Why Is Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? 10 Reasons and Solutions

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A dishwasher certainly makes life easier! Even so, it can turn into a nightmare when drainage issues start cropping up. Are you facing a similar problem? Why is your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining? There are various reasons. You don’t have to worry- it’s fairly easy to identify them!

Read on to find out 10 reasons causing the issue of your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining, and how to tackle them.

 

Frigidaire dishwasher not draining: 10 possible faults in the drainage system

The first step towards solving a problem is to know its roots.

You must be able to identify the area where the drainage fault is occurring in your dishwasher.

Once you have done that, you can move on to effectively setting it right to restore the efficiency of your dishwasher.

People in technician jobs. Appliance repair technician or handyman works on broken dishwasher in a kittchen. Laborer is changing the heating element.

Here are 10 reasons your dishwasher is not draining and ways to fix the problems.

1.    Blockage in the drain hose

The dishwasher and the garbage disposal system are connected through a drain hose. You will typically find this under the sink.

Sometimes, food debris may get lodged in the hose and clog it. It can be a possible reason behind your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining. A faulty food chopper in your dishwasher may also be the culprit.

The solution to this is to remove your clogged drain hose from the pump. Clean it using a suitable drain cleaner. In case your food chopper is defective, you need to replace it to eliminate the problem from its roots.

2.    Kinks in the drain hose

A kink in your drain hose can also cause drainage issues. A kink is a crimp or an entanglement in your hose. It will most likely lead to punctures.

If the drain hose is obstructed due to kinks, it may also begin to leak. You can solve this by replacing the drain hose.

 

3.    Faults in the garbage disposal

It could be possible that there is nothing wrong with your dishwasher. Instead, your garbage disposal may have faults. The disposer may be clogged, causing the problem of your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining.

New garbage disposal systems usually have a plastic plug that restricts drainage.

Make sure you have removed it. If your system is not new yet you face problems, you should try cleaning the joint of the disposer and the hose. You will have to remove the drain hose to do this.

 

4.    Ineffective or blocked drain valves

You will be able to find the drain valves near the motor. They perform the function of releasing used water from your dishwasher. They also prevent the wastewater from flowing back into your dishwasher.

Food debris can clog these valves, thereby causing drainage issues.

You can tackle this by removing the valves and cleaning them.

If the problem persists, then the valves may be faulty. You can check this by removing the dishwasher’s drain hose and attempting to drain your dishwasher. It will allow you to witness the valves at work. If they do not open or close properly, you need to replace them.

white ceramic plate on black dishwasher
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

5.    Clogs in the drainage basket

A clogged drainage basket is one of the most common explanations for a Frigidaire dishwasher not draining.

A filter in the drainage prevents food waste from passing through, and it can sometimes get clogged.

To fix this, drain the dishwasher manually. Following this, remove the drainage basket and clean around the filters.

The drainage basket is generally attached using screws and bolts. You should be able to unfasten them using household tools.

 

6.     Problematic drain pump

The drain pump in your dishwasher relies upon an impeller to catalyze water drainage. A malfunctioning pump could be the reason behind your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining, though it is rather uncommon.

Broken glass or other foreign objects can get lodged in your dishwasher’s drain pump and clog it.

You can identify this by the sound of the machine. A low humming noise indicates a clogged pump.

Start fixing this by detaching the system’s feeder hose and other connections. Follow it by undoing the screws of the bottom or ‘kick’ plate of your dishwasher. Disconnecting the anti-flood gear as well.

You will need to undo the attachments, rotate, and tug it out. Inspect the impeller for any lodged objects. Clean it and test its rotation.

 

7.    Malfunctioning motor

A motor running improperly can be a factor in your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining. This is associated with the drain pump.

You need to check whether the motor is spinning smoothly in the correct direction. If not, follow up by using a meter to examine the circuit.

If the current is reaching the terminals, it is possible that the motor might have seized. There could also be faults in the winding. In such cases, it is best to replace the motor.

Alternatively, if the flow of current is not reaching the terminals, you may be facing a problem in the timer, electric controls, or switch. You must contact an electrical expert to help you overcome this problem.

 

8.    Defects in the timer

The timer controls the motor and the drain solenoid. You will find it on your dishwasher’s control panel. It may cause problems if faulty.

Your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining water because of a defective timer is a little complicated to check.

You will need to have a guide to the schematics and wiring of your dishwasher model.

You need to find precisely those timer contacts which dictate the system of drainage and check the steadiness of the current. Trail the wire to locate the point where current is breaking.

 

9.    Stuck check ball

A check ball is a little plastic ball in the check valves that keep a check on the backflow. Sometimes, it may get stuck which causes restrictions in the smooth flow of water through the valve.

You may need to use a screwdriver to dislodge it. Ideally, you should apply some lubricant to prevent this from happening again.

 

10.   Technical drainage complications in your dishwasher

Sometimes, you may carry out all the troubleshooting steps you can yet fail to pinpoint the basis of your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining properly.

In such a case, you are most likely facing technical drainage complications. These go beyond what you might detect. Seeking help from an expert is the best solution.

Old dish washing machine in a lost place
Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

To sum up: Why Is Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? 10 Reasons and Solutions

A dishwasher that does not drain properly can be a drab mark on your flawless kitchen. Why Is Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? 10 Reasons and Solutions that you have learned about may be able to help you deal with your problem.

While there are various reasons behind your Frigidaire dishwasher not draining, you can identify most of them easily. It is always best to have a technical expert on hand for consultation.

Thank you for reading!

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