Code: i20🧺 Frigidaire Dishwasher

Frigidaire Dishwasher i20: Not Draining Completely (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Frigidaire lists i20 as "Unit did not drain completely" (also worded as not draining properly). The dishwasher owner's manual groups i20 with i40 and iF0 as clogged filters or a restricted drain line. Frigidaire says the code can be reset by pressing Cancel, turning power off at the breaker, or unplugging the dishwasher for 3 minutes; the manual says to turn the breaker off for 5 minutes, and to call Frigidaire Customer Care at 1-800-944-9044 if a reset doesn't clear it. Repair guides from iFixit and owner reports on AppliancePartsPros add a less obvious cause Frigidaire doesn't list: debris in the small pressure switch (pressure sensor) channel near the filter, which can make the drain pump keep running and set i20.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Press and hold Cancel to stop the cycle, then turn the dishwasher off at the breaker.
  2. Remove and clean both filters and the sump area at the bottom of the tub until they're free of food soil.
  3. Check the drain hose under the sink and behind the dishwasher for kinks, pinches or blockages.
  4. Make sure the drain hose rises at least 32 inches above the floor, as Frigidaire specifies.
  5. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposer, run the disposer to empty it. On a new installation, make sure the disposer's knockout plug was removed.
  6. Reset the control: leave the breaker off (or the dishwasher unplugged) for 3 to 5 minutes, then restore power and run a cycle.
  7. If i20 keeps returning, iFixit's guide shows cleaning the small pressure switch channel in the sump near the filter with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab, with power off. If that doesn't do it, call for service.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • i20 comes back after you've cleaned the filters and sump and checked the hose, its height and the disposer.
  • The display shows i50, which Frigidaire says is a drain or wash motor problem that needs service if a reset doesn't clear it.
  • The drain pump hums or keeps running but no water leaves the tub.
  • Removing or replacing the pressure switch, which means pulling the dishwasher out and working under it.
  • The dishwasher is under warranty. Call Frigidaire at 1-800-944-9044 rather than opening it up.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Dishwasher filter

Clean the filters first. Replace one only if it's torn or damaged, matching the part to your model number.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_FILTER]
⚙

Dishwasher drain hose

Only if the hose is crushed, split or permanently kinked.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_DRAIN_HOSE]
⚙

Dishwasher cleaner

Helps keep the sump and filters free of buildup between cleanings.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_CLEANER]
⚙

Dishwasher drain pump

Only after a technician confirms it has failed. Frigidaire's own i20 fixes are all about blockages.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_DRAIN_PUMP]

Sources

  1. Frigidaire support: Dishwasher Error Code i20 - Unit did not drain properly (checks and reset)
  2. Frigidaire support: Dishwasher Error Codes and Alarms Guide (i20, 32 inch hose height)
  3. Frigidaire dishwasher owner's manual 117859220 (i20/i40/iF0 clogged filters or restricted drain; i50 drain or wash motor)
  4. iFixit: How to Fix the Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher i20 Error Code (pressure switch channel)
  5. AppliancePartsPros: Frigidaire pressure sensor 5304504077 owner repair reports (i20/i30)

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.