E20
Frigidaire Washer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
E20 means your Frigidaire washer can't drain the water out after a cycle. Your clothes may end up sitting in water at the end of a wash. The most common cause is a clogged drain pump filter or kinked hose.
Affected Models
- Frigidaire FFTW4120SW
- Frigidaire FFTW1001PW
- Frigidaire Gallery FGFW4065PW
- Frigidaire Classic Series
Common Causes
- Drain pump filter is clogged with lint, coins, or small items
- Drain hose is kinked, bent, or inserted too far into the standpipe
- Household drain pipe or standpipe is blocked
- Drain pump has failed or an object is jammed in the impeller
- Drain hose is positioned too low, causing water to siphon back in
How to Fix It
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Cancel the current cycle and let the washer attempt to drain on its own.
Some water may remain inside. Have towels ready before opening the door.
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Check the drain hose at the back of the washer for any kinks or tight bends.
The drain hose should curve gently into a standpipe or laundry tub — not be bent sharply.
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Locate and clean the drain pump filter.
On front-load Frigidaire washers, the filter is usually behind a small access panel at the bottom front. Twist it counterclockwise to open — water will spill out, so place a towel down first.
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Remove any debris — coins, bobby pins, lint — from inside the filter and the pump housing.
Even a small coin can jam the pump impeller and cause E20.
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Run a short drain-and-spin cycle to test.
If water still won't drain, the pump itself may be faulty and need replacing.
When to Call a Professional
If the drain pump is jammed or burned out, a technician should replace it. A pump replacement is a moderate repair that requires disassembling part of the washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there water left in my washer after E20?
The washer stops mid-cycle when it detects a drain failure. The remaining water couldn't be pumped out. Clean the drain filter first — this resolves the issue most of the time.
How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
Clean it every 1–3 months depending on how often you wash. Households with pets or children tend to clog the filter faster. Make it part of your regular appliance maintenance routine.
Can I use my washer until I fix E20?
It's best not to — the washer will keep stopping mid-cycle. Standing water can also cause mold and odors inside the drum. Fix the drain issue before running another full wash cycle.