Why Is Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? (16 Reasons) How to Fix the Problem

Last Updated on March 15, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining, it can be a real pain. You can’t use the dishwasher and you have dishes piling up in the sink. Not to mention, it’s just a general annoyance.

In this blog post, we will discuss the problem of Frigidaire dishwashers not draining and how to fix it. We will also provide some troubleshooting tips in case you are having other problems with your dishwasher. So read on for all the information you need to get your dishwasher running like new again!

Related: 9 Dishwasher Brands To Avoid and 3 Most Reliable Brands

What Causes Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining?

1. Clogged drain hose

One common reason for a dishwasher not draining is a clogged drain hose. The drain hose is the flexible tube that connects the dishwasher to the drain.

If this hose becomes clogged with food or grease, it can prevent the water from draining properly.

To clean a clogged drain hose, simply remove it from the dishwasher and flush it out with hot water.

You may also need to use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear the clog. If the drain hose is severely clogged, it may need to be replaced.

2. Drain Solenoid Kit

If the dishwasher is not draining, it could be due to a clogged drain hose or a faulty drain solenoid.

The drain hose is located under the sink and may be kinked or blocked by food debris.

The drain solenoid is located behind the kick panel and controls the flow of water into the dishwasher.

If the drain solenoid is defective, it will not allow water to enter the dishwasher and the dishwasher will not drain. Replacing the drain solenoid kit should solve this problem.

3. Faulty pump

Another common reason for a dishwasher not draining is a faulty pump. The pump is responsible for moving the water through the dishwasher.

If the pump is damaged or not working properly, it can cause the dishwasher to not drain correctly. You should check the pump for any damage and make sure it is working properly before attempting to use the dishwasher again.

How to fix faulty pump:

If the pump is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can buy a new pump from most hardware stores or online retailers. Make sure to get the correct type of pump for your model of dishwasher.

If the pump is not working properly, you may be able to clean it and fix the problem. First, check the impeller (the part that spins) to make sure it is not damaged.

If the impeller is damaged, you will need to replace it. If the impeller is not damaged, you can try cleaning the pump by removing any debris that may be blocking it. You can also try using a dishwasher cleaner to clean the pump.

Once you have fixed the problem, you should be able to use your dishwasher again without any issues.

4. Clogged Drain Filter

If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it is likely that the drain filter is clogged. The drain filter is located near the bottom of the dishwasher and prevents food and debris from clogging the drain.

To clean the drain filter, remove it from the dishwasher and rinse it under warm water. If the filter is extremely dirty, you may need to replace it.

5. Clogged sink

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be because the sink is clogged. The dishwasher drains into the sink, so if the sink is clogged, the dishwasher will not be able to drain properly. There are a few things you can do to try to unclog the sink:

-Pour boiling water down the drain: Boiling water can help to break up any clogs in the sink.

-Use a plunger: A plunger can help to loosen any clogs in the sink.

-Use a plumbers snake: A plumbers snake is a tool that can help to reach any clogs that are further down the drain.

6. Check drain valve

The most common reason a dishwasher doesn’t drain is because the drain valve is not opening. The drain valve is responsible for allowing water to exit the dishwasher after it has been used.

If the drain valve is defective, it will not open when the dishwasher is turned on and water will not be able to enter the dishwasher.

How to fix

If the valve is defective, it will not allow water to pass through and into the dishwasher. This can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining properly.

You will need to replace the valve in order to fix this issue. You can find replacement valves at most hardware stores. Once you have replaced the valve, your dishwasher should work properly.

7. The Motor

The motor in your Frigidaire dishwasher is responsible for circulating water through the wash cycle. If the motor stops working, your dishwasher won’t be able to properly clean your dishes. In most cases, a faulty motor will need to be replaced.

There are a few things that can cause the motor in your Frigidaire dishwasher to fail. One of the most common causes is a build-up of dirt and grime. Over time, this can cause the motor to overheat and eventually fail. Another common cause is a problem with the electrical wiring. If the wires are damaged or frayed, they can cause the motor to stop working.

If you suspect that the motor in your Frigidaire dishwasher is not working properly, you should call a qualified technician for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

In most cases, replacing the motor will be the best option. However, if the problem is with the electrical wiring, they may be able to repair it. Either way, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible so that your dishwasher can continue to work properly.

8. Clogged garbage disposal

If your garbage disposal is clogged, it can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher not to drain properly. When the disposal is clogged, the water can’t flow through it and will back up into the dishwasher.

This can cause the dishwasher to overflow and water to come out of the door. If this happens, you’ll need to unclog the disposal and then run the dishwasher again. If the dishwasher doesn’t drain properly, you may need to call a plumber.

How to unclog the garbage disposal?

If your garbage disposal is clogged, you can try to unclog it yourself. First, turn off the power to the disposal. Then, use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s snake.

Insert the snake into the disposal and turn it until you feel the clog start to move. Once the clog is moving, turn on the power to the disposal and let it finish running. Finally, run hot water down the disposal for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris. If you can’t unclog the disposal, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Related: How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal: The Ultimate Guide (5 Easy Methods)

9. Improperly Installed Garbage Disposer

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be because of an improperly installed garbage disposer. When a garbage disposer is not installed correctly, it can cause the dishwasher to back up and not drain properly.

If you need to install a garbage disposal, be sure to do it properly. You can find instructions in the Frigidaire Dishwasher Use & Care Manual. Improperly installed disposers can cause dishwasher problems, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully.

10. Check ball

The check ball is located in the bottom of the dishwasher near the drain. If this ball becomes plugged with food or grease, it can cause your dishwasher to not drain properly.

To clean the check ball, simply remove it from the dishwasher and soak it in a solution of vinegar and water for a few minutes.

Then, rinse the ball off and replace it in the dishwasher. If your dishwasher still isn’t draining properly after cleaning the check ball, then you may need to call a professional for help.

11. Water Pump Belt

Water pump belts are one of the most common reasons why Frigidaire dishwashers will not drain properly. If the water pump belt is worn out, it will not be able to pump the water out of the dishwasher properly. Replacing the water pump belt is a relatively easy repair that can be done at home.

Simply follow these steps:

-Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.

-Remove the lower dishrack.

-Locate the water pump. It will be located on the bottom of the dishwasher, near the front.

-Remove the old water pump belt.

-Install the new water pump belt.

-Replace the lower dishrack.

-Plug the dishwasher back in to the power outlet and run a test cycle to ensure that the dishwasher is draining properly.

12. Air gap

Frigidaire dishwashers have an air gap located on the side of the sink. The air gap is a small plastic piece that sticks up above the counter and has two hoses connected to it. One hose goes to the dishwasher and the other goes to the drain.

The purpose of the air gap is to keep water from the dishwasher from being siphoned back into the house. If the air gap is not installed correctly, or if it becomes clogged, the dishwasher will not drain properly.

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining, check to make sure that the air gap is installed correctly and that it is not clogged. You can clean the air gap by removing it and soaking it in vinegar. If your dishwasher still will not drain, you may need to call a plumber.

13. High Loop

One possible reason for your dishwasher not draining properly is that the high loop is installed incorrectly. The high loop should be installed so that it is at least four inches above the floor.

If the high loop is not installed correctly, gravity will pull the water down and into your dishwasher, causing it to not drain properly.

14. Timer

The most common reason for a dishwasher not draining is because the timer is not set correctly. If the timer is not set correctly, the dishwasher will not know when to start draining.

The easiest way to fix this problem is to simply reset the timer. To do this, you will need to find the reset button on the dishwasher. Once you have found the reset button, press it and hold it for a few seconds. After a few seconds, the dishwasher should start draining again.

15. Float switch

The float switch is a part of the dishwasher that helps to regulate the water level. If the float switch is not working properly, it can cause the dishwasher to not drain properly. There are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot this problem.

First, check to make sure that the float switch is clean. If it is dirty, it may not be able to properly regulate the water level.

Next, check to see if the float switch is stuck in the “on” position. If it is, you will need to replace it.

Finally, if you have checked both of these things and the dishwasher still will not drain, you may need to call a repairman.

16. Type of detergent

There are two main types of detergent that can cause your Frigidaire dishwasher to not drain properly: built-up soap scum and hard water deposits.

Built-up soap scum can clog the dishwasher’s drainage system, while hard water deposits can build up on the dishwasher’s spray arm and prevent it from rotating properly.

If you’re using a built-up soap scum detergent, switch to a different type of detergent and see if that solves the problem.

If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to descale your dishwasher periodically to prevent the build-up of deposits. You can find descaling solutions at most hardware stores.

Why is there water at the bottom of my Frigidaire dishwasher?

One possible reason for this is that the dishwasher is not draining properly. If your dishwasher isn’t draining correctly, water can build up at the bottom of the appliance. Another possibility is that there is a leak in the dishwasher hose or supply line. A third possibility is that the float switch, which helps regulate how much water is in the dishwasher, is not working properly.

If you notice water at the bottom of your Frigidaire dishwasher, it’s important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, a leak can cause serious water damage to your home.

If you think the problem might be with the float switch, you can try cleaning it. First, locate the float switch and then use a toothpick or other small object to clean any debris out of the hole. If the float switch is still not working properly, you may need to replace it.

You should also check the dishwasher hose and supply line for leaks.

How do I force my Frigidaire dishwasher to drain?

If your Frigidaire dishwasher doesn’t seem to be draining properly, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.

First, check the drain hose to make sure it is not kinked or blocked in any way. If the hose is clear, then try running the dishwasher on the highest setting to see if that helps.

If the dishwasher still isn’t draining, then you may need to call a repairman to take a look at it. In the meantime, you can try manually draining the dishwasher by unplugging it and removing the drain hose from the back of the machine.

Place the hose in a bucket and turn on the dishwasher. This should help to drain the water from the machine. If you still can’t get the dishwasher to drain, then you may need to call a repairman.

How do you manually drain a Frigidaire dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is not draining properly, you may need to manually drain it. To do this, first unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.

Then, remove the drain hose from the back of the machine and place it into a sink or bucket.

Next, turn on the water supply and open the dishwasher door. The water will begin to flow out of the hose.

Once the dishwasher is empty, replace the drain hose and plug the machine back in.

Run a cycle with hot water to ensure that the dishwasher is draining properly. following these steps should help you fix a dishwasher that isn’t draining properly.

Where is the drain valve on a Frigidaire dishwasher?

The drain valve on a Frigidaire dishwasher is located on the back of the machine, near the bottom. If you’re having trouble finding it, try looking for a small knob or lever that says “Drain” or “Drain Valve.” Once you’ve found it, turn it to the left to open the valve and allow water to start draining from the dishwasher.

If you’re still having trouble finding the drain valve, consult your Frigidaire dishwasher’s manual for more detailed instructions. Once you’ve located and opened the valve, water will start draining from the dishwasher.

How do I test my Frigidaire dishwasher pump?

First, you’ll need to locate the pump. On most Frigidaire dishwashers, the pump is located near the bottom of the appliance, behind a small access panel.

Once you’ve located the pump, you’ll need to disconnect it from the power supply. To do this, simply unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet or flip the circuit breaker.

With the power disconnected, you can now remove the pump. Be sure to have a towel handy, as there may be some water left in the dishwasher that will spill out when you remove the pump.

Once the pump is removed, you can test it using a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the ” Ohms” setting and touch the leads to the terminals on the pump. If the reading is within the normal range, then your pump is likely working properly.

Conclusion

If your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining properly, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

First, check the drain hose for any clogs or blockages. If you find one, clear it out and see if that fixes the issue.

If not, you may need to replace the drain hose entirely. Another possible issue could be a faulty drain pump.

If your dishwasher is still not draining properly after checking the hose and pump, you may need to call a professional for further assistance.

Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in troubleshooting your dishwasher’s drainage problems. Have a great day!