If your Frigidaire dishwasher leaves water at the end of a cycle, it’s a pain. You’re not alone. Standing water, slow draining, or no drain at all are common hassles. But don’t sweat it—most of the time you can fix it with some simple steps. Here’s a friendly, easy guide to help you tackle this problem.
Why It Matters
A dishwasher that won’t drain leaves dirty water behind, stinky smells, and dishes that don’t clean properly. Fixing the drainage issue makes everything work smoother and cleaner.
Table of Contents
- Clean the filter or glass trap
- Check the drain hose and for kinks
- Inspect the garbage disposal and air gap
- Float switch or pressure sensor
- Drain pump and impeller problems
- Check valve or check ball issues
- Dishwasher not level
- Runs drain only when cancelled?
- Step-by-step checklist
- When to call a technician
1. Clean the Filter or Glass Trap
The filter at the bottom catches food bits. If it gets clogged, water can’t exit. Remove the bottom rack, lift out the spray arm if needed, twist or pull out the filter, rinse it under warm water, and scrub gently with a brush. Put everything back and run a rinse cycle to test.
2. Inspect the Drain Hose
The drain hose connects your dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. If it’s kinked, bent, clogged, or twisted, water can’t flow out. Pull the dishwasher out, disconnect the hose, and inspect inside. You can try running water through it or gently clear clogs. If it’s damaged or can’t be cleared, replace it.
3. Check the Garbage Disposal and Air Gap
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug inside the disposal is removed. A plugged or clogged disposal can block the dishwasher’s drainage. Also, if you have an air gap (tiny cap near the sink), lift it off and clean out any food debris or grime. That helps prevent water from backing up.
4. Float Switch or Pressure Sensor
Many Frigidaire models have a float switch or pressure sensor at the bottom. If it’s stuck or dirty, the dishwasher may not start draining or may think it’s full of water. Lift it up and down gently after cleaning around it. That often gets it working again.
5. Drain Pump and Impeller
The drain pump uses an impeller to push water out. If it’s clogged with debris like broken glass or food or if the impeller is broken, the pump can’t drain. You might hear the motor try to run but nothing happens. Inspect the pump by removing the lower panel and check the impeller blades. Test the motor with a multimeter for continuity. If it’s faulty, it will need replacement.
6. Check Valve or Check Ball Troubles
Some models use a check valve or a plastic check ball to prevent wastewater from flowing back in. If this mechanism gets stuck or jammed, water can’t leave properly. Remove the lower rack and filters and locate the valve or ball. Clean or replace it as needed so it moves freely.
7. Make Sure the Dishwasher Is Level
If the dishwasher tilts or leans, water may pool instead of draining. Use a bubble level to check side-to-side and front-to-back balance. Adjust the feet as needed until the unit sits level, then run a test cycle to see if that fixes the issue.
8. Drains Only When You Cancel It?
Sometimes users find it only drains halfway or only when they manually cancel the cycle. This often points to a weak or failing drain pump or a partial clog in the return hose to the disposal. After replacing the pump, also clean the return hose—running water through it from another end often resolves the issue.
Real User Stories
Here are experiences shared by users who fixed their dishwashers:
“I found a hair clip stuck in the hose—couldn’t believe it blocked everything.”
“Replaced my pump and cleaned the disposal line. Now it drains normally whether I cancel or complete a cycle.”
“My float switch was jammed with gunk. Cleaning it fixed the whole drainage problem.”
Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Checklist
- Remove racks and clean the filter or glass trap.
- Inspect and straighten the drain hose; clear or replace if needed.
- Clean the garbage disposal and air gap; remove knockout plug from disposal.
- Check float switch or pressure sensor—clean and test movement.
- Access and inspect drain pump and impeller; test motor for continuity.
- Inspect check valve or ball for blockages or stiffness.
- Ensure dishwasher sits level—adjust feet if required.
- If it drains only when cancelled, clean return hose thoroughly.
- After each fix, run a rinse or quick cycle to confirm drainage.
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve cleaned filters, hoses, air gap, and float switch, and tested the pump yet still see pooling water or no drain, it could be a mechanical failure like a broken impeller, faulty pump motor, or damaged control board. If the dishwasher is older or parts are hard to find, calling a certified appliance repair tech might save you time and hassle.
Final Thoughts
Frigidaire dishwasher drainage issues are usually fixable. Most of the time, debris buildup, a stuck float switch, kinked hose, or clogged disposal is the culprit. Replace pump parts only when cleaning and testing don’t solve it. Stay safe—unplug the unit before working—and take it slow.
With these tips, you should get your dishwasher draining smoothly again. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll save time, money, and headaches. You’ve got this! 🧽🚰