Why is my frigidaire dishwasher holding water at the bottom? the hidden truth revealed

If you’ve noticed water pooling at the bottom of your Frigidaire dishwasher, it’s time to investigate the cause. This issue can be frustrating, but understanding the potential culprits will help you troubleshoot and restore your dishwasher to proper working order.

Clogged Drain Hose

One of the most common reasons for water accumulation in the dishwasher is a clogged drain hose. Food particles, grease, and detergent residue can build up over time, obstructing the flow of water. To unclog the drain hose:

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Locate the drain hose, usually connected to the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Remove the hose from the dishwasher and check for any blockages.
4. If you find a clog, remove it using a drain snake or a pair of pliers.
5. Reattach the drain hose and reconnect the dishwasher.

Faulty Drain Pump

If the drain hose is clear, the problem may lie with the drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If it’s not working properly, water will accumulate in the bottom of the appliance. To test the drain pump:

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Locate the drain pump, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Remove the drain pump and check if it’s clogged or damaged.
4. If the drain pump is clogged, clean it using a damp cloth.
5. If the drain pump is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Broken Check Valve

Another potential culprit is a broken check valve. The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher once it has been drained. If the check valve is broken, water can leak back into the dishwasher and accumulate at the bottom. To check the check valve:

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Locate the check valve, usually connected to the drain hose.
3. Remove the check valve and inspect it for damage.
4. If the check valve is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Overflow Float Switch Failure

The overflow float switch is designed to detect when the water level in the dishwasher is too high. If the overflow float switch fails, it may not trigger the dishwasher to stop filling, resulting in water overflowing and accumulating at the bottom. To check the overflow float switch:

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Locate the overflow float switch, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Remove the overflow float switch and inspect it for damage.
4. If the overflow float switch is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Leaking Door Seal

A leaking door seal can also cause water to accumulate in the bottom of the dishwasher. The door seal is responsible for creating a watertight seal between the dishwasher door and the tub. If the door seal is damaged or worn out, water can leak out and pool at the bottom of the appliance. To check the door seal:

1. Inspect the door seal for any tears or cracks.
2. Run the dishwasher on a short cycle and observe if water is leaking from the door.
3. If the door seal is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Clogged Air Gap

An air gap is a small device installed in the kitchen sink countertop that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If the air gap becomes clogged, water can back up into the dishwasher and accumulate at the bottom. To clean the air gap:

1. Remove the air gap cover.
2. Clean the air gap using a damp cloth.
3. Reinstall the air gap cover.

Kinked Water Supply Line

A kinked water supply line can restrict the flow of water to the dishwasher. This can cause the dishwasher to fill slowly or not at all, resulting in water accumulating at the bottom. To check the water supply line:

1. Disconnect the water supply line from the dishwasher.
2. Inspect the water supply line for any kinks or bends.
3. If the water supply line is kinked, straighten it out.
4. Reattach the water supply line to the dishwasher.

Key Points: Troubleshooting Your Frigidaire Dishwasher Water Retention Issue

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can uncover the reason why your Frigidaire dishwasher is holding water in the bottom. Whether it’s a clogged drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or a broken check valve, identifying the root cause will empower you to resolve the issue and restore your dishwasher to optimal operation.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Why does my Frigidaire dishwasher keep filling with water?
A: A faulty overflow float switch or a kinked water supply line can cause the dishwasher to fill continuously.

Q: How do I know if my Frigidaire dishwasher drain pump is broken?
A: If the dishwasher is not draining properly and you hear a humming noise, the drain pump may be faulty.

Q: What is the purpose of the air gap in my kitchen sink?
A: The air gap prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the dishwasher, ensuring the cleanliness of the dishes.