Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining: How to Fix

Written By David Varnes

David Varnes is an Appliance Repair Professional with over 15 years of experience.

If your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining, you’re going to have a dirty mess on your hands. But don’t worry, this problem is easy to fix. In this article, we will walk you through the steps that you need to take to get your dishwasher up and running again.

So read on and get started!

Solution 1: Drain Impeller is Broken

The drain impeller drives water through the drain hose and into the disposer or drain line. Replace the impeller if it is damaged.

Solution 2: Drain Filter is Clogged

The clogged filter in your Frigidaire dishwasher might be the cause if it doesn’t drain. The filter is located at the bottom of the machine, and it can get clogged with debris like food particles or hair. To unblock this blockage, remove the filter from its position. Find a tiny opening tool that will fit into the clogged filter, and use it to clear the blockage. Rinse the filter off before replacing it back into its position.

If you’re still having difficulties, try unplugging and reconnecting the device – sometimes all it takes is a reset for Frigidaire to start working again.

Solution 3: Drain Pump is Not Working

The drain pump uses an impeller to force water through the drain hose. If the drain pump motor is not working, the dishwasher will not drain. Check for continuity using a multimeter on the pump motor to see if it’s defective.

Replace the drain pump if it’s broken. Drain pumps are non-repairable; therefore, if your drain pump is broken, you’ll need to replace it.

Solution 4: Drain Solenoid is Faulty

The drain solenoid opens the drain valve to allow the water to leave the dishwasher. The drain solenoid is used to open and close the drain valve. If the drain solenoid fails, the valve will not open, resulting in a blockage in the dishwasher.

Solution 5: Air Gap is Dirty

If your Frigidaire has an air gap, clean it once a month in this step. The frequency depends on how often you use the device and its location, but air gaps are generally found near plug sockets or at a junction where hot water enters and leaves the appliance.

These areas exist to relieve pressure that builds up as hot water goes over the cold water inlet valve.

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, it might be because the air gap is dirty. To clean the air gap, remove any debris from around it with a toothbrush. Clean the inside of the air gap with a vinegar and water solution. Rinse the air gap thoroughly before replacing it back into its position.

Clean any exterior connections, such as those linked to a pipe or other equipment, that have accumulated dirt over time. Unscrew the cap and clean any debris out of the Frigidaire dishwasher air gaps with a pipe cleaner.

Solution 6: Drain Valve is Clogged

The drain valve can become clogged over time. Clean the drain valve to allow water to flow through it. If the drain valve is clean but won’t operate, replace it. Drain valves are non-reparable—you must replace a faulty drain valve.

Solution 7: Timer is Defective

The timer in your dishwasher is there to control the motor and drain solenoid. And, if it’s broken, you might be getting water trapped in your machine or have a leaking sink.

We recommend replacing the faulty component as soon as possible so that nothing else gets damaged if this happens.

Solution 8: Pump and Motor Assembly is Faulty

The pump draws water into the drain hose through an impeller. If the motor is turned on during the drain cycle, search for blockages in the drain line. The pump and motor assembly may require to be replaced if the engine won’t start when it should during a drain cycle or if it merely hums when it should be running.

Solution 9: Garbage Disposer is Clogged

If the drain plug has not been removed from the garbage disposer, it is possible that it has only been installed recently. A solid plug is included with every garbage disposal.

If the dishwasher isn’t linked to the garbage disposer, the plug must remain in the drain tube. The plug must be removed if the dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposer.

It’s possible that your garbage disposer is clogged if it hasn’t been replaced recently. Remove the dishwasher drain hose from the disposer and clean both the disposer connector as well as the end of the drain line. These are two of the most common locations for a blockage if your dishwasher won’t drain.

Solution 10: Check Ball is Stuck

The check ball is a tiny plastic ball that prevents water from returning to the dishwasher after it has been emptied. If the check ball becomes clogged, water will be unable to flow through the check valve. Try removing any obstructions if the check ball is stuck.

Solution 11: Check Valve is Stuck

A check valve is used in many Frigidaire dishwashers to assist prevent wash water from returning into the machine. When this valve malfunctions and becomes blocked open, water will flow back in. Any contaminated dinnerware may come into contact with the dirty water that flows back in if dishwasher valves get clogged open.

If the check valve is open and the Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining, you may be able to fix it by double-checking that it’s closed. You must remove your dishwasher and turn it over in order to replace it.

Solution 12: Drain Hose is Clogged

It’s possible that the drain hose is clogged. Remove the drain hose from both the dishwasher and the sink drain, clean it out, and reattach it. The most common location for a blockage in the drain hose is near the garbage disposer or dishwasher waste branch tailpiece.

Solution 13: Water Pump Belt is Broken

The water pump belt might be worn out or damaged. However, due to the fact that few dishwashers have a water pump belt, you should check your model number to see if it has one.

Remove the lower panel to get to the water pump belt. The water pump belt is located at the bottom of the motor. Replace any fallen or damaged water pump belts.

Conclusion

If your dishwasher is not draining, it’s possible that one of the above solutions will work for you. We’ve provided a variety of solutions that you can try yourself before calling in a professional.

Be sure to check our website for more information and troubleshooting tips on how to fix other common problems with Frigidaire dishwashers.