Opening the dishwasher to find cloudy water sitting in the bottom is unpleasant, but it is often fixable without parts. Keep in mind that a small amount of clean water in the sump area under the filter is normal on most models, since it keeps seals from drying out. The concern is water covering the tub floor.
Before You Touch Anything
- Let the dishwasher cool. Water at the end of a cycle can be hot.
- Switch off power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker, or unplug it if it is plug-connected and the plug is easily reachable.
- Put towels on the floor in front of the door.
Owner-Level Checks
- Clean the filter. Remove the lower rack and take out the filter assembly as your owner's manual shows. Many current Frigidaire dishwashers use a manual-clean filter that needs regular rinsing. Scrub it under warm running water with a soft brush.
- Clear the sump area. Scoop out standing water with a cup and sponge, then remove visible debris such as glass fragments, seeds or labels. Wear gloves if broken glass is possible.
- Check the garbage disposal. If the dishwasher drains into a disposal that was recently installed, the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet may never have been removed. Also run the disposal to clear it.
- Look at the drain hose under the sink for a kink or sag, without disconnecting it.
Reinstall the filter until it locks, restore power, and run a short rinse or drain cycle to test.
When It Is More Than a Clog
If the filter and sump are clean and water still stays behind, or the dishwasher shows a drain-related alert from the error table in your manual, the drain pump, a blockage inside the hose, or the air gap may be the issue. Those repairs involve disconnecting plumbing and electrical components under the tub, which is technician work. Our Frigidaire dishwasher repair page explains how to book.