Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? Common Problems

Are you scratching your head because your Frigidaire dishwasher is not draining? We’ve all been there – you open your dishwasher expecting clean and dry dishes, but you find a pool of water at the bottom instead. This common problem can be both surprising and frustrating.

Before explaining detailed causes and solutions, here is a quick table guide that might save you time. In this blog, we’ll further explore why your Frigidaire dishwasher might not be draining and provide solutions to get it working again. Please stick around, and let’s dive in!

Causes of Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining

Sometimes, dishwashers don’t drain because of common issues. Here are a few easy-to-understand reasons:

1. Clog in the Drain: Leftover food can block the drain and stop the water from going out.
2. Full Filter: Your dishwasher has a filter to stop big particles. If it gets full, water can’t go through.
3. Issues with the Hose: The hose might be blocked, clogged, broken, or disconnected. This hose helps water leave the dishwasher.
4. Broken Garbage Disposal: If your garbage disposal isn’t working, it might affect your dishwasher.
5. Motor Problems: Your dishwasher needs the motor to work properly. If it breaks while the dishwasher is running, the water might not drain.

Remember, if your dishwasher didn’t drain just once, it might be because of an electricity problem. The power may have gone off while it was running. Check if everything’s okay with your electricity, and your dishwasher might work fine next time.

How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Dishwashers can sometimes have small problems that you can fix yourself. If yours isn’t draining, try these easy steps:

1. Use Your Garbage Disposal: Turn on your garbage disposal for about 30 seconds. This might help unclog some drains.
2. Empty and Clean: Take out the water, dishes, and racks from your dishwasher. This will help you see and clean any food bits or clogs.
3. Check the Hose: Make sure the hose isn’t bent or squeezed.
4. Clean with Vinegar and Baking Soda: Start the rinse cycle in your dishwasher and put some vinegar and baking soda at the bottom. This can help clean and unblock it.

If you’ve tried all this and your dishwasher still won’t drain, it might be time to call an expert. Before you call, here’s a tip:

Listen to the Sound: Run your dishwasher and listen. If it’s making weird noises like grinding, something’s not right. Let the expert know or even record the sound for them.

How to Unblock Drain Hose

The drain hose is like a pipe that lets water leave your dishwasher. Sometimes, it can get bent or blocked, stopping water from going out.

Here’s how to check and fix it:

• Turn Off and Unplug: Always switch off your dishwasher before you start.
• Find the Hose: Look at your dishwasher’s manual to see where the hose is. It’s usually at the bottom front.
• Check for Bends: If the hose is bent, straighten it out. If it’s broken, you need a new one.
• Look for Clogs: If the hose is clear outside, but the water isn’t going out, something might be blocking the inside. Try to clear it with a tool gently, but be careful. You might need a new hose if you can’t reach the blockage.

How to Clean Frigidaire Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher has a filter that stops big food pieces from blocking the drain. If your dishwasher isn’t draining, it might be because the filter is dirty. It’s good to clean it every month.

Here’s a simple way to clean the filter:

1. Take Out the Bottom Rack: This gives you space to work.
2. Unlock the Filter: Push down the middle part and turn the filter handle.
3. Lift and Clean: Lift the filter. Wash it under tap water to get rid of food bits.
4. Put it Back: Once clean, place the filter back and turn the handle to lock it. Make sure to push the middle part down to secure it.

Additional Causes You Might Face

1. Drain Pump Issues: Your dishwasher has a part called a drain pump. This pushes the water out of the dishwasher. Two common issues can happen:

• Blocked Pump: Sometimes food bits get stuck, stopping water from going out. Check your dishwasher’s manual to see how to look at and clean the pump.
• Broken Motor: If the pump’s motor is broken, it can’t push water out. You can test this with a tool called a multimeter. If it’s broken, you’ll need an expert to replace it.

2. Air Gap and Garbage Disposal Problems: Your dishwasher and garbage disposal might share the same drain. If there’s a blockage:

• Use Your Garbage Disposal: Turn it on before washing dishes. It can help clear blockages.
• Clean the Air Gap: This is a part of your sink. If it’s dirty, open it and clean it with a brush or towel.

3. Pump Belt: Older dishwashers have a belt for the pump. If it’s loose or off, the pump can’t work. Check under the dishwasher (you might need to remove a panel) and make sure the belt is okay.

4. Blocked Filter or Glass Trap: Your dishwasher has a filter at the bottom. It stops big food pieces:

• Clean the Filter: Remove the racks and spray the arm. Clean the filter with soap and water. If it’s dirty, you can also use vinegar, baking soda, or bleach (only if it’s not metal).

5. Air Gap or High Loop Connection: Dishwashers have a system to stop dirty water from coming back in:

• Check the Air Gap: It’s on your sink. Make sure it’s not blocked.
• Look at the Drain Hose: It should loop up under your sink. This stops water from going back into the dishwasher.

6. Faulty Drain Solenoid Valve: Some dishwashers have a special valve that lets water out:

• Test the Solenoid: If it’s broken, the valve stays closed. Test it with a multimeter. If it’s not working, replace it. You can find it near the motor or drain pump. Look under the dishwasher to see it (you might need to remove a panel).

Problem with the Check Valve or Ball in Your Frigidaire Dishwasher

The check valve stops dirty water from coming back into your dishwasher after it’s been pumped out. If this valve doesn’t work right, water won’t drain.

On some dishwashers, there’s a little ball instead of a valve. This ball can sometimes get stuck and stop the water from draining.

Some dishwashers even have a valve where the water goes out. If this is stuck, that’s another reason why water isn’t draining.

How to Look at the Check Valve:

1. Safety First: Always turn off the dishwasher before you do anything.
2. Find the Valve: On most dishwashers, it’s near the drain pump. You should remove a panel at the bottom to see it.
3. Look at the Valve: It should move easily and not look damaged.
4. Clean it: Make sure there’s no dirt stopping it from moving.
5. Replace if Needed: If it’s broken or worn out, you’ll need a new one.

Conclusion

If your Frigidaire dishwasher isn’t draining, don’t panic! There can be various reasons, like clogs, broken parts, or power issues. Sometimes, you can solve the problem by checking filters and hoses or running your garbage disposal. But if these simple solutions don’t work, getting professional help is a good idea. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent many common dishwasher issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why isn’t my dishwasher draining?

Food could be blocking the drain, a full filter, a kinked or clogged hose, a garbage disposal problem, or a dishwasher’s broken part.

Can I fix the dishwasher myself?

Sometimes! Try emptying and cleaning the dishwasher, checking the hose, or using vinegar and baking soda to clean it. If it’s a more complicated problem, it might be best to call an expert.

How often should I clean the filter in my dishwasher?

It’s a good idea to clean it every month. This helps to avoid drainage problems.

What is an air gap, and why is it important?

The air gap is a small part of your sink. It stops dirty water from coming back into the dishwasher. It’s important because it helps keep your dishes clean!

What if my dishwasher makes a weird noise?

If your dishwasher sounds different, like it’s grinding, there might be a problem. It’s good to let an expert know.

What’s a check valve?

It’s a part of your dishwasher that stops dirty water from returning. If it’s not working right, your dishwasher might not drain.