Are you the owner of a Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t drain properly? If yes, then you might be asking yourself what could possibly cause this issue. Luckily, there are several potential causes of this problem and most can be addressed with simple DIY fixes that don’t require professional help. In this article, we will discuss some common causes of a Frigidaire dishwasher not draining as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.
Reasons Why Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining And Fixing
Let’s look at the points due to which the Frigidaire dishwasher may not drain the water.
Check Drain Hose
The drain hose is one of the most common causes of drainage issues in dishwashers. If Frigidaire isn’t draining as it should, then make sure to inspect the drain hose for any obstructions or clogs. To do this:
- Disconnect the power cord from its electrical outlet.
- Pull out the dishwasher slightly so that you can access the drain hose.
- Remove the drain hose from where it attaches to the wall and inspect it for any clogs or blockages.
Clogged Drain Filter
If your Frigidaire isn’t draining properly, there’s a good chance the drain filter is clogged. Over time, food scraps and other materials build up until they cause this problem. The filter can be located in the bottom of the unit and should be cleared out regularly to ensure proper drainage. To unclog your Frigidaire dishwasher’s drain filter, first shut off power to the unit. Then open the lower access panel and remove any debris from the filter. If you want to access cramped-up areas, a flashlight or tool such as a screwdriver may come in handy.
Be sure to be gentle when cleaning out the filter – too much pressure can damage it. After the filter is cleaned, reassemble the access panel and restore power to the dishwasher. Now run a cycle with hot water to ensure proper drainage. If your Frigidaire dishwasher still won’t drain after cleaning out the filter, there may be something else wrong.
Clogged Garbage Disposal
One of the main reasons Frigidaire dishwashers don’t drain properly is a clogged garbage disposal. If your dishes aren’t sparkling clean and the water isn’t going down, it may be time to clear any blockages in the garbage disposal. Keep your kitchen sink running smoothly and effectively by using a garbage disposal wrench to remove any debris stuck in the blades. After you’ve completed the task, flush some water through your garbage disposal to ensure that all debris and waste have been properly cleared away. If your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal continues to malfunction after you’ve verified that no blockage is present, there could be an alternative cause for the clog. In this case, you may need to remove the garbage disposal and clean it more thoroughly before reinstalling it.
Check Drain Pump
Troubleshooting a Frigidaire dishwasher’s draining issue should always begin with investigating the drain pump.
This is done by unplugging the appliance and removing the access panel on the bottom of the unit. The drain pump can then be checked for any blockages, debris or other obstructions. If there are any, they should be cleared to ensure proper drainage. [1]
Clean The Air Gap
The air gap of your dishwasher is designed to prevent dirty water from flowing backward into the machine.
However, it can become clogged with hard water deposits, food particles, and soap scum. To resolve a Frigidaire that isn’t draining properly, you must ensure the air gap is clean. Unscrew the cap from the air gap, then remove any debris with a toothbrush or damp cloth. With all the debris removed, firmly secure the cap back on and give your dishwasher another go.
Timer
The timer and motor are two key components of a dishwasher that can cause it to not drain properly. First, check the timer to make sure it is running correctly. If the timer isn’t running, a technician should be called in to repair or replace it. Next, look at the motor for any signs of damage or malfunctioning. If the motor is not functioning properly, it will be unable to spin the impeller and cause the dishwasher to not drain. In this case, a technician should be called in to repair or replace it.
Stuck Check Valve
To resolve this problem, you must find the check valve and then clean or substitute it. In some dishwashers, the check valve is located inside the pump assembly. In other models, it may be mounted on the side of the dishwasher near the pump. Refer to your owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to remove and replace the check valve. [2]
Using The Wrong Type Of Detergent
If Frigidaire isn’t draining properly, it could be that you’re using the wrong type of cleaning agent. Oftentimes, people assume that any type of dishwashing soap can be used in a machine, when in reality it should only be specially designed for machines. Using an improper detergent can block the filters, hoses, and other parts of the dishwasher. The best way to avoid this issue is to use only Frigidaire recommended detergents or specifically designed machine detergents.
Why Is There Water At The Bottom Of My Frigidaire Dishwasher?
If you’ve recently noticed water pooling at the bottom of your Frigidaire dishwasher, there could be a few different causes. There are several reasons why a Frigidaire dishwasher might not drain properly. Possible causes of dishwasher malfunction can range from the mundane, like a broken drain valve, to more complex issues such as clogged drain hoses or pump filters and door latch assembly complications. [3]
How Do I Force My Frigidaire Dishwasher To Drain?
If the dishwasher is refusing to empty, you can take action and make it drain with an effortless few steps.
First, check the dishwasher’s drain filter for any clogs or blockages. If you find anything, remove it and try running the cycle again. If your dishwasher still won’t drain, try resetting the cycle. To reset your dishwasher, first disconnect the power for a minimum of thirty seconds before plugging it back in. After that, give it another go and see if the cycle drains this time. If your dishwasher still isn’t draining, you may need to clean the dishwasher drain hose. To do this, first unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet. Next, locate the hose and disconnect it from the dishwasher. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction any debris or blockages that are in the hose. Once done, reconnect the hose and plug the dishwasher back in. Try running a cycle again to see if it has fixed the issue.
How Do You Manually Drain A Frigidaire Dishwasher?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining due to a clog, you’ll need to access the drain pump in order to clear the clog. You can do this manually by unplugging your dishwasher and removing the lower access panel on the front of the machine. This will give you access to the drain pump which can be manually drained by removing the hoses from the drain pump. [4]
FAQ
Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher not draining water?
There are several possible reasons why the dishwasher may not be draining water. Common issues include a clogged drain hose, faulty pump motor, or a malfunctioning timer or thermostat. Additionally, debris and foreign objects can block the circulation of water through the appliance. Also, a lack of power or improper installation can prevent the dishwasher from draining water.
How do you reset a Frigidaire dishwasher drain?
Is Frigidaire failing to drain correctly? To make sure the unit performs optimally, you should reset it.
Resetting the drain can often help clear out blockages or malfunctions that are preventing proper drainage. Here’s how to do it:
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
- Push and hold the “Cancel/Drain” button for three seconds. This will reset the Frigidaire dishwasher drain and should kick start any blockages or malfunctions that were impeding drainage.
- If this does not fix the issue, you may need to check for a clog in the drain tube. To do this, remove the lower dish rack and locate the drain tube near the bottom of the tub. Check for any foreign objects or debris that may be blocking it.
- If you find a clog, carefully remove it and then run a cycle with hot water to clear out any remaining residue.
- If your dishwasher continues to not drain, call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
How do you fix a dishwasher that won’t drain completely?
If your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining completely, the issue may be caused by a clogged sink drain, an incorrectly installed drain hose, or a defective pump motor. Here are some steps you can take to try and fix the issue:
- Check the sink drain. Remove the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink and verify that no foreign objects are lodged inside.
- Check the drain hose. Ensure that the drain hose is neither kind nor obstructed, and is tightly connected to the dishwasher’s outlet.
- Inspect the pump motor. If the item is faulty, you’ll need to obtain a replacement.
- Clean out any debris inside the dishwasher. With the passage of time, residues like food particles and other organic material can build-up in the drain’s flow direction, leading to a clog. Carefully sweep away any visible dirt and debris with a brush.
- Run the dishwasher on the longest cycle to make sure it is draining properly.
How do you force a dishwasher to drain?
To effectively and quickly clear your drainage issues in a Frigidaire dishwasher, follow these simple steps.
First and foremost, inspect the drain hose. Ensure the dishwasher is correctly connected to both a garbage disposal or wall drain pipe and securely fastened. If it is loose, tighten the connections with a wrench. Next, make sure the sink is not clogged or blocked by debris. If debris is blocking the drain, clear it out with a plunger. If these steps do not work, the drain pump may need to be replaced. To access the pump, open the bottom dishwasher panel and locate the black hose that connects to it. Detach the hose from both ends and remove it from the dishwasher. Inspect for any blockages or damage then replace it if necessary. Finally, test the dishwasher to ensure proper drainage. If you are still having issues, contact a professional for assistance.
Why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?
If you notice a pool of water at the bottom of your dishwasher, it could be due to multiple sources. The most common cause is a clogged drain hose or drain filter. The drain hose is located beneath the dishwasher, usually near the garbage disposal, and can become clogged over time with food particles, grease, and other debris. The drain filter is located inside the dishwasher near the bottom of the tub and can also become clogged with food particles. Also, check the air gap, which is a small pipe attached to the dishwasher hose that prevents water from backing up into the dishwasher. If the air gap is clogged or disconnected, it can cause standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher. If none of these causes solve the issue, then there could be an underlying mechanical problem.
How do you unclog a Frigidaire drain?
If the dishwasher is not performing as expected, it could be because the drain hose is clogged. To unclog the drain, you will need to locate and remove the clog. Begin the process by turning off and unplugging the dishwasher from its power source. Next, find the drain hose conveniently located near the back of your dishwasher at its base.
Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher, and place it in a sink or container. You can then gently agitate the hose to dislodge any debris that may be blocking the hose. If you are unable to locate a clog in the hose, it may be necessary to remove and clean the drain pump which is located behind the dishwasher. It is recommended to refer to your user manual for specific instructions related to cleaning the pump. Once the clog is removed and the drain pump is clean, you can reconnect the hose to the dishwasher and turn it back on. Your Frigidaire dishwasher should now be draining properly. If not, it may be necessary to contact a professional for further assistance.
How do you test the drain pump on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
Testing the drain pump on a Frigidaire dishwasher is an important step in troubleshooting any potential drainage issues. To test the pump, first turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power source. Next, locate the drain pump under the lower access panel of the unit. Remove the hose connected to the pump and place it in a shallow container. Turn on the power to the dishwasher, then press and hold down the “start” button until you hear the pump running. If the pump is working properly, you should see water draining into the container.
If there is no water draining, the pump may need to be replaced. To confirm that the draining issue was caused by a malfunctioning drain pump, replace the old drain pump with a new one and try again. If the dishwasher still isn’t draining properly after replacing the pump, you may need to contact a professional for further troubleshooting.
Where is the Frigidaire reset button located?
The Frigidaire reset button is typically located in the lower front corner of the dishwasher, near the toe kick panel. It may be hidden behind the toe kick panel or under the dishwasher door. To access it, open the dishwasher door and locate the reset button. It may be labeled “Reset,” or it may just look like a small red button. Push the reset button and wait for the dishwasher to reset. Once it is reset, close the dishwasher door and restart the cycle. Also, verify that the dishwasher is not clogged or blocked.
Useful Video: Frigidare Dishwasher Not Draining Failed 2x – DIY unclogged dishwasher
Conclusion
If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, it could be caused by a clog in the drain hose or pump. There are several methods you can use to try and diagnose and fix the issue, including cleaning out the filter, checking the drain hose for any blockages or kinks, and replacing any malfunctioning parts. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can get your Frigidaire dishwasher back up and running in no time. If all else fails, contact an appliance repair professional for assistance.
References
- https://kcscfm.com/frigidaire-dishwasher-not-draining/
- https://fredsappliance.com/dishwasher-repair/frigidaire-dishwasher-not-draining-heres-what-to-do/
- https://www.eastcoastappliance.com/blog/frigidaire-dishwasher-not-draining
- https://farmfoodfamily.com/frigidaire-dishwasher-not-draining/