Manual Drain Cycle Guide
What is Manual Drain Cycle?
The manual drain cycle allows you to manually drain water from your Frigidaire dishwasher when the automatic drain function isn't working or when you need to interrupt a cycle to drain standing water.
Tools Needed:
- Towels or rags
- Shallow pan or bucket
- Flashlight
- Pliers (if needed for drain hose)
When to Use Manual Drain
| Power Outage | Drain dishwasher when power is out to prevent standing water |
| Drain Error | When dishwasher displays drain-related error codes |
| Cycle Interruption | Need to stop cycle and drain water immediately |
| Maintenance | Cleaning or servicing the dishwasher |
| Moving/Relocation | Preparing dishwasher for moving to prevent water leakage |
Warning Signs
- Water not draining after cycle completion
- Standing water in bottom of dishwasher
- Unusual noises during drain cycle
- Error codes related to drainage
Step-by-Step Manual Drain Process
Step 1: Safety First
Turn off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker to prevent electrical shock. Ensure dishwasher is not in mid-cycle.
Step 2: Access Bottom Area
Remove the bottom rack to access the dishwasher tub. Place towels around the area to catch any spilled water.
Step 3: Locate Drain Hose
Find the drain hose at the back or side of the dishwasher. It's usually a gray or black hose connected to the pump.
Step 4: Prepare Collection
Place a shallow pan or bucket under the drain hose connection point to catch the draining water.
Step 5: Disconnect Drain Hose
Carefully disconnect the drain hose from the pump assembly. Use pliers if necessary, but avoid damaging the hose.
Step 6: Drain Water
Allow water to drain completely into the collection pan. Tilt the hose downward to ensure all water drains out.
Alternative Method: Using Wet/Dry Vacuum
Setup
Use a wet/dry vacuum with appropriate attachments for water removal
Position
Place vacuum hose at the lowest point of dishwasher tub
Extraction
Slowly move vacuum hose to remove all standing water
Cleanup
Dispose of water properly and clean vacuum thoroughly
Troubleshooting Drain Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher won't drain | Clogged drain hose, faulty pump, drain blockage | Check for obstructions, clean drain filter, inspect pump |
| Slow draining | Partial clog, kinked drain hose | Straighten drain hose, remove debris from drain path |
| Water backs up | Sink drain clog, air gap blockage | Check sink drain, clean air gap, ensure proper installation |
| Drain pump noise | Foreign object in pump, worn pump motor | Remove objects from pump, replace if motor is faulty |
| Error codes | Drain system failure, sensor issues | Reset dishwasher, check error code meaning, call service |
Common Frigidaire Drain Error Codes
- E1 / E2: Drain time exceeded - Check for drain obstructions
- E3: Water not heating - May affect drain cycle completion
- E9: Water leak detected - Check drain connections and hoses
- PF: Power failure - May require manual drain after restoration
- LF: Long fill time - Can affect drain cycle operation
Preventive Maintenance
- Clean drain filter monthly
- Check drain hose for kinks quarterly
- Run cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner every 3 months
- Inspect drain pump annually
Manual Downloads
Current Model Manuals
Frigidaire Gallery
Professional Series Dishwashers
Frigidaire Professional
Built-in Dishwashers
Frigidaire Stainless
Standard Series Dishwashers
Frigidaire White
Basic Model Dishwashers
Popular Previous Models
Frigidaire FDB
Classic Series Dishwashers
Frigidaire FGB
Gallery Series Previous Gen
Frigidaire FFBD
Professional Previous Models
Frigidaire FSD
Standard Previous Models