Fixing Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining – 100% Solved

Frigidaire Dishwashers are usually reliable and reliable appliances, and they have a reputation for being durable and lasting long.

But, like all other appliances, they have their problems, and it’s normal for them to stop working.

The common reasons for Frigidaire dishwasher not draining are failure of the heating element, water leaks, clogged filters, or a broken door seal.

If you find yourself facing the problem that your dishwasher won’t drain properly, keep reading till the end of this article to troubleshoot it yourself.

Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining

If your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t drain, examine the following things to diagnose the problem.

1. Drain Hose Is Blocked:

The most common problem with a dishwasher that will not drain is that the drain hose is blocked.

It might be due to the buildup of debris in the drain hose, and it may cause your appliance to flood.

To clear out the clog, turn off your Frigidaire dishwasher, then open the lid.

Remove the hose from the back of the dishwasher and clean out the debris using a broom or putty knife.

After you are done, turn on your appliance and flush out the clog using cold water.

If you are unable to clear the debris yourself, you need to get a service person to fix it as soon as possible.

Also, check if the dishwasher is plugged in correctly and if there is any water leaking out of it.

2. Dishwasher Filter Requires Cleaning:

Dishwashers have filters that trap food particles so that they do not contaminate dishes and the water in the machine.

But there could be times when the filters need to be cleaned. The filter needs to be cleaned periodically, and it will help reduce the chances of it becoming clogged. 

If you notice that there is water dripping from your Frigidaire dishwasher, it might be because of a dirty filter.

This might be the reason that your dishwasher will not drain properly.

To clean the filter:

• Turn off your appliance and remove the bottom panel.
• Then, take out the filter and clean it using soap and warm water.
• You may also clean the filter using a brush.
• After cleaning it, put back the filter and replace the bottom panel of your dishwasher.

3. Clogged Garbage Disposal:

A garbage disposal can get clogged with food, soap, and other debris. If your garbage disposal is not draining properly, it is time to remove the cover and clean it out.

If your garbage disposal is not working, you may want to take it out of the unit and give it a good cleaning.

You can use a wire brush or an old toothbrush to get rid of any small lumps or pieces of food that have been collected around it.

Here’s what you need:

• First, open the disposal by removing the screws at the back.
• Then, remove the top, switch off the power, and set it aside for a few minutes to allow the water to drain.
• After that, rinse the drain with a cup of hot water.
• If feasible, use the plunger.
• Turn the disposal off, and use the plunger to break up any remaining debris in the bottom.

If this does not help, you can either open up the sink and unclog it yourself or have someone else do it. You can also contact a plumber.

4. Dishwasher Drain Pump Problem:

The main problem with dishwasher drains can be a faulty pump, which prevents water from being pumped into the sink.

You may need to replace the pump if it fails to function properly.

Dishwasher drains and pumps are separate parts, and they often malfunction in different ways.

The pump itself can malfunction due to a damaged suction line, worn-out impeller, and bad bearings.

The drain valve also needs to be cleaned and repaired in order to ensure proper drainage.

To check for the pump, you must open up the back panel of the dishwasher, and you will find the drain and the pump.

If the pump has stopped working, it will be coated in rust and other debris.

You should take the dishwasher to a repair shop or a reputable dealer to have the problem fixed.

5. Check the Air Gap:

If you are unable to get your dishwasher draining properly, you may need to check the air gap.

An air gap is the distance between the top of the water level inside the dishwasher and the bottom of the drain.

The purpose of an air gap is to provide a buffer so that the water can drain without being splashed into the sink when the dishwasher lid is opened.

The size of the air gap should be about 2 to 4 inches. If there is a large air gap, you will need to reduce it so that your sink drains completely. 

To check the air gap:

• You must remove the faucet from the sink, turn off the power supply, and lift up the water tap.
• You should also be sure to put down the sink stopper.
• Then, look at the drain pipe and see if it is level with the sink.
• If it is not, there is probably a small gap between the sink and the dishwasher.

6. Check the Drain Valves:

The drain valves are the devices that allow water to drain into the sink. These are near the dishwasher’s bottom, where the drain line joins to the sink.

There are three types of drain valves:

A check valve allows for drainage while preventing the backflow of water.

A one-way check valve allows water to flow into the drainpipe but prevents water from flowing back.

A two-way check valve allows both for drainage as well as backflow of water.

To check the drain valves:

• You should first remove the faucet from the sink and turn off the power supply. Then, look at the drain hose.
• Next, you should remove the drain plug from the sink and look inside.
• You should also lift up the sink stopper and see if the water level is below the drain hole.
• If so, there is probably a clog in the drain line.
• You can use a plunger to clear it.

7. Timer Issue:

The timer is usually located on the top of the dishwasher, and if it is malfunctioning, you will need to reset it.

To do this, you will need to press the button labeled “Start” to restart the timer. You should also check the faucet to see if it is turned off.

8. Using the Incorrect Detergent:

If you are not getting proper cleaning with the right amount of detergent, there are some simple solutions you can try.

You should first look to see if the detergent container is filled properly. The liquid level should be at the top. If it is not, the detergent is either too concentrated or there is no detergent at all.

If the detergent is not filling the dishwasher correctly, you should first check the dispenser. If you can see the detergent, the dispenser is in good working order.

If the dispenser is empty, there could be a leak in the lid.

9. Door Seal Problem:

If you have noticed water coming into the dishwasher through the door, it may mean that the door seal has broken.

This is caused by a buildup of moisture on the inside of the dishwasher.

Remove the hinges from the dishwasher door and clean them first to solve the problem. If this does not work, you will need to replace the seal.

Check out the following blogs on how to troubleshoot other Frigidaire dishwasher issues:

• Fixing Frigidaire Dishwasher not Starting
• Frigidaire Dishwasher not Drying

Conclusion:

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, you will need to check the faucet, air gap, drain valves, and detergent dispenser to see what the problem is.

You can also call an expert at a local appliance repair store to have the problem fixed for you.

You can have your dishwasher operating like new again if you follow these guidelines. Please let me know if you have any queries regarding this post by leaving a comment below.

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.