4 Tips For A Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Water

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4 Tips for a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Water

4 Tips for a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Water

• Dishwashers
• Troubleshooting
• May 12, 2025

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Is your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining water properly after a cycle? You’re not alone. Pooling water at the bottom of your dishwasher is one of the most common issues users face. In many cases, the fix can be simple — but only if you know what to look for.

This guide will help you identify common causes for a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher not draining and walk you through key DIY solutions, including how to manually drain the water.

Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining Water? This Could Be Why…

As mysterious as that puddle in your dishwasher may seem, there are really just several likely causes. We’ll list the most common reasons for a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher not draining water and how the right DIY tip can solve the problem.

How to Manually Drain a Frigidaire Dishwasher

Before starting any diagnostic steps, it’s important to remove any standing water to access internal components safely. If your dishwasher has stopped mid-cycle or left behind several inches of water, manual draining is the first task.

1. Turn off the dishwasher’s power by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging it from the outlet.

2. Open the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack to expose the water at the base.

3. Use a cup or ladle to scoop water into a bucket. Once most of the water is removed, absorb the remainder with towels or a sponge.

4. If available, a turkey baster can help remove water from tight spaces or shallow pools around the sump.

5. Avoid tilting or moving the dishwasher to drain it, as this can damage internal components or cause leaks.

Draining the dishwasher manually makes it easier to inspect for blockages and reduces the risk of further electrical issues. If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, removing the excess water first will help you identify the root cause more effectively.

1. Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose

The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal. If this hose becomes kinked, crushed, or clogged with debris, it can stop water from draining entirely. A Frigidaire dishwasher not draining water often points to a problem with this vital part.

The drain hose is usually located behind a panel at the front or rear of the dishwasher. If your dishwasher has been pushed too far back against the wall or other objects are stored underneath the sink, the hose can become pinched or bent.

To inspect the drain hose:

• Unplug the dishwasher and remove the lower access panel if needed.

• Locate the hose where it connects to the drain pump and the sink or disposal.

• Gently straighten any visible kinks or bends.

• Detach the hose from both ends and flush it with water in a utility sink.

• Use a wire hanger or bottle brush to gently remove any obstructions inside the hose.

In some cases, the blockage may be deep inside the hose and hard to reach. If water still isn’t draining after flushing the line, replacing the hose with a new one may be necessary. Make sure the hose maintains a proper loop beneath the sink to prevent backflow or siphoning issues.

2. Clean the Frigidaire Dishwasher Filter

A dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris during the wash cycle to prevent them from entering the drain pump and hose. Over time, this filter can become clogged, causing water to back up and remain in the bottom of the tub. If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, checking the filter should be one of your first troubleshooting steps.

Frigidaire dishwashers typically have a cylindrical or flat filter assembly beneath the lower spray arm. Food debris, seeds, grease, and even paper labels can accumulate and obstruct water flow through the filter.

To clean the filter:

1. Remove the bottom rack to access the filter.

2. Press down on the lower spray arm and rotate the filter handle counterclockwise to release it.

3. Lift out the spray arm along with the filter assembly.

4. Separate the filter from the spray arm and rinse it thoroughly under warm running water.

5. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away grease or stuck-on particles.

6. Reattach the filter and spray arm, then lock it into place by rotating clockwise until secure.

Cleaning the filter regularly—ideally once a month—can prevent drainage issues and improve dishwasher performance. If your Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher is not draining water, this step alone may solve the problem.

3. Inspect the Drain Pump

The drain pump in a Frigidaire dishwasher is responsible for pushing dirty water out through the drain hose. It uses a spinning impeller that creates water pressure to expel water from the dishwasher tub. If the impeller becomes jammed or the motor fails, water may remain in the bottom of the appliance at the end of a cycle.

Accessing the drain pump typically requires removing the dishwasher’s lower front panel and sometimes tipping the unit back to expose the underside. Before attempting this, always disconnect power at the breaker.

Inspecting the drain pump involves:

• Locating the pump near the sump (bottom center of the tub).

• Checking for any visible obstructions around the impeller, such as broken glass, food scraps, or paper.

• Gently rotating the impeller with your finger or a tool to see if it spins freely.

• Testing the drain pump motor with a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.

If the motor does not show continuity, or if the impeller is damaged, the pump will need to be replaced. Drain pump issues are best handled by a trained appliance technician, especially if electrical components are involved. A failing pump is a common cause of a Frigidaire dishwasher not draining and should not be overlooked during troubleshooting.

4. Evaluate the Air Gap and Garbage Disposal

Not all drainage problems originate within the dishwasher itself. In many homes, the dishwasher shares a drain connection with the sink or garbage disposal. If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining water and the internal components appear clean, the issue may lie in your kitchen plumbing setup.

An air gap is a small, dome-shaped fitting near the sink faucet that prevents dirty water from siphoning back into the dishwasher. If this component becomes clogged, it can restrict drainage and cause water to collect in the tub.

The garbage disposal is another common source of blockage. Even if the dishwasher is working properly, a clogged disposal can prevent water from leaving the dishwasher.

To clear these external blockages:

• Run the garbage disposal for at least 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure the drain path is clear.

• Check the disposal inlet for food buildup or other obstructions.

• Remove the air gap cap and inspect for debris. Clean it using a soft brush and warm water.

• Confirm that the knockout plug in a new disposal installation was removed. If not, it will block the dishwasher drain line.

Regular maintenance of your sink and garbage disposal can keep your dishwasher draining properly and prevent backup into the unit during cycles.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips for a Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, consider a few final checks before scheduling a service appointment. Some models have error codes or diagnostic modes that can help pinpoint the issue.

• Try resetting the dishwasher by turning off power at the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restoring power.

• Check the sink drain for slow draining, which may indicate a larger plumbing issue.

• Inspect the float switch, which detects water levels and prevents overfilling. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, the drain function may not activate.

• Review the user manual to initiate a diagnostic cycle, which may reveal fault codes related to the drain system.

These advanced checks may help you confirm whether the issue lies with the dishwasher itself or with an external component.

When to Call the Pros

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining water and the solutions above don’t fix the issue, it’s time to call in professional help. Persistent drainage problems can be linked to faulty sensors, wiring problems, or control board malfunctions that require expert knowledge and tools to repair safely.

Lake Appliance Repair specializes in diagnosing and repairing dishwasher drainage issues, including Frigidaire models. Whether the problem is a clogged hose, faulty pump, or electrical malfunction, our technicians can get your dishwasher back to peak performance quickly.

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