Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix It

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D3 Appliance
October 1, 2024
Dishwasher Repair

Have you opened the door of your Frigidaire dishwasher after the cycle completes to find the bottom filled with water? Perhaps your dishwasher is displaying one of the error codes that indicate a drainage issue, such as i20, i40, or iFo.

While a drainage problem is definitely frustrating, it’s usually one of the simplest to fix. In many cases, a drainage issue is caused by some kind of obstruction, usually food particles, but it can also be related to a faulty drain pump. Our guide will help you get to the root of your drainage concerns and solve the issue, leaving your dishwasher functioning normally once more.

This guide applies to all commonly used models of Frigidaire dishwasher, including:

DW1800Y0

DW4500FW1

DW5900PW1

F71C663BB0

F71C663BD0

F71C663BS0

F71C765BB0

F71C765BS0

F71C765BT0

F71C885BB0

F71C885BS0

F71C885BT0

FFBD2406NW0A

FFBD2411NS0A

FGHD2433KB1

FGHD2433KF1

FGHD2465NF1A

FGID2466QF4A

FGID2466QF5A

FGID2466QF6A

FPHD2491KF0

Blocked Filter

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, the most likely culprit is the filter. With repeated cycles, your filter can become clogged with food debris, and if it isn’t kept clean it can begin to impede water flow and prevent drainage. It’s generally recommended that you clean your dishwasher filter every three months at a minimum, although monthly is better if you use your dishwasher frequently. 

If the filter is to blame for your drainage issue, there will likely be excess debris gathering on the bottom of your dishwasher near the filter, as well as pooling water. Here’s how to fix it:

  • Remove the filter. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your Frigidaire manual. In most models, you simply unscrew the filter by turning it counter-clockwise and then lift it out. 
  • Wash the filter thoroughly under running water. If there’s stubborn grime, use an old toothbrush or other small scrubbing brush to remove the buildup. 
  • Thoroughly wipe the bottom of the dishwasher and in and around the filter housing. 
  • Put the filter back in place, ensuring it’s positioned correctly. 
  • Run a test cycle to see if the dishwasher is now draining properly. 

Blocked Drainage Hose

If the filter is clean but your dishwasher still isn’t draining, there could be a blockage or other issue regarding the drainage hose. The drainage hose runs from the back of your dishwasher to your home’s wastewater pipe, either via a drainpipe or via your kitchen sink. If debris is missed by the filter, it can end up lodged in the drainage hose, obstructing drainage and leading to standing water in your dishwasher. It’s also possible for the drainage hose to become obstructed due to a kink, bend, or other positioning issue. Here’s how to check:

  • Check the hose positioning at the back of your dishwasher. You may need to move your dishwasher away from the wall to get access. If the drainage hose is kinked, pinched, or not properly seated in the drainpipe, adjust the hose and then check if this solves the problem. 
  • If the hose’s positioning is fine, there may be a blockage or clog in the hose itself. Make sure you have a bucket and some old towels on hand to catch any leaks, and then disconnect both ends of the drainage hose. It may be held in place with clips, brackets, or screws; this will depend on the model of the dishwasher and your specific installation setup. 
  • Run water through the drainage hose to see if it flows freely. If not, use a length of wire or a drain snake to clear away any clogs. 
  • Once the hose is clear, reattach it. Put the dishwasher back into place and run a test cycle to see if the drainage issue has been resolved. 

Obstructed Drain Pump

The drain pump is another point in your dishwasher’s drainage system that can be prone to obstruction. Although the filter is designed to catch debris and prevent it from getting into the pump, if the filter isn’t changed regularly, blockages can occur. The most common part of the pump to become blocked is the pump impeller. This looks like a small, plastic fan and works to push water through the pump and out into the drainage hose. Here’s how to check if it’s blocked:

  • Unplug your dishwasher to avoid the risk of electric shock. 
  • Consult your Frigidaire manual to find out how to access the drain pump in your model. You may need to remove the lower panel to gain access. 
  • Carefully inspect the drain pump, particularly the pump impeller. Check for debris blocking the impeller and stopping it from spinning. This could be broken crockery or hard food items such as cherry pits. 
  • Remove the blockages and check that the impeller can spin freely. 
  • Replace any panels you removed and restore power to your dishwasher. 
  • Run a test cycle to ensure that the dishwasher is functioning normally. 

Dishwasher Not Level

Another common culprit for dishwasher drainage issues is an appliance that isn’t properly leveled. If the dishwasher isn’t sitting level, water can pool in the bottom and will be unable to drain, even if all the dishwasher components are functioning normally. This issue most likely occurs in recently installed dishwashers or in old ones that you’ve moved. Here’s what to do:

  • Use a bubble level to check whether your dishwasher is sitting level. Ensure you check both right to left and front to back. 
  • If your dishwasher is’t sitting level, make adjustments to ensure it is. All modern dishwashers have adjustable feet, which makes this process easy. Simply adjust the legs and check using the level until it shows that your dishwasher is sitting level in all directions. 
  • Once your dishwasher is sitting level, run a test cycle to see if the draining issue is fixed.
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