
  5. Test washer for drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid damaging pump parts; unplug before work.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace lid switch / door latch

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

Control board / timer repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump makes no noise and DIY clearing hasn’t worked
Lid switch or electronics test shows faults
Pump assembly or control board needs replacement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean drain pump filter/coin trap: Clogs that lead to non‑draining
    Frequency: 1-3 months
  • Check drain hose for kinks or obstructions: Flow restriction and backups
    Frequency: every wash setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Washing Machine not draining?
Common causes include a clogged or kinked drain hose, a blocked drain pump filter, or an obstruction in the pump.
How do I fix Frigidaire Washing Machine not draining myself?
Check and straighten the drain hose, clean the drain pump filter, and clear debris from the drain pump.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repair costs range from $30 to $400, depending on whether you need to replace the pump or other components.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If simple DIY fixes don't work, or if the problem involves complex components like the control board, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty pump (2 mentions)
  • Obstructions in the drain (1 mentions)
  • Bad water valve (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the pump

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Check for obstructions in the drain and clean the pump

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Possible bad water valve

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire washer (GLTF1240AS0) not draining before final sp...
  2. Frigidaire Front Load Washing Machine Appears to be Starting...
  3. Frigidaire 12 Cycle Top load Washing Machine won't drain/lea...
  4. Frigidaire Washer Timer Replacement help?!

Community Discussions

not draining fully before final spin

Replaced the pump and it is working perfectly.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't drain/leaks during spin cycle

Check for obstructions in the drain, clean the pump, and test the pump's functionality.

DIY View on Reddit →

tub half full of musty smelling water, water on the floor, door locked, machine acting like it's in mid-cycle

Possible bad water valve

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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