FixByModel
i20

Frigidaire i20: Dishwasher did not drain

The unit ran the drain pump but water did not clear the tub in time. It is nearly always a clog or restriction in the filter, drain hose, or disposer.

DIY fix

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Dirty or clogged filter and sump at the bottom of the tub
  2. Kinked, pinched, or clogged drain hose
  3. Garbage disposer knockout plug left in on a new install
  4. Food clog in the disposer or drain connection
  5. Blocked air gap (if fitted)
  6. Failed or obstructed drain pump
The drain path — check in this order
1Tub
2Filter / sump
3Drain pump
4Drain hose
5Disposer / standpipe

Schematic illustration of a typical dishwasher — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Clean the filterRemove the bottom filter and sump cover and rinse away trapped food and grease under running water.
2Check the drain hoseTrace the hose to the sink or disposer and remove any kinks, loops, or clogs; keep the high loop at least 32 inches up.
3Clear the disposer/knockoutRun the garbage disposer to clear it, and confirm the knockout plug was removed on new installations.
4Check the air gapIf a counter air gap is fitted, remove the cap and clean out any buildup.
5Reset the unitPress Cancel or cut power for a few minutes to clear the code, then run a rinse cycle to confirm it drains.
6EscalateIf water still won't clear, have the drain pump inspected.

Still showing i20?

If you’ve worked through every step and i20 keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Frigidaire dishwashers. Frigidaire and Frigidaire Gallery dishwashers with i-series digital fault codes; i40 and iF0 point to the same drain/filter restriction.

FAQ

What does Frigidaire i20 mean?

Dishwasher did not drain. The unit ran the drain pump but water did not clear the tub in time. It is nearly always a clog or restriction in the filter, drain hose, or disposer.

What causes Frigidaire i20?

The most likely cause is dirty or clogged filter and sump at the bottom of the tub. Other causes include Kinked, pinched, or clogged drain hose; Garbage disposer knockout plug left in on a new install; Food clog in the disposer or drain connection; Blocked air gap (if fitted); Failed or obstructed drain pump.

Can I fix Frigidaire i20 myself?

Usually yes. Start by working through the steps above, beginning with: remove the bottom filter and sump cover and rinse away trapped food and grease under running water.