E20

Frigidaire E20: Water will not drain

The washer cannot pump water out fast enough or at all. This is one of the most common Frigidaire faults and is usually a blockage in the drain path. Some models show it as E21.

DIY fix

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

Most likely causes

Debris caught in the drain pump filter or coin trap
Kinked, clogged, or too-high drain hose
Blocked or restricted household standpipe
Failed or jammed drain pump

The drain path — check in this order

1Drum

2Sump hose

3Filter

4Drain pump

5Drain hose

Schematic illustration of a typical washing machine — 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

1Cut the powerUnplug the washer and lay down towels, since water will spill when you open the trap.

2Clear the pump filterOpen the lower kickplate, unscrew the round filter cap, and remove coins, lint, and hair from the trap.

3Check the impellerLook into the filter housing and make sure the pump impeller spins freely without obstruction.

4Inspect the drain hoseStraighten kinks and confirm the hose is not clogged and not inserted more than a few inches into the standpipe.

5Test a drain cycleReassemble, restore power, and run a rinse and spin to confirm the water drains.

Still showing E20?

If you’ve worked through every step and E20 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 washing machines. Front-load models (Affinity, Gallery, Professional); often shown as E21 on digital-display models

FAQ

What does Frigidaire E20 mean?

Water will not drain. The washer cannot pump water out fast enough or at all. This is one of the most common Frigidaire faults and is usually a blockage in the drain path. Some models show it as E21.

What causes Frigidaire E20?

The most likely cause is debris caught in the drain pump filter or coin trap. Other causes include Kinked, clogged, or too-high drain hose; Blocked or restricted household standpipe; Failed or jammed drain pump.

Can I fix Frigidaire E20 myself?

Usually yes. Start by working through the steps above, beginning with: unplug the washer and lay down towels, since water will spill when you open the trap.