If you have a Frigidaire washer that is not draining water properly, it can be a frustrating problem. Water remaining in the wash tub after the cycle finishes prevents you from being able to use the washer for subsequent loads of laundry. There are several potential causes for a Frigidaire washer failing to drain correctly, but the good news is that this is often an easy problem to diagnose and repair yourself. With some basic troubleshooting, you can likely get your washer draining properly again in no time.

Check for Drain Clogs

One of the most common reasons a Frigidaire washer won’t drain is because there is a clog in the drain system that prevents water from emptying out of the wash tub. There are a couple areas where you should check for clogs:

Examine the Drain Pump Filter

The drain pump filter is often the culprit when a washer won’t drain. This small filter catches objects like coins, buttons, and other debris that could clog the drain. Over time, enough debris builds up here to block water from passing through. To check this filter:

• Unplug the washer for safety.
• Locate the small access door near the bottom front of the washer. The drain pump filter is housed here.
• Twist the access door counterclockwise to unlock and remove it.
• Pull out the round drain pump filter inside and examine it. Rinse it under water to remove lint and debris.
• If the filter is very dirty, clogged with debris, or damaged, replace it with a new one.
• Reinsert the cleaned filter back into the access door and reattach the door to the washer. Twist it clockwise to lock it into place.

Cleaning out a clogged drain pump filter allows water to flow freely through the drain system again. Run a test cycle to confirm the washer is now draining completely.

Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose is the other place where clogs often occur. To check here:

• Pull the washer out from the wall so you can access the back.
• Locate the flexible plastic drain hose that runs from the washer to your home’s drain pipe.
• Disconnect the hose from the drain pipe end. Inspect it for debris, sludge buildup, or mold clogs.
• Flush the hose out with water to clean it if needed. Make sure the hose is free of any clogs or kinks.
• Reattach the hose securely to the drain pipe.

With any debris cleared from the drain hose, water should now drain without obstruction. Push the washer back into place and test a cycle.

Inspect the Drain Hose

If clearing clogs does not solve the problem, the next step is to inspect the drain hose more thoroughly. Issues with the hose itself can impede proper drainage:

Check for Kinks or Bends

It’s important that the flexible drain hose is positioned properly, without any sharp bends or kinks that restrict water flow.

• Pull the washer out and examine the drain hose. Make sure there are no kinks or sharp bends in the hose.
• Check where the hose connects to the drain pipe. This is often an area where kinks occur.
• Straighten out any kinks or bends so the hose has a smooth, sloped shape allowing water to flow freely.

Kinks in the drain hose are a common yet easily correctable cause of drainage problems.

Ensure the Hose is Installed Properly

Another issue that arises with the drain hose is improper installation. For proper drainage, the drain hose must be positioned correctly:

• The hose should run from the back of the washer to the drain pipe with a consistent downward slope. No sections of the hose should be higher than the washer.
• The hose should not be extended more than 5-8 feet; a longer hose can impede drainage.
• The hose must be inserted into the drain at least 4-6 inches for stable drainage flow. Using the elbow connector piece can help achieve proper insertion depth.

Checking that the drain hose is correctly positioned according to these guidelines will remove obstructions to water flow.

Check the Drain Pump

The drain pump uses an impeller to push water from the wash tub through the drainage system. If this pump becomes faulty, it can fail to effectively drain the washer. Here’s how to check the drain pump:

Disconnect the Drain Hose

The first step is detaching the drain hose from the rear of the machine to access the pump:

• Locate the clamp holding the drain hose to the washer’s drain outlet.
• Loosen the clamp with pliers and slide it upward on the hose.
• Detach the hose from the washer so it’s free.

With the hose detached, you can now examine the drain pump.

Check for Debris

It’s common for small objects or debris to become lodged in the drain pump impeller. Check for debris:

• Shine a flashlight at the washer’s drain outlet. Look for obstructions in the drain pump impeller.
• Try gently probing the outlet with a pair of long pliers to dislodge and remove debris.

Removing debris frees up the impeller so it can properly pump water again. Reattach the drain hose securely before testing.

Remove the Pump

If the impeller remains clogged after attempting to clear debris, the next step is removing the drain pump for a thorough inspection and cleaning. This involves:

• Tipping the washer over onto its front face safely. Never tilt a top-load washer onto its side or back.
• Detaching the drain pump mounting screws. These are located on the underside of the removed front panel.
• Disconnecting the drain pump wiring harness.
• Lifting out the drain pump assembly. Rinse under water while manually turning the impeller to clear out debris.

Removing and cleaning the drain pump provides full access for clearing any obstructions. Refit the cleaned pump, reconnect any wiring, and reattach to the washer before testing.

Inspect the Lid Switch

The lid switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the washer from running when the lid is open. If the lid switch becomes faulty, it can prevent the washer from draining properly. Here’s how to check this component:

Check for Damage

Damaged or defective lid switches will fail to complete electrical circuits. Visually inspect the lid switch for any damage:

• Locate the lid switch on the washer’s front panel. It has a small button that makes contact when the lid closes.
• Check for any cracks, corrosion, or malformation of the button. Look for signs of mechanical wear or failure.
• Press the button manually to feel for proper spring-loaded resistance.
• If damage is present, replace the lid switch with a new one.

Test Function

You can test lid switch function with a multimeter:

• Set the multimeter to test for continuity.
• With the lid open, touch the multimeter probes to the lid switch terminals. It should show no continuity.
• Close the lid, keeping the probes on the switch. The meter should now show full continuity.
• If the switch fails to make contact when the lid closes, this indicates failure. Install a replacement lid switch.

A properly functioning lid switch completes the circuit when closed so the washer can proceed through drain cycles.

Table Comparing Repair Methods

Method	Effort	Effectiveness	Cost
Check drain pump filter	Easy	High	Free
Clear drain hose clogs	Moderate	High	Free – $10 supplies
Replace drain hose	Moderate	High	$25-$50 parts
Remove and clean drain pump	Moderate	High	$0-$50 parts
Replace lid switch	Easy	Moderate	$10-$20 parts
Call appliance technician	Easy	High	$80-$150 service fee

In my experience, taking the time to thoroughly check the drain pump filter, hose, and pump itself will solve the vast majority of drainage issues. Replacing parts like the hose or lid switch is rarely needed in my work orders. I’d recommend trying the easier DIY steps first before resorting to part replacements or calling a technician.

Here are the key things I check when called to a “Frigidaire washer won’t drain” service appointment:

Clean Out the Drain Pump Filter

That small filter clogs up more often than folks realize. Pop it open and rinse it under warm water – you’ll be amazed how much gunk comes out! This step alone fixes many drainage problems.

Unkink the Drain Hose

It’s easy for hoses to get twisted. Make sure there are no tight bends impeding water flow. Straighten it out completely.

Disconnect and Check the Drain Pump

If needed, take the pump out and manually spin the impeller to clear debris. Reconnect everything tightly afterwards.

Confirm Lid Switch Function

Use a multimeter to test the electrical contacts engage when lid closes. Cheap part to replace if faulty.

Bottom line – don’t panic if your Frigidaire washer won’t drain. Just go through these troubleshooting tips methodically, and the fix will often be fast and simple. Let me know if any questions come up in your repair process!

Conclusion

When tackling a Frigidaire washer drainage issue, starting with the simplest solutions like cleaning the drain pump filter, clearing hose clogs, and inspecting drainage components will resolve most problems. Replacing parts is rarely needed, so focus on unclogging debris, removing obstructions, and fixing positioning issues first. With some diligent troubleshooting using the outlined steps, a non-draining Frigidaire washer can be fixed inexpensively in a short amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I clean out my Frigidaire washer drain pump filter?

A: Locate the small access door near the bottom front of the washer. Twist counterclockwise and remove it. Pull out the round filter inside and rinse under warm water until debris is cleared.

Q: My washer has power but the display is dead – what should I check?

A: This points to a faulty control board. First check that the wire harness to the board is securely plugged in. If it is, you most likely need a replacement control board.

Q: What should I do if my washer is leaking from the bottom?

A: Leaks underneath typically indicate a failing seal. Pull the washer out to inspect the door seal, tub seal, and water inlet seals for any cracks or excessive wear. Replace any seals that are leaking.

Q: Why does my washer make loud noises when spinning?

A: Strange noises often come from an unbalanced load. Try redistributing clothes to balance it out. If noise persists, the internal tub bearings could be worn out and require replacement.

Q: My washer won’t spin at all – what’s wrong?

A: Failed spin cycles point to either a broken drive belt, bad motor coupler, or failing motor. Taking off the cabinet reveals which part needs replacement.

Let me know if you have any other washer repair questions!