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ELECTROLUX i20

Electrolux Dishwasher Error i20: Drain Issue — Dishwasher Did Not Drain Properly

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The dishwasher attempted to drain but could not remove water from the tub within the expected time. Water remains in the sump or tub. The most common causes are a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, or an incorrect drain hose installation height.

Severity

Medium - some user checks may help, but repeated faults often need service.

Can you fix it yourself?

Partial — start with DIY steps

Most likely cause

Drain filter and sump screen clogged with food debris — the most frequent cause on Frigidaire and Electrolux dishwashers

Estimated time for safe first checks: 15–30 min for filter and hose checks; professional if pump has failed.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Turn off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker before reaching into the sump area.
  2. Remove the lower dish rack. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly in the bottom of the tub — twist it counterclockwise and lift it out.
  3. Rinse the filter and glass trap under hot running water, using a soft brush to clear any trapped food debris or grease.
  4. Reinstall the filter and confirm it is locked back into place.
  5. Under the sink, check that the drain hose forms a high loop or connects to an air gap fitting, and that the apex of the loop is at least 32 inches above the floor.
  6. Straighten any kinks in the drain hose. If connected to a garbage disposer, confirm the knockout plug in the disposer inlet was removed at installation.
  7. If an air gap fitting is installed on the countertop, remove its chrome cap and check both chambers for blockages.
  8. Restore power and run a drain-only cycle — press Cancel and wait for the pump to clear the tub.
  9. If i20 returns after all filter and hose checks, the drain pump may be clogged or failed. Call a technician.

If it's still not draining

  • If the drain path looks clear but the code returns, the issue is more likely in the pump path or another less accessible restriction.
  • If the door closes normally but the warning keeps returning, the latch or switch path becomes more likely than a simple alignment issue.
  • i20 persists after cleaning the filter, correcting drain hose routing, and verifying the disposer knockout plug is removed

What This Error Means

Error i20 on your Electrolux dishwasher means: The dishwasher attempted to drain but could not remove water from the tub within the expected time. Water remains in the sump or tub. The most common causes are a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose, or an incorrect drain hose installation height. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and paused operation.

The most frequent cause is drain filter and sump screen clogged with food debris — the most frequent cause on frigidaire and electrolux dishwashers. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most Electrolux dishwasher errors are resolved without a service call.

Many cases of i20 can be resolved by the homeowner using the steps below. If the DIY checks do not resolve the error, a technician is needed.

The drain filter and glass trap at the bottom of the tub are the first things to check on any Electrolux dishwasher drain error. They collect food debris over time and should be removed and rinsed monthly. Cleaning them takes about 10 minutes and resolves the majority of drain faults without further work.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The Electrolux dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: Drain filter and sump screen clogged with food debris — the most frequent cause on Frigidaire and Electrolux dishwashers

Check first: SAFETY: Turn off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker before reaching into the sump area.

Water may remain inside the appliance instead of clearing normally.

Likely cause: Knockout plug not removed from garbage disposer inlet when dishwasher was first installed

Check first: Remove the lower dish rack. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly in the bottom of the tub — twist it counterclockwise and lift it out.

Performance may drop because airflow, filtering, or draining is restricted.

Likely cause: Drain hose not elevated to at least 32 inches above the floor, allowing water to siphon back into the tub

Check first: Rinse the filter and glass trap under hot running water, using a soft brush to clear any trapped food debris or grease.

Common Causes

  • Drain filter and sump screen clogged with food debris — the most frequent cause on Frigidaire and Electrolux dishwashers
  • Knockout plug not removed from garbage disposer inlet when dishwasher was first installed
  • Drain hose not elevated to at least 32 inches above the floor, allowing water to siphon back into the tub
  • Kinked or pinched drain hose under the sink restricting flow
  • Clogged or faulty drain pump unable to move water out of the sump

What Not to Do

  • Do not run repeated cycles with standing water in the tub — the heating element can overheat without adequate water flow

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • Electrolux dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
  • If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.

Display and panel differences

  • Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.

Parts, Tools and Service Options

Common parts

  • Drain pump assembly ($40–$90)
  • Drain hose if kinked or cracked ($10–$25)
  • Filter assembly if the mesh is torn ($15–$35)

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Electrolux dishwasher parts.

Service option

Electrolux service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.

Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.

When Not to Keep Troubleshooting

i20 persists after cleaning the filter, correcting drain hose routing, and verifying the disposer knockout plug is removed

  • The drain pump runs but water remains in the tub after a full drain cycle

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Clean the drain filter every four weeks — food and grease accumulation in the sump is the leading cause of i20 on Frigidaire and Electrolux dishwashers
  • Run the garbage disposer before starting the dishwasher if they share a drain connection

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on Electrolux support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
  • The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.

Source and model notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-09

Based on: Based on Electrolux support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View Electrolux US Official Support

Model coverage note: Electrolux dishwasher code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.

Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.

Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.