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Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining: What to Check in Order
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- Is the dishwasher newly installed, or did someone just replace the garbage disposer?
- Yes: Was the knockout plug removed from the disposer inlet?
- No, or I'm not sure: Knockout plug still in the disposer: Draining stopped after a new dishwasher or a new disposer was installed. (likely)
- Yes, it was removed: Is the drain hose kinked, lower than 32 inches from the floor, or fed upward to the drain?
- Yes, or I'm not sure: Drain hose too low, kinked or fed upward: Code i20 is showing, or draining stopped after install or after someone moved the dishwasher. (likely)
- No, it looks correct: When did you last clean the glass trap and filter?
- Not recently, or never: Clogged glass trap and filter: Code i40 is showing, or the glass trap and filter have not been cleaned in a while. (likely)
- Recently: If your sink has an air gap on the counter, lift the cover. Is it clogged?
- Yes, it's clogged: Clogged drain air gap: Your sink has an air gap on the counter and its cover shows buildup. (likely)
- No air gap, or it's clean: Still not draining after the checks: Every check above is clear and the cycle ends with water still in the tub. (possible)
- No: What does the display show?
- The cycle stopped partway, or lights are flashing: Stuck or interrupted cycle: The cycle stopped partway, the lights are flashing or the display shows a code. (likely)
- Code i40: Clogged glass trap and filter: Code i40 is showing, or the glass trap and filter have not been cleaned in a while. (likely)
- Code i20: Is the drain hose kinked, lower than 32 inches from the floor, or fed upward to the drain?
- Yes, or I'm not sure: Drain hose too low, kinked or fed upward: Code i20 is showing, or draining stopped after install or after someone moved the dishwasher. (likely)
- No, it looks correct: When did you last clean the glass trap and filter?
- Not recently, or never: Clogged glass trap and filter: Code i40 is showing, or the glass trap and filter have not been cleaned in a while. (likely)
- Recently: If your sink has an air gap on the counter, lift the cover. Is it clogged?
- Yes, it's clogged: Clogged drain air gap: Your sink has an air gap on the counter and its cover shows buildup. (likely)
- No air gap, or it's clean: Still not draining after the checks: Every check above is clear and the cycle ends with water still in the tub. (possible)
- No code, and the cycle ended normally: When did you last clean the glass trap and filter?
- Not recently, or never: Clogged glass trap and filter: Code i40 is showing, or the glass trap and filter have not been cleaned in a while. (likely)
- Recently: If your sink has an air gap on the counter, lift the cover. Is it clogged?
- Yes, it's clogged: Clogged drain air gap: Your sink has an air gap on the counter and its cover shows buildup. (likely)
- No air gap, or it's clean: Still not draining after the checks: Every check above is clear and the cycle ends with water still in the tub. (possible)
- Yes: Was the knockout plug removed from the disposer inlet?
Last updated
Frigidaire says to begin with the glass trap and filter, the drain hose and the disposer knockout plug. This dishwasher not draining guide adds Frigidaire’s reset sequence and its i20 and i40 meanings, so you can tell a drain clue from a different control message.
These instructions can vary by model. If a button, filter or code does not match your dishwasher, check Frigidaire’s error-code guide and the manual for your model. The dishwasher not draining hub covers shared plumbing and pump clues.
The first two minutes
Check that the cycle actually ended and note any code before resetting. Frigidaire says flashing lights during a drain issue are normal on some models and typically point to a drainage problem. That is useful context, but the pattern varies by unit. Do not assume a flashing light is the same as an i20 code.
Next, look at the visible drain route. Frigidaire’s support list names the knockout plug, a kinked hose, the glass trap and filter, and a cycle that did not finish. If the appliance was just installed or moved, start with the hose and disposal connection. If the screen shows i40, start at the filter. If it shows i20, check the drain path in order.
Reset a Frigidaire dishwasher that won’t drain
Frigidaire’s owner support page says to press and hold Cancel for 5 to 10 seconds to clear the current cycle. Then start a new cycle so the dishwasher can drain. This is a cycle reset, not a repair for a blocked filter or hose. Use it only if the controls and manual match your unit.
For i20, Frigidaire’s error-code guide also lists a power reset: switch power off at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher for 3 minutes. Do not reach behind an installed dishwasher to find a plug. If the breaker is inaccessible, the panel is damaged, or the circuit trips again, stop and call an electrician or appliance technician. A reset that leaves standing water means you still need to find the cause.
Frigidaire error codes related to draining
Frigidaire’s error-code guide gives two drain-related codes. Treat them as directions for what to check, not as a part diagnosis.
| Code | Frigidaire’s description | Checks it lists |
|---|---|---|
| i20 | The dishwasher did not drain completely. | Check the disposer knockout plug, a blocked or pinched hose, hose height, filters and sump. Frigidaire also lists its Cancel or power-reset sequence. |
| i40 | The filter or sump is clogged with food soils. | Clean the glass trap and filter, run the unit again, and contact Frigidaire if the code continues. |
If a code returns after its listed checks, do not keep clearing it without changing anything. Frigidaire says to contact its service center if the dishwasher still will not drain or start. Write down the exact code and what you already checked so support can move to the right next step.
Frigidaire codes that may not mean a drain fault
The same Frigidaire guide lists control messages that can look alarming but point somewhere else. These are useful when your display does not show i20 or i40.
| Display | Meaning in Frigidaire’s guide | What the guide says |
|---|---|---|
| PF | Power failure. | Press Start/Cancel to clear the message, then a new cycle can be started. |
| CL or Cd | Door not closed or not latched. | Check the door. If it will not close, contact service. |
| Hd or HO | Delay in heating or heater active. | The guide describes this as a normal heating pause. |
| 01–24 | Delay start is active. | The guide describes a Cancel sequence that first cancels the cycle and starts a drain routine, then cancels that routine and turns the unit off. Check the manual before using it. |
| LOC | Door locked. | It is a lock status, not a drain code. |
| PRESS START | A prompt, not an error code. | Follow the display and the manual for the next action. |
The message alone may not explain why water remains. Read the code using the Frigidaire guide and your manual; do not translate a control prompt into a failed pump without checking the drain path.
Frigidaire causes and safe checks
The cause cards keep the checks in a practical order. Frigidaire’s support pages note that steps can vary by model.
1. The cycle is stuck or interrupted
Stuck or interrupted cycle
The cycle stopped partway, the lights are flashing or the display shows a code.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Tools
- None listed
Use the display first. A partial cycle, flashing lights or a code changes which Frigidaire check comes next. On some models, Frigidaire says flashing lights during a drain problem are normal and typically signal that the dishwasher has not drained correctly.
If the controls match the guide, hold Cancel for 5 to 10 seconds, then start a new cycle. If the cycle completes and water remains, move to the glass trap, hose and disposer checks. If it will not start or a code stays on the display, contact Frigidaire support instead of repeating the reset.
2. The glass trap or filter is clogged
Clogged glass trap and filter
Code i40 is showing, or the glass trap and filter have not been cleaned in a while.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Tools
- towels, sponge or bottle brush
Frigidaire describes two pieces: a coarse filter and a cylinder fine filter. Its guide says the cylinder can collect larger objects such as broken glass, bones and seeds. That is why you should look carefully and keep your fingers out of the filter well.
With power off, follow the Frigidaire filter guide for your assembly. It says to turn the cylinder counterclockwise, lift it, empty it and rinse it under the tap. A sponge or bottle brush may help. Remove and rinse the coarse filter too. Put both pieces back as the guide shows; do not force them if they bind.
Frigidaire identifies i40 with a clogged filter or sump. Clean the parts and try the unit again. If the code returns, contact Frigidaire. Do not remove a sump cover, pump or electrical panel to chase the code.
3. The disposer knockout plug remains
Knockout plug still in the disposer
Draining stopped after a new dishwasher or a new disposer was installed.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Tools
- bucket, pliers, screwdriver
This check matters when the drain problem starts after installation of a dishwasher or disposer. Frigidaire lists the knockout plug at the disposer inlet as a common installation item. The hose can appear connected even if that inlet was never opened.
Look at the visible hose connection under the sink, with dishwasher power off. If you cannot see whether the plug was removed, ask the installer to check it. Do not put a hand into the disposer or insert pliers through the inlet. The tools in the card are estimates, not instructions to open the disposal.
4. The hose is too low, kinked or routed upward
Drain hose too low, kinked or fed upward
Code i20 is showing, or draining stopped after install or after someone moved the dishwasher.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Tools
- flashlight, tape measure
- Part cost
- $50–$100Source: Dishwasher Repair Cost (Fixr) · Checked October 12, 2026
Frigidaire’s drain-hose guide gives a minimum of 32 inches from the floor and says the hose should descend toward the drain rather than rise at the connection. It also says the line should not be kinked. This is a Frigidaire installation specification; check the manual for your dishwasher before changing the route.
If i20 appeared after installation or after someone moved the dishwasher, inspect only the exposed hose under the sink. Look for a sharp bend or an upward run. If a visible loose section can be aligned without moving the appliance, correct it and try a new cycle. Do not pull the dishwasher out or detach its plumbing to reach a hidden section.
Frigidaire lists the disposer knockout plug as another i20 check. If the hose looks right and the plug is confirmed removed, call service if water remains. The hose estimate is shown in this card from Fixr; Frigidaire’s support pages here do not quote a replacement price.
5. The air gap is clogged
Clogged drain air gap
Your sink has an air gap on the counter and its cover shows buildup.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 10 minutes
- Tools
- small brush
Only check this if your sink has the small capped air-gap fitting beside the faucet. Frigidaire says to lift the cover and inspect for a blockage. It also points out that the air gap is a separate plumbing fitting, not a component inside the dishwasher.
With power off, lift the cap and brush away visible buildup at the opening. Do not push a tool into a hidden hose or unscrew plumbing under the counter. Replace the cap before testing. If the fitting is blocked below the visible opening or you cannot clear it safely, ask a plumber or technician to inspect it.
6. The checks are clear but water stays
Still not draining after the checks
Every check above is clear and the cycle ends with water still in the tub.
- Difficulty
- Pro
- Time
- 60 minutes
- Tools
- None listed
If the cycle reset, filter, hose, disposal inlet and visible air gap all check out but the tub still holds water, Frigidaire says to contact its service center. Read the official Dishwashers - Not Draining instructions and share whether you saw i20, i40 or another display message and whether the problem began after an installation.
Keep panels closed and leave pump work to a qualified technician.
What it costs if the hose or pump needs work
The hose cost range is inside the hose cause card and comes from Fixr, a repair-cost guide. Fixr’s range includes labor. It is a planning reference, not a Frigidaire price or a promise about a local technician’s bill.
For a pump estimate, use the hub’s pump cause and cost reference. Compare an itemized diagnosis with the quote for a replacement dishwasher.
For a broader view of the drain route, use the dishwasher not draining hub. If detergent remains in its cup instead of dissolving, that is a different symptom; see the dishwasher pods guide. See the methodology page for how we review sources and cost records.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset a Frigidaire dishwasher that won't drain?
Frigidaire says to press and hold Cancel for 5 to 10 seconds to clear the current cycle, then start a new cycle so the unit drains. For i20 it also lists switching power off at the breaker or unplugging the dishwasher for 3 minutes.
What does the i20 code mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
Frigidaire says i20 means the unit did not drain completely. It lists the disposer knockout plug, drain hose, hose height, filters and sump as checks.
What does the i40 code mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
Frigidaire says i40 means the filter or sump is clogged with food soils. It recommends cleaning the glass trap and filter, then running the unit again.
How high should a Frigidaire dishwasher drain hose be?
Frigidaire's hose guide specifies at least 32 inches from the floor and a route that descends toward the drain. Check your model's manual before changing an installation.
Are the flashing lights on my Frigidaire dishwasher a problem?
Frigidaire says flashing lights during a drain issue are normal on some models and typically signal a drainage problem. If the unit stays stuck, use the manual or contact support.
Sources
- Dishwashers - Not DrainingFrigidaire Owner Support
- Dishwasher - Drain Hose GuideFrigidaire Owner Support
- Dishwasher Glass Trap and Filter GuideFrigidaire Owner Support
- Dishwasher Error Codes and Alarms GuideFrigidaire Owner Support