Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? Common Causes & Fixes

The sound of your Frigidaire dishwasher unexpectedly stopping mid-cycle is never a welcome one. Upon investigation, you open the door and find standing water pooled at the bottom refusing to drain. Dealing with a backed-up Frigidaire dishwasher can be a soggy, soapy headache if you don’t know where to start troubleshooting.

When the soiled water fails to properly drain out of the dishwasher tub, the culprit is usually a fairly common issue that you can often diagnose and fix yourself without needing professional help. Learning the most frequent causes of Frigidaire dishwasher drainage problems along with the necessary repairs can save you the cost and hassle of a service call.

Common Causes of a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining

There are a handful of usual suspects behind a Frigidaire dishwasher failing to drain. Familiarizing yourself with these common culprits makes it easier to pinpoint and address the problem.

Clogged Filter

The most common reason for standing water in a Frigidaire dishwasher is a clogged or blocked filter. This cylindrical filter is located along the bottom of the tub and is designed to catch food particles and debris. Over time, small bits of food can collect in this filter and impede proper drainage.

To check and fix this issue:

• Locate the filter along the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It clips or twists into place.
• Remove the filter and rinse/clean it thoroughly to remove any debris and residue.
• Replace the filter correctly. Run a short wash cycle to confirm water flows through the filter properly.

Key Takeaway: Regularly cleaning the drain filter as part of routine maintenance prevents clog-related drainage failures.

Blocked, Clogged, Broken, or Detached Drain Hose

The drain hose is the crucial pathway that empties wastewater from the dishwasher tub. If this pathway becomes blocked, drainage flow is halted. A blocked drain hose can result from:

• Food particles or debris lodged in the hose
• Kinks, cracks, bends, or crushing damage to the hose
• Drain hose popping loose from attachment point

Fixing this issue involves:

• Disconnect and inspect the drain hose from the dishwasher to the sink for any kinks, obstructions, or damage
• Clear out any debris or food clogging the hose
• Reattach the hose securely if detached from the tub or garbage disposal
• Replace the damaged drain hose

Key Takeaway: Regular inspection and maintenance of the drain hose prevents avoidable drainage failures.

Air Gap or Garbage Disposal Clog

The Frigidaire dishwasher drainage system relies on an open pathway beyond the drain hose for water to empty correctly. If either the air gap or garbage disposal clogs, water backs up into the dishwasher.

Clearing out an air gap clog requires:

• Locating plastic air gap fitting near the faucet or countertop
• Removing obstructions like food, debris, soap residue

Fixing a garbage disposal clog involves:

• Manually rotating the blades with an Allen wrench/broom handle
• Running cold water and turning on the disposal to clear debris

Key Takeaway: Monitoring air gap and disposal conditions prevents downstream clogs and Sabotaging drainage.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

The small water inlet valve controls water flow into the dishwasher throughout its wash cycles. A failing inlet valve can remain stuck open, preventing proper drainage by continuously overflowing the tub.

Identifying and fixing inlet valve issues requires:

• Visually inspecting the valve inside the door panel for damage
• Using a multimeter to test the inlet valve electrical coil
• Removing and replacing damaged inlet valve

Key Takeaway: Catching a sticking inlet valve early on avoids flooding damage and drainage disruption.

Clogged or Defective Wash Arm

The rotating spray arms distribute water to clean the dishes during the wash cycle. The buildup of hard water, grease, and food debris inside the spray arms or where they attach to the tub disrupts water circulation and drainage.

Troubleshooting and fixing spray arm problems involves:

• Detaching the spray arms and unclogging any blocked holes with a thumbtack or pipe cleaner
• Using vinegar, baking soda, or dishwasher cleaner to break up grease and mineral deposits
• Reattaching the spray arms correctly

Key Takeaway: Regular spray arm inspection and maintenance prevents drainage disruption and poor wash performance.

Fixes for a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining

Once you’ve determined the specific cause behind your Frigidaire dishwasher failing to drain, it’s time to implement the proper fix. In most cases, you can tackle basic repairs yourself as a DIY homeowner. Familiarize yourself with the most effective troubleshooting steps for the most common issues plaguing dishwasher drainage.

Cleaning the Filter

As the #1 source of drainage problems in dishwashers, a clogged filter demands priority attention. To clear and fix this issue:

Steps:

1. Locate the filter along the tub floor, grasped by a locking collar or clips
2. Twist counterclockwise or compress side tabs to release the locking collar
3. Pull firmly up on the filter to remove it from the base
4. Rinse filter under warm water, scrubbing to remove debris
5. Confirm base area under the filter is debris-free
6. Reinsert the filter correctly and lock the filter or collar back into place

Implementation Tips:

• Run the shortest wash cycle with vinegar to confirm drainage after replacing the filter
• Mark the calendar monthly as a reminder to check and clean the filter

Restoring full drainage flow by taking apart and thoroughly washing the filter takes less than 10 minutes in most cases.

Checking and Clearing the Drain Hose

If cleaning the filter fails to improve dishwasher drainage, the next step is inspecting the drain hose for clogs. To implement this fix:

Steps:

1. Place a towel under the dishwasher to catch drips, then detach the drain hose from the garbage disposal
2. Backtrack along the hose looking for sharp bends or crunched areas impeding flow
3. Hold the hose upright and pour one cup of vinegar or baking soda solution into the hose
4. Let the solution sit 5-10 minutes then turn on hot water to flush debris free
5. Reattach the hose securely to the garbage disposal using a hose clamp

Implementation Tips:

• Schedule annual drain hose inspection as preventive maintenance
• Replace drain hoses older than 5 years showing wear/cracking

Taking the time to methodically inspect and clean out the drain hose prevents many avoidable drainage mishaps.

Addressing Air Gap or Garbage Disposal Clogs

If the dishwasher itself checks out fine, assessing the air gap or disposal could reveal drainage disruption further down the wastewater exit route. Fixing issues here involves:

Steps – Air Gap:

1. Locate plastic air gap housing near sink faucet/countertop
2. Twist off the outer cap to reveal the inner plastic piece containing debris
3. Pull out the inner peace and rinse until all holes are clear
4. Confirm fitting connects securely to disposal/drainage

Steps – Garbage Disposal:

1. Shine flashlight down disposal checking for obstructions
2. Insert the end of the broomstick into the disposal hole and rotate the blades manually
3. Sprinkle baking soda and run cold water into disposal for 5 minutes
4. Turn on the disposal while running water to grind debris

Double-checking these supplementary drainage connections keeps the entire pathway flowing freely.

Testing and Replacing the Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve sticking open causes flooding issues and drainage disruption. To assess and fix inlet valve problems:

Steps:

1. Shut off the home water supply and electrical power to the dishwasher
2. Pull dishwasher from wall to access inlet valve inside door
3. Use a multimeter to check coil resistance and voltages of inlet valve wires
4. Compare readings to manufacturer specs to identify faults
5. Order replacement inlet valve kit if necessary
6. Unscrew the bracket to remove the valve and install a new OEM replacement inlet valve

Implementation Tips:

• Refer to the manufacturer diagram for help accessing the valve and diagnostics
• Have towels and buckets ready to catch residual water still inside hoses

Getting hands-on with some diagnostics and potential valve replacement stops flood damage risk and restores drainage functionality.

Cleaning or Replacing the Wash Arm

Over time, the spinning wash arms inside the dishwasher can collect enough gunk to disrupt water circulation and drainage. To revive wash arms:

Steps:

1. Remove the lower wash arm by pulling firmly up on the arm hub
2. Lay your arm down on a cloth and use a thumbtack to clear debris clogging holes
3. Soak in distilled white vinegar and scrub with a toothbrush
4. Reattach the lower wash arm, ensuring it spins freely
5. Repeat the process for troublesome middle and upper wash arms

Implementation Tips:

• Schedule wash arm inspection/cleaning every 2-3 months
• Replace worn wash arms affecting coverage and drainage

Getting wash arms spinning smoothly again optimizes cleaning and water flow.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Stubborn drainage problems persisting despite standard fixes call for additional troubleshooting before resorting to professional service. Here are some extra aspects to check:

Checking for Faulty Circulation Pump Motor

The circulation pump motor drives the dishwasher’s wash/drain cycles. Problems here can cause water to incompletely drain out. To troubleshoot, check that:

• The motor makes quiet humming/whirring when the dishwasher runs
• The motor shows no signs of leaks, cracks, smells, or loud noise
• Voltage getting to the pump motor meets operating specifications

Faulty readings mean ordering and installing a new circulation pump motor kit to resolve any questionable drainage power.

Inspecting the Pump Belt

On models with separate pumps and motors, inspecting the connecting belt is prudent. Look for:

• Glazing/cracking damage causing slipping
• Stretching allows the belt to dislodge off pulleys
• Twisting or misalignment stalling rotation

Replace damaged pump belts to prevent drainage disruptions from pulley slippage.

Verifying Glass Trap Condition

Some Frigidaire models contain a glass trap housing along the discharge route acting as an inline filter/debris collector. Issues here can slow drainage, requiring this part to be removed and examined.

Signs of a faulty glass trap include:

• Visible cracks in the glass housing
• Bad odors signaling overflowing debris
• Very slow drainage even after standard fixes

If the glass trap shows damage, order the replacement kit with instructions for removing the old glass trap and installing the new one.

DIY vs Professional Help

Before deciding to call a service pro for your misbehaving Frigidaire dishwasher, evaluate what repair skills and tools you can handle yourself.

Issues well-suited for DIY troubleshooting include:

• Cleaning dishwasher filters
• Detaching and inspecting drain hose
• Flushing/clearing basic air gaps or disposal clogs
• Accessible electrical testing like inlet valves

Signs professional assistance is the wise option:

• Little DIY experience and lack of proper tools
• The dishwasher requires major disassembly better left to technicians
• Electrical work involves unfamiliar diagnostics/voltages
• Other home appliances/outlets show electrical anomalies

In general, common dishwasher repairs related to debris cleanup and part replacement make reasonable DIY projects granting satisfaction without service fees. Know your limits regarding skills and safety to maximize self-sufficiency while determining when it’s smartest to hire a pro.

Preventive Maintenance

While tackling current dishwasher drainage troubles, also enact preventive maintenance tips to minimize the recurrence of issues. Useful habits include:

Drain Filter:

• Clean the dishwasher filter monthly
• Replace overly grimy filters with a new part

Drain Hose:

• Yearly inspection for hose kinks and damage
• Drain hose replacement every 5 years

Wash Arms:

• Wipe spray arms every load to keep holes open
• Quarterly wash arm removal for cleaning

Water Hardness:

• Install water softener if household water is very hard
• Use dishwasher cleaner monthly in hard water conditions

Building these quick but essential maintenance practices into your routine extends your dishwasher’s functional lifespan and drainage capabilities.

Conclusion

Is your Frigidaire dishwasher failing to drain fully? Don’t resign yourself to perpetually sopping dishes or expensive technician house calls yet. In most cases, standing water issues can be cleared up yourself through methodical troubleshooting of the common culprits.

Start by checking and cleaning the filter, drain hose, and downstream connections via accessible DIY steps. For involved problems with inlet valves, circulation motors, or wash arms, consider your skill level and research repair needs before deciding on professional backup.

Combined with monthly preventive maintenance going forward, acting decisively when your Frigidaire dishwasher drainage fails allows you to troubleshoot the problem rather than just work around it indefinitely. Knowing the likely root causes and practical fixes gives you control and cost savings to keep clean dishes flowing smoothly.

FAQs

Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher not draining?

The most common reasons a Frigidaire dishwasher won’t drain properly include a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, failed drain pump, jammed garbage disposal, or obstructed air gap. Food particles, grease, and debris buildup are typically the culprits.

How do I unclog my Frigidaire dishwasher drain?

To unclog a Frigidaire dishwasher drain, first check the drain filter and remove any debris. Use a wire coat hanger to clear blockages in the drain hose. Check for jams in the garbage disposal if connected. Make sure the air gap on the sink is clear. If water still won’t drain, the pump may need replacement.

Why is there standing water in my Frigidaire dishwasher?

Standing water typically means a clog or blockage is preventing proper drainage. Check the drain filter, hose, garbage disposal connection, drain pump, and air gap fitting to locate and clear the clog. A faulty drain pump that can’t expel water can also cause flooding.

My Frigidaire dishwasher won’t drain at the end of the cycle – what should I do?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher won’t drain at the end of the wash cycle, start by cleaning out the drain filter. Then check the drain hose and pump for clogs. Try pausing the cycle and manually turning the pump impeller to break up any blockages. If issues persist, call for service.

What do I do if my Frigidaire dishwasher drain pump is not working?

First, inspect the pump for obstructions like glass or food debris clogging the impeller. Try cycling the power off and back on. Pour water into the tub to test flow. If the pump still seems weak or completely seized, it likely needs professional replacement. Contact an appliance repair technician for assistance.

Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher make a humming noise but won’t drain?

A humming noise combined with no drainage typically indicates an issue with the drain pump. The pump may be clogged with debris or the motor may be failing. Try cleaning the pump thoroughly first. If the humming persists, the pump likely needs to be replaced by a service technician.