Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team

Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining? Drain Hose Height, Kinks, Glass Trap and Filters, Disposer Knockout Plug, Air Gap and i20, Costs and Repair vs Replace (2026)

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Quick answer

Frigidaire's checklist, cheapest first:

  1. Did the cycle finish? Frigidaire: make sure the cycle is complete, not paused. Water left in the tub after a finished cycle isn't normal.
  2. Is the drain hose kinked? A bumped or moved hose can kink and leave water in the bottom. Straighten it and start a new cycle.
  3. Is the hose high enough? Frigidaire says to keep the drain hose at least 32 in off the floor (a high loop), then route it down to the drain, never up.
  4. Clean the glass trap and filters. Food and debris can clog them. Rinse with warm water. Frigidaire's Quick Care guide says to clean the glass trap monthly.
  5. New install on a garbage disposer? The disposer's knockout plug must be removed. Also make sure the disposer is empty before you run the dishwasher.
  6. Air gap on the counter? Take the cover off and clean it. Frigidaire notes the air gap isn't part of the dishwasher and isn't covered by its warranty.
  7. Reset. Press and hold Cancel to clear the cycle (Frigidaire: 5โ€“10 seconds; an older guide says 3 seconds starts a 90-second drain), then start a new cycle. For i20, you can also turn off the breaker or unplug for 3 minutes.

If those don't fix it, the usual part is the drain pump, then a stuck check valve or a damaged drain hose. A control board is less common.

Repair or replace? Most drain problems cost nothing. A drain pump is a moderate repair that's usually worth it. See the calculator below.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Verdict at a glance

Your situationWhat it usually meansOur verdict
Cycle paused, kinked hose, hose too low, clogged glass trap or filters, knockout plug still in, full disposer, dirty air gapUse, cleaning, or installationโœ… Free fix
i20 keeps coming back, or you hear a hum with no water moving, after the hose and filter checksDrain pump, check valve, hose๐Ÿ”ง Usually worth repairing
No drain sound at all, controls acting up, on a dishwasher 8+ years oldControl board, wiringโ™ป๏ธ Get a quote, then compare

Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)

Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:

Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)

OrderWhat to tryCostDIY tier
1Let the cycle finish; clear a pauseFreeEasy
2Hold Cancel; start a new cycleFreeEasy
3Straighten the drain hose under the sinkFreeEasy
4High loop: at least 32 in off the floorFreeEasy
5Empty the glass trap; clean the filtersFreeEasy
6Run the disposer; remove the knockout plug (new installs)FreeEasy โ†’ Moderate
7Clean the countertop air gapFreeEasy
8i20 reset: breaker off or unplug 3 minutesFreeEasy
9Replace a damaged drain hosePartModerate
10Check valvePart, or pro visitAdvanced
11Drain pumpPart, or pro visitAdvanced
12Control boardPro diagnosis firstPro only

DIY tiers: Easy (no tools) ยท Moderate (under the sink, hose clamps) ยท Advanced (power off, toe panel off, pump wiring) ยท Pro only (control board, or still under warranty).

Which filter does your Frigidaire have?

Frigidaire has used two common filter designs. Your Owner's Manual shows which one you have.

DesignWhat you seeHow to clean it (Frigidaire)
Glass trap in a self-cleaning filter (many older and current models)A glass trap in the center, under the lower wash armPress down on the center of the wash arm, turn the trap handle clockwise (about 90ยฐ), lift the arm and trap out, empty the trap, then reinstall and turn counterclockwise until it snaps in place
Cylinder fine filter + coarse filterA round filter in the tub floor with a flat coarse filter around itTurn the cylinder fine filter counterclockwise, lift it out, empty and rinse it (a sponge or bottle brush helps); then lift out and flush the coarse filter

The glass trap and fine filter catch broken glass, straws, bones, and pits. Frigidaire's Quick Care guide says to clean the trap monthly. Make sure everything is snapped in before you run a cycle.

Five-minute checks before you call anyone

  1. Cycle status. Let it finish. If it stopped mid-cycle, flashing lights on some models signal a drain issue (Frigidaire calls that normal).
  2. Cancel and drain. Hold Cancel to clear the cycle, then start a new one.
  3. Hose kinks. Look under the sink and behind the toe panel for a pinched or crushed hose, especially if the dishwasher was recently moved.
  4. Hose height. At least 32 in off the floor, then down to the drain.
  5. Glass trap and filters. Empty and rinse.
  6. Disposer. Run it to empty it. On a new install, confirm the knockout plug was removed from the disposer inlet.
  7. Air gap. Lift off the cover and clean it out.
  8. i20 reset. Hold Cancel, turn off the breaker, or unplug for 3 minutes.
  9. Suds. Use only detergent designed for automatic dishwashers, in the right amount. Spilled rinse aid can also cause foam (Frigidaire).

How to know it's fixed: after a full cycle, the tub bottom is dry except for a little moisture, and i20 doesn't return.

Frigidaire drain codes and clues

Code or clueWhat Frigidaire says it meansWhat to do
i20Dishwasher not draining properlyKnockout plug, hose blocked or pinched, hose at least 32 in high, glass trap/filter clean; reset
Flashing indicator lights mid-cycle (some models)Normal signal of a drainage issueHold Cancel, start a new cycle
Water in the tub bottom after a complete cycleNot normal; not draining properlyRun through the drain checklist
OdorSoiled dishes left too long, or a drain problemRinse Only cycle; check draining
Suds or foamWrong or too much detergent; spilled rinse aidAutomatic dishwasher detergent; wipe spills
Air gap overflows at the sinkBlockage in the air gap or downstreamClean the air gap; check the disposer and hose

Which part each symptom points at, and how hard the fix is:

SymptomPart most often involvedFirst fix (free)If it comes backDIY tier
Water above the filterGlass trap, filtersEmpty and rinseReplace a damaged filterEasy
i20 on a new installKnockout plug, hose routingRemove plug; high loopโ€”Easy โ†’ Moderate
Hum, no water movingDrain pump (jammed or failed)Clean the trapDrain pumpAdvanced
Dirty water flows back inCheck valve, hose heightHigh loopCheck valveAdvanced
No drain sound, odd controlsControl boardPower resetBoardPro only

Codes and clues from Frigidaire's US owner support articles "Dishwashers - Not Draining", "Dishwasher - Drain Hose Guide", "Dishwasher Glass Trap and Filter Guide", "What can I do if my dishwasher is not draining?", and "Dishwasher Error Code i20" (sources 1โ€“5), plus Frigidaire/Electrolux dishwasher Use & Care and Quick Care guides (sources 6โ€“7), checked 2026-10-30. The open ApplianceDB sample (source 14) maps Samsung and LG codes to components and DIY difficulty; it has no Frigidaire entries, so we didn't use it here.

Diagnose by symptom โ†’ likely part

Before you touch parts: Turn off power at the breaker (or unplug). Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hose. Bail standing water with a cup and sponge, and keep towels handy.

1. Water sitting above the glass trap or filter

Likely cause: a clogged glass trap or filter. Frigidaire's first check after the hose.

DIY difficulty: Easy.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Filter assembly / glass trapCatches food, glass, and pits before the pumpEasy

2. Newly installed, and it never drained

Likely causes: the disposer knockout plug wasn't removed, or the hose has no high loop or is kinked behind the cabinet.

What to do: remove the knockout plug (unplug the disposer first), set the hose at least 32 in high, and route it down to the drain.

3. Drain hose kinked, crushed, or damaged

Likely causes: the hose was bumped or crushed when the dishwasher was pushed in, or it's cracked.

DIY difficulty: Moderate.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Drain hoseCarries water to the sink drain or disposerModerate

4. Pump hums but no water moves

Likely causes: something jammed in the drain pump (glass, a pit, a label) or a failed pump. A stuck check valve can also block flow or let dirty water back in.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Drain pumpPumps water outAdvanced
Check valveStops drained water from flowing backAdvanced

5. No drain sound, and controls act strangely

Likely cause: the electronic control board or wiring. These need a technician.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Electronic control boardRuns the cycle and powers the pumpPro only

Hose straight and high, trap clean, plug out, and still holding water? A technician can test the pump and controls in one visit.
Partner pro call line coming soon. See “who services” below for your options.
Independent partner service, not Frigidaire or Electrolux. We may be paid when you call.

Prevent it next time

What Frigidaire's warranty covers on a dishwasher

Per the Major Appliance Warranty in Frigidaire/Electrolux US dishwasher Use & Care guides (see Sources):

Period (from original purchase)What's coveredWho pays labor
Year 1All costs to repair or replace any part that's defective in materials or workmanship, when installed, used, and maintained per the instructionsElectrolux

What this means for a drain problem: in year 1, a failed pump or board is covered. Frigidaire's warranty doesn't cover service calls to correct the installation (knockout plug, hose routing) or to instruct you how to use the appliance (filter cleaning), consumables, or the cost of making the appliance accessible (removing trim or cabinets). The drain air gap isn't part of the dishwasher and isn't covered. Keep your receipt to prove the purchase date. Warranty terms can differ by model, so check your own guide.

โ†’ Frigidaire: frigidaire.com ยท 1-800-374-4432 (Frigidaire contact page) ยท Service 1-800-944-9044 (dishwasher Use & Care guide)

Before you pay for any repair: a 4-point check

  1. Warranty: year 1; retailer or credit-card extended protection.
  2. Recalls: search your model at cpsc.gov/Recalls. A recall repair is free.
  3. Free fixes done: cycle, Cancel, hose kinks and height, trap and filters, disposer and knockout plug, air gap, i20 reset.
  4. Written quote: ask for part, labor, and trip fee as separate lines, and ask whether the pump was jammed or failed.

What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)

How we price this table: DIY part prices are OEM Frigidaire/Electrolux part numbers (A00โ€ฆ, 154โ€ฆ, 5304โ€ฆ, 807โ€ฆ, and 117โ€ฆ numbers) listed on Sears PartsDirect public search pages for "frigidaire dishwasher โ€ฆ" searches (S-list under Sources), USD before tax and shipping; other brands' parts in those searches are excluded. Ranges span several part numbers because the right part depends on your model number. Pro costs tagged [GUIDE] come from two US cost guides (Fixr = G1, HomeGuide = G2): national averages for dishwashers in general unless marked brand-specific, not Frigidaire quotes. "Varies โ€” get a quote" means neither guide itemizes that repair, so we don't show a number.

RepairPart cost (DIY)Typical pro cost (parts + labor)Notes
Hose, trap, knockout plug, air gap, reset$0โ€”Do these first
Dishwasher won't drain (diagnose and fix)โ€”[GUIDE] will not drain $50โ€“$400 (G1)
Filter assembly$184.14 (154283005) [S2][GUIDE] filter $50โ€“$125 (G1); replace filter $90โ€“$175 (G2)Only if damaged
Drain hose$32.41โ€“$103.90 (807117001 to 5300809112) [S3][GUIDE] drain hose $50โ€“$100 (G1); $80โ€“$180 (G2)
Check valve$11.15 (807048001) [S4]Varies โ€” get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2)Cheap part; labor is the cost
Drain pump$50.12โ€“$138.13 (154580301 to 5304483444) [S1][GUIDE] pump replacement $150โ€“$400, pump repair $100โ€“$250 (G1); drain pump replacement $100โ€“$400, part $20โ€“$100 (G2)Most common real part
Electronic control board$85.10โ€“$212.38 (117492610 to 807024601) [S5][GUIDE] control panel replacement $200โ€“$500 (G1); control board $200โ€“$600 (G2)Diagnose first
Air gap installationโ€”[GUIDE] $80โ€“$150 (G2)Plumbing
Frigidaire dishwasher repair (brand range)โ€”[GUIDE] Frigidaire $50โ€“$500 (G1, brand-specific, all repair types)
Diagnosis / service feeโ€”[GUIDE] diagnostic fee $50โ€“$75 (G1); minimum service fee $70โ€“$130 incl. first hour (G2)
New comparable dishwasherโ€”[GUIDE] $400โ€“$700 plus $100โ€“$300 installation (G1); $600โ€“$1,700 (G2); all brands

Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1โ€“S5). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not Frigidaire-specific quotes except where marked. Prices change; confirm with your model number.

Tip: check the glass trap and the high loop before paying for a pump. Those two fixes clear many i20 codes.

Repair vs. replace calculator

1. What's the all-in repair cost? โ†’ R = trip/diagnostic fee + part + labor + tax, minus anything Frigidaire's warranty (or a recall) covers
2. What does a comparable new dishwasher cost, all-in? โ†’ N = unit + delivery + installation + haul-away
3. How old is your dishwasher, and how long should it last? โ†’ Age and Life (use about 11 years, inside HomeGuide's 8โ€“15-year range, if you don't know)
4. How much have you spent on repairs in the last 2 years? โ†’ Past

Step A โ€” Cost ratio: R รท N
Step B โ€” Life used: Age รท Life
Step C โ€” Repeat-repair check: (R + Past) รท N

Life used under 50%Life used over 50%
Repair under 50% of newโœ… Repair๐Ÿค” Repair is usually fine. Check for other wear
Repair over 50% of new๐Ÿค” Get a second quote firstโŒ Replace

Repeat-repair rule: if Step C is over 50%, treat it like the bottom-right box: money keeps going into the same machine. If the part is no longer available for your model, that decides it.

Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): A Frigidaire installed last week shows i20 on its first cycle. The disposer knockout plug is still in. Removing it fixes the drain. R = $0.
โ†’ Not a repair.

Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 5-year-old Frigidaire hums but won't drain; a tech replaces the drain pump. R = $260; N = $750; no other repairs.
260 รท 750 = 35%; life used 5 รท 11 = 45%; repeat check 35% โ†’ Repair.

Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): A 10-year-old Frigidaire needs a control board: R = $380. It needed a pump last year for $250. N = $700.
380 รท 700 = 54%; life used 10 รท 11 = 91%; repeat check (380 + 250) รท 700 = 90% โ†’ Replace.

Tips toward replacing: the dishwasher is 8+ years old, it needs a board, the tub is rusting, or a second repair within about 2 years.
Tips toward repairing: it's a pump, hose, or check valve, the dishwasher cleans well otherwise, or it's in year 1.

Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb, and the one we use. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new dishwasher's price, so treat a repair that costs 50โ€“60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace. The older the dishwasher, the lower the line should go.

Who services Frigidaire dishwashers near you

1. Frigidaire (warranty or official service). In year 1, start with Frigidaire. Have the model and serial number from the label.
โ†’ Frigidaire support ยท 1-800-374-4432

2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them whether you see i20, whether the pump hums, and that you've checked the hose, trap, and knockout plug.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

3. A plumber. If the sink drain, disposer, or air gap is clogged. The air gap isn't part of the dishwasher.

4. DIY with the right part. Drain hoses and filters are manageable. Order by your exact model number.

Questions to ask any technician:

Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?

A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: plans often exclude clogs and plumbing. A dishwasher that's already broken is usually not covered.

FAQ

Why is my Frigidaire dishwasher not draining?
Frigidaire's top causes: a kinked or badly installed drain hose, a clogged glass trap or filter, a disposer knockout plug that wasn't removed, or a paused cycle.

What does i20 mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
The dishwasher isn't draining properly. Check the knockout plug, the hose for blockages or pinches, a hose height of at least 32 in, and the glass trap and filter.

How do I reset a Frigidaire dishwasher?
Press and hold Cancel. For i20, Frigidaire also lists turning off the breaker or unplugging for 3 minutes.

How do I clean the glass trap?
Press down on the center of the lower wash arm, turn the trap handle clockwise, lift the arm and trap out, empty it, then reinstall and turn it counterclockwise until it snaps in.

How high should the drain hose be?
At least 32 in off the floor, then routed down to the drain.

Is the air gap covered by Frigidaire's warranty?
No. Frigidaire says the air gap isn't part of the dishwasher and isn't covered.

How much does it cost to fix a Frigidaire dishwasher that won't drain?
Often nothing. OEM Frigidaire/Electrolux drain pumps were about $50 to $138 on Sears PartsDirect when we checked on 2026-10-30. Fixr puts fixing a dishwasher that won't drain at $50 to $400.

About the author

Fix It or Replace editorial team โ€” We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for anything involving wiring or plumbing you're unsure about, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.

Sources

  1. Frigidaire US owner support: "Dishwashers - Not Draining" (newly installed: high loop, kinks; bumped or moved hose; glass trap and filter; disposer knockout plug; flashing lights on some models normal for a drain issue; hold Cancel 5โ€“10 seconds, start a new cycle). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/dishwashers-not-draining (accessed 2026-10-30)
  2. Frigidaire US owner support: "Dishwasher - Drain Hose Guide" (drain hose at least 32 in from the floor; fed down to the drain, not up; disposer drain plug removed). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1819549-dishwasher-drain-hose-guide (accessed 2026-10-30)
  3. Frigidaire US owner support: "Dishwasher Glass Trap and Filter Guide" (drain air gap not part of the dishwasher and not covered by warranty; cylinder fine filter counterclockwise, coarse filter; sponge or bottle brush). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1829617-dishwasher-glass-trap-and-filter-guide (accessed 2026-10-30)
  4. Frigidaire US owner support: "What can I do if my dishwasher is not draining?" (knockout plug; hose not kinked; cycle complete, not paused; glass trap/filter). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1852990-what-can-i-do-if-my-dishwasher-is-not-draining- (accessed 2026-10-30)
  5. Frigidaire US owner support: "Dishwasher Error Code i20 - Unit did not drain properly" (knockout plug; hose blocked, pinched; 32 in minimum; glass trap/filter; reset by holding Cancel, breaker off, or unplugging 3 minutes). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1830367-dishwasher-error-code-i20-unit-did-not-drain-properly (accessed 2026-10-30)
  6. Frigidaire Dishwasher Use & Care guide A05788501 (USA service 1-800-944-9044; disconnect power before servicing; enclosure panels; hydrogen gas after 2 weeks; disposer empty; 20 A fuse with a disposer; cancel: hold START/CANCEL 3 seconds, 90-second drain; glass trap in the center of a self-cleaning filter, rotate 90ยฐ clockwise while pressing the wash arm, reinstall counterclockwise, snapped in; water in tub bottom not normal; does not drain: disposer empty, knockout plug, hose not kinked, cycle complete, glass trap; suds and spilled rinse aid; air gap not part of the dishwasher, not covered; one-year limited warranty and exclusions incl. installation and instruction calls, consumables, accessibility costs). https://frigidaire.bynder.com/m/368f416b034d3b69/original/A05788501en-pdf.pdf (accessed 2026-10-30)
  7. Frigidaire dishwasher Quick Care guide A26298301 (glass trap filter; clean the trap monthly; press the wash arm center, rotate clockwise, lift, empty, reinstall counterclockwise, verify snapped in). https://frigidaire.bynder.com/m/6ab30acc0900d0ff/original/A26298301en-pdf.pdf (accessed 2026-10-30)
  8. Frigidaire US "Contact Us" (1-800-374-4432). https://www.frigidaire.com/en/contact-us/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  9. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: recalls search. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls (accessed 2026-10-30)
  10. Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
  11. Part prices: Sears PartsDirect public search pages, see S-list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
  12. Repair cost guides: Fixr (G1) and HomeGuide (G2), see list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
  13. Frigidaire US owner support hub. https://owner.frigidaire.com/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  14. ApplianceDB free developer sample (checked for Frigidaire US dishwasher codes; none in the sample, so not used for this page's tables). Data under the Open Database License (ODbL) v1.0. https://github.com/ApplianceDB/ApplianceDB-public (accessed 2026-10-30)

Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results, USD, accessed 2026-10-30; Frigidaire/Electrolux part numbers only; Crosley- and Ikea-labeled parts, housings, seals, clamps, brackets, connectors, other brands, and refrigerator filters excluded; prices change, confirm with your model number):

Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes unless marked; the guide pages carry 2023โ€“2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):

Disclosure

Fix It or Replace is an independent site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Frigidaire or Electrolux. "Frigidaire" and "Electrolux" are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the products we cover.

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