How to Fix i20 Error on Dishwasher

If you’ve ever encountered your dishwasher suddenly stopping mid-cycle, flashing an “i20” error, you know just how frustrating it can be. The i20 error is a common issue with several leading brands, including Frigidaire, Electrolux, and AEG. This code universally signals a draining problem, meaning your dishwasher’s internal sensors have detected water that simply isn’t emptying from the tub quickly enough. As a result, the appliance stops running to prevent flooding or overflow, leaving dishes covered in soapy water, and you searching for solutions.

Thankfully, learning how to fix i20 error on dishwasher doesn’t require expert plumbing skills or an expensive service visit. Most often, it’s caused by a minor blockage—inside the filter, drain hose, or air gap—that can be identified and resolved at home. This detailed, step-by-step guide will walk you through diagnosing and fixing the most likely causes of an i20 error, using simple checks and easy-to-follow actions. With a clear sequence, practical safety tips, and troubleshooting advice, you’ll gain the confidence to get your dishwasher draining and washing like new.

What a Dishwasher i20 Error Means

Understanding what causes the i20 error is the first step in resolving it efficiently. At its core, the i20 error is a drain issue. During a wash cycle, the dishwasher’s pump is supposed to remove dirty water after the wash and rinse phases. If sensors detect that water remains in the tub for too long, the appliance flags an error and stops operating.

The Underlying Problems

The root causes of an I-20 code can range from minor obstructions to more significant blockages. While most cases involve a clogged filter or drain hose, occasionally the issue lies within the sump, air gap, or even further along in your kitchen’s plumbing. Some possible triggers include:

• A filter or mesh screen packed with food scraps and debris
• Foreign objects wedged in the sump or drain pump area
• A bent, kinked, or clogged drain hose
• An air gap filled with food residue
• Improper disposal of installation plugs during setup

Why Fast Action Matters

When the i20 error appears, water may not be removed from the tub, potentially resulting in standing water inside your appliance. This can create unpleasant odors, encourage mold or mildew, and leave dishes poorly washed. Promptly investigating and fixing the issue minimizes the risk of water damage, protects your dishwasher’s pump, and restores the machine to regular operation.

Safety First: Preparing to Work on Your Dishwasher

Before you begin addressing the i20 error, it’s vital to prioritize safety. Dishwashers are electrical appliances that operate in a wet environment—handling them carelessly can pose a risk of electric shock or injury.

Shutting Off Power

Always disconnect your dishwasher from its power source before you start repairs. For most models, you can simply unplug the unit from the wall outlet behind the appliance. If you can’t easily access the plug (if the dishwasher is hardwired under the counter), locate your home’s circuit breaker panel and switch the breaker for the dishwasher off. Confirm that all indicator lights and sounds on the dishwasher have ceased.

Preventing Water Spillage

While working on water flow and drainage issues, you will likely encounter standing water in the filter area, the hose, or elsewhere. Keep several absorbent towels or rags within reach to mop up any water that may spill onto the floor. If possible, place a shallow tray or baking sheet beneath hose connections before detaching them. Doing so helps prevent water damage to your flooring or cabinetry.

Checking and Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter

In most cases, a clogged or dirty filter is to blame for draining issues and the i20 error. The filter’s job is to catch food particles and debris before they enter the pump and drain hose, but over time, it can become overwhelmed and restrict water flow.

Locating and Removing the Filter

To begin, open your dishwasher’s door fully and remove the lower rack to expose the floor of the tub. Most modern dishwashers locate the filter beneath the bottom spray arm, at the very base of the appliance. The filter usually has a cylindrical shape with a handle or locking mechanism.

Gently twist or lift the filter assembly as indicated in your owner’s manual—typically counterclockwise unlocks it—then pull it straight up and out of its housing. Some models may include a flat, mesh screen alongside the main filter. Carefully remove this as well, noting its orientation for easy reassembly.

Thoroughly Cleaning the Filter Components

Move to your sink and gently rinse the filter under warm, running water. Use a soft brush—like an old toothbrush—to scrub away stubborn food particles, grease, and any residue clogging the mesh or fine screen. Pay special attention to corners and folds where debris accumulates. Inspect both the cylindrical and flat mesh elements until they are fully clear.

If you notice any cracks or signs of wear on the filter (such as a torn mesh), it’s a good idea to order a replacement. A compromised filter will allow larger debris to reach the pump and hoses, increasing the risk of future blockages.

Inspecting the Sump and Drain Pump Area

Once the filter assembly is removed, you’ll notice a small depression in the base of the tub—this is called the sump. It’s the collection point for water before it’s pumped out, and it can trap bits of food or small objects that slip past the filter.

Checking for Debris or Obstructions

Shine a flashlight into the sump area and use your fingers to gently feel around (be careful of any sharp fragments). Look for objects like glass shards, fruit pits, small bones, popcorn kernels, or pieces of plastic that may have bypassed the filter. If you encounter something, remove it cautiously.

If your dishwasher uses a sump cover or screen, check that it’s properly in place and not damaged. Some cover designs snap or screw in and can be removed to clear tightly wedged material. A clog here not only causes draining problems but can also jam or overload the pump itself, eventually resulting in an i20 code.

Inspecting the Pump Impeller

In some instances, a blocked or jammed pump impeller can cause draining failures. Depending on your comfort level, consult your owner’s manual about removing the sump cover to access the pump impeller. Gently rotate the impeller with your hand or a non-metallic tool to confirm it’s moving freely and is not obstructed by debris.

How to Fix i20 Error on Dishwasher: by Clearing the Drain Hose

If a cleaned filter and clear sump don’t resolve the i20 error, your next step is the drain hose. Dishwashers rely on this corrugated tube to move dirty water out of the appliance and into the under-sink plumbing or garbage disposal. Over time, the hose can develop clogs or become kinked, restricting flow.

Locating the Drain Hose Connection

Most dishwashers discharge water via a white, gray, or black corrugated hose connected to the back or side of the unit. Trace this hose as it exits the dishwasher and leads toward the sink. At the sink end, the hose is typically joined to either a garbage disposal inlet or a dedicated standpipe (a vertical pipe under the sink).

If your dishwasher is difficult to access, gently pull it a few inches away from the wall (after disconnecting power and water if necessary), which will give you better reach. Note how the hose routes through cabinetry so you can return it to its original position later.

Disconnecting and Clearing the Hose

To clear the drain hose, first loosen the spring clamp or screw-type clamp securing it to the disposal or standpipe. Carefully detach the hose—expect a small amount of water to drain, so keep a bucket or large towel ready.

Inspect the hose’s visible section for kinks that might restrict water flow. Next, attempt to blow air through the hose by mouth (for shorter hoses) or use a hairdryer on cool or low. If air passes through easily, the hose is likely clear.

If you suspect a blockage, gently feed a flexible, non-damaging tool—such as a straightened wire hanger with a small loop on one end, or a simple plumber’s snake—through the hose. Slowly work the tool back and forth, feeling for resistance and using it to dislodge any soft plugs or compacted debris.

When all obstructions are cleared, rinse the hose with warm water. Additionally, inspect the garbage disposal’s dishwasher inlet for remnants of the installation knockout plug. If the plug hasn’t been removed, water from the dishwasher cannot drain and will trigger errors.

Reattach the hose to its fitting, ensuring a secure and watertight connection.

Checking for an Air Gap Clog

An air gap is a small cylindrical device, usually mounted near the top of the kitchen sink, that prevents backflow from the sink into the dishwasher. If your setup has an air gap, a clog here can also cause an i20 error.

Cleaning the Air Gap

Remove the chrome cover or cap on top of the air gap by lifting or unscrewing it. Beneath, you’ll find a small plastic piece that attaches to the sink or countertop. Pull this cover off gently.

Look inside for food particles or grease buildup blocking the opening. Use a small bottle brush or pipe cleaner to clear any debris from within the air gap and its connecting pipes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. After cleaning, replace the plastic cover and decorative cap.

A clean air gap will allow water to flow smoothly from the dishwasher’s hose into the sink drain, reducing the risk of draining problems.

Resetting Your Dishwasher After the Fix

Once all cleaning and reassembly steps are complete, it’s time to restore your dishwasher and check for successful repairs.

Reassembling the System

Replace the cleaned filter and mesh screen in the floor of your dishwasher tub, locking them in place as per your manual’s instructions. Ensure the sump cover (if any) is secure and the drain hose is properly attached at both ends.

Power On and Run a Test Cycle

Reconnect the power supply by plugging your dishwasher back in or flipping the breaker switch on. Close the door and select a short “Rinse” or “Drain” cycle, or simply restart your last wash cycle. Observe the dishwasher’s operation as it attempts to pump water out. Look and listen for normal draining sounds, and check for water properly leaving the tub.

If the cycle completes without triggering the i20 error, you’ve solved the problem. Open the door after completion and check for the absence of standing water at the bottom. If the error returns, recheck each previous step or consider reaching out for a professional assessment, as a more complex pump or sensor issue may be to blame.

Conclusion

The i20 error doesn’t have to spell disaster for your daily kitchen routine. In most cases, a little time and effort dedicated to filter, sump, hose, and air gap maintenance is all that’s required. By following the step-by-step instructions above on how to fix i20 error on dishwasher, you can quickly restore your appliance’s draining power and avoid an unnecessary service call.

Remember, prompt attention prevents odors, water damage, and additional mechanical stress. With every cycle that completes as it should, you preserve the longevity and performance of your dishwasher. Armed with a clear troubleshooting process, practical cleaning advice, and a basic understanding of your dishwasher’s drainage system, you can now face the i20 code with confidence—getting your dishes (and your schedule) back on track.