If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, the problem is usually caused by a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, an incorrectly connected garbage disposal, or a drain pump issue. Start with the simple checks below before replacing any parts.
Quick answer: Clean the dishwasher filter, inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs, make sure the garbage disposal knockout plug has been removed, and confirm the cycle completed normally. If the dishwasher still will not drain, the drain pump or check valve may need inspection.
Why Is My Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining?
Standing water at the bottom of a dishwasher usually means water cannot leave the tub correctly. Frigidaire recommends checking the filter, drain hose, garbage disposal connection and cycle status first.
A small amount of water below the filter area can be normal on some models. However, water covering the filter screen or pooling across the bottom of the tub usually indicates a drainage problem.
1. The Filter or Glass Trap Is Clogged
A dirty filter is one of the first things to check when a Frigidaire dishwasher will not drain. Food particles, labels, broken glass and other debris can restrict water flow.
How to check it
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Remove the lower dish rack.
- Locate the filter or glass trap at the bottom of the tub.
- Remove it according to your model’s instructions.
- Rinse it thoroughly under running water.
- Remove any food, glass or debris from the surrounding sump area.
- Reinstall the filter securely.
Frigidaire specifically recommends keeping the glass trap and filter clean to prevent drainage problems.
2. The Drain Hose Is Kinked or Blocked
The drain hose carries dirty water from the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If it is bent, crushed or clogged, water can remain inside the dishwasher.
What to check
- Look under the sink for bends or kinks in the hose.
- Make sure the hose has not been crushed behind the dishwasher.
- Check the connection at the sink drain or garbage disposal.
- Look for food debris or buildup inside the hose if it can be safely disconnected.
Frigidaire also recommends correct drain-hose positioning. On many installations, the hose should have a proper high loop and be installed at the correct height to reduce drainage and backflow problems.
3. The Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug Was Not Removed
If your dishwasher problem started after installing a new garbage disposal, this is one of the most important checks.
The dishwasher drain hose normally connects to an inlet on the garbage disposal. New disposals often have a plastic knockout plug inside that inlet. If the plug was never removed, the dishwasher has nowhere to send the drain water.
Clues this may be the problem
- The dishwasher was recently installed.
- A new garbage disposal was recently fitted.
- The dishwasher fills and washes normally but will not drain.
- The problem began immediately after plumbing work.
If you are unsure how the disposal is connected, turn off power to the disposal and dishwasher before inspecting it.
4. The Dishwasher Cycle Did Not Finish
A Frigidaire dishwasher may leave water in the tub if the wash cycle was interrupted, paused or canceled before the drain portion finished.
Check that the door is fully closed and that the cycle has completed. Some Frigidaire models include a Cancel or Cancel/Drain function that can end the current cycle and begin draining, but the button labels and steps vary by model. Check the owner’s manual for your exact dishwasher before using a cancel or drain function.
If your dishwasher displays an i20 error code, Frigidaire says this indicates that the unit did not drain properly. A blocked hose, incorrect hose position or clogged filter may be responsible.
5. The Air Gap Is Clogged
Some dishwasher installations use an air gap mounted near the kitchen faucet. A clogged air gap can prevent the dishwasher from draining correctly.
How to check it
- Remove the air-gap cover.
- Inspect the inside for food or debris.
- Clean away any buildup.
- Replace the cover.
Not every home has an air gap, so skip this step if your dishwasher does not use one.
6. The Check Valve Is Stuck or Blocked
The check valve helps control the direction of water leaving the dishwasher. If it becomes blocked or stuck, the dishwasher may drain slowly or leave water behind.
Depending on the Frigidaire model, the check valve may be located near the sump, drain pump or drain hose connection.
This repair usually requires more disassembly than cleaning the filter or drain hose. If you are not comfortable removing dishwasher components, it is safer to call an appliance technician.
7. The Drain Pump Is Blocked or Faulty
If the filter and drain hose are clear but the dishwasher still will not drain, the drain pump may be jammed or defective.
Signs of a possible drain pump problem
- The dishwasher hums or buzzes when it should be draining.
- Water remains in the tub after every cycle.
- The drain hose is clear but little or no water comes out.
- You hear unusual grinding or squealing noises.
Small pieces of glass, plastic or food can sometimes jam the pump impeller. A failed pump motor can also stop drainage completely.
Safety warning: Disconnect electrical power at the breaker and shut off the dishwasher water supply before removing panels, hoses or electrical components. If testing electrical parts requires a multimeter or exposed wiring, consider using a qualified appliance technician.
What Should You Check First?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, use this order:
- Check whether the cycle completed.
- Clean the filter and glass trap.
- Inspect the drain hose.
- Check the garbage disposal connection.
- Clean the air gap if installed.
- Inspect the check valve.
- Investigate the drain pump.
Starting with the simplest causes can save time and prevent unnecessary parts replacement.
Why Is There Still a Small Amount of Water in My Frigidaire Dishwasher?
A small amount of water in the bottom of the dishwasher can be normal. Frigidaire notes that some water may remain after a cycle. The important difference is the amount.
If water is only visible below the filter area, the dishwasher may be operating normally. If water covers the filter screen, spreads across the bottom of the tub or continues increasing, troubleshoot the drainage system.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Completely
Partial drainage is different from no drainage. With a complete drain failure, a noticeable pool of dirty water remains after every cycle. With slow or partial drainage, the water level may fall but water can still remain in the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends. Start with the accessible filter or glass trap, then check for a kinked drain hose or a blocked disposal connection. For a broader checklist, see our dishwasher not draining guide.
A small amount of clean water below the filter area may be normal on some models. Water covering the filter screen, standing water across the tub floor, or water that remains after the dishwasher should have drained is a reason to troubleshoot.
Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher Not Draining
This guidance can also help with a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher not draining, because accessible causes such as a clogged filter, drain-hose restriction, disposal connection, or interrupted cycle can be similar. Controls, error messages, and Cancel/Drain steps can differ by model, so use the manual for your exact Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher before following any model-specific procedure.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Consider calling an appliance repair technician if:
- The dishwasher repeatedly shows a drainage error.
- The drain pump receives power but does not operate.
- You need to remove the dishwasher from the cabinet.
- There is a leak underneath the unit.
- Electrical testing is required.
- You have cleaned the filter and drain hose but the dishwasher still will not drain.
For model-specific instructions, check the owner’s manual for your exact Frigidaire dishwasher model before removing internal components.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I force my Frigidaire dishwasher to drain?
On many Frigidaire models, pressing and holding the Cancel button for several seconds clears the current cycle and starts a drain sequence. The exact procedure can vary by model, so check your owner’s manual.
Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher not draining completely?
Slow or partial drainage often means water is leaving the tub but a restriction is limiting flow. Clean the accessible filter or glass trap, check the drain hose for kinks, and inspect the disposal connection. If water remains after every cycle despite those checks, a technician may need to inspect parts that are not safely accessible.
Does this troubleshooting also apply to Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers?
Often, yes. The general checks for a clean filter, clear drain path and completed cycle can apply to Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers. Button labels, error messages and exact cancel or drain instructions can vary, so consult the manual for the specific model.
What is the most common reason a Frigidaire dishwasher will not drain?
A clogged filter or glass trap and a blocked or kinked drain hose are among the first things to check. Garbage disposal connection problems are also common, especially after a new disposal installation.
Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher have water in the bottom?
A small amount may be normal. Excess standing water can indicate a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, disposal connection problem, check valve issue or faulty drain pump.
What does Frigidaire error code i20 mean?
Error code i20 indicates that the dishwasher did not drain properly. Check the filter, drain hose, hose installation and garbage disposal connection.
Can a clogged garbage disposal stop the dishwasher from draining?
Yes. Many dishwashers share the sink or garbage disposal drain. A blocked disposal connection or an unremoved knockout plug can prevent dishwasher water from draining.
Final Takeaway
When a Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, start with the easy fixes: clean the filter, inspect the drain hose and check the garbage disposal connection. If those are clear, move on to the air gap, check valve and drain pump. Working in that order helps you identify the most likely cause without replacing parts unnecessarily.