What is the Frigidaire Dishwasher i30 error?#
i30 means the leak-detection float in the base of your Frigidaire dishwasher has tripped — it found water where water should not be. This is the code I take most seriously among the dishwasher faults, because it is protecting your floor and cabinets. The machine will usually stop and may run its drain pump continuously. Do not just reset and rerun it; find where the water is coming from first.
i30 on a Frigidaire Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#
On a Frigidaire Dishwasher, the i30 code signals: leak detected in base.
| Likely cause | Typical likelihood |
|---|---|
| Tub seal leak | Most common |
| Hose connection leak | Common |
| Door gasket failure | Less common |
| Spray arm crack | Occasional |
Typical professional repair: $150–$350 · Difficulty: hard · usually a technician job
Symptoms that often accompany i30: Water on kitchen floor; Dishwasher stops mid-cycle; Leak indicator light on
Technician diagnostic sequence for i30:
- Inspect door gasket for tears, food debris, or warping
- Tilt unit forward slightly to drain the base pan — even a small leak pools there
- Check hose connections at pump and inlet valve for drips
- Verify detergent type — non-dishwasher soap causes suds overflow triggering i30
Parts a technician may check or replace: door gasket; float switch assembly
Field note: The leak sensor float switch triggers from even tiny amounts of water in the base pan. Tip the unit forward, dry the pan, and run a cycle watching underneath to identify the actual leak source.
Safety note: Disconnect power before inspecting the base pan — leaked water may have reached electrical components.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Water pressure gauge ($60), spray arm tester, float switch multimeter ($85), and drain inspection camera. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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How to troubleshoot the i30 error yourself#
Treat i30 as a leak hunt. Pull the lower kick panel and look in the base pan for standing water — that confirms the float tripped for a real reason. Trace the usual sources: the door gasket for splits or debris that breaks the seal, the hose connections at the pump and inlet for drips, and the pump area for a weeping seal. Overfilling from too much detergent or the wrong type can also cause suds to trip the float, so rule that out. If you find and fix an obvious loose hose clamp or a fouled gasket, dry the pan fully and the float should reset. But if water keeps appearing and you cannot see the source, stop — a tub seam or pump seal leak needs a technician, and running the machine while it leaks risks real water damage.
Is the Frigidaire Dishwasher i30 error worth fixing?#
An i30 repair runs $150 to $350 depending on whether it is a gasket and hose fix or a deeper pump or tub seal. Weighed against a new dishwasher, that is a fraction of the cost, and given that the alternative is water damage to your cabinets and floor, fixing it promptly is clearly the right move. The only time I would consider replacing instead is an old machine where the tub itself has cracked — a cracked tub is one of the few dishwasher failures that can tip the scale toward a new unit.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Live 120V wiring in a wet environment is one of the most dangerous DIY scenarios. Water + electricity = serious shock risk. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Frigidaire Dishwasher i30: frequently asked questions#
What does the i30 error mean on a Frigidaire dishwasher?#
i30 means the leak-detection float in the base pan has sensed water, so the dishwasher stops to prevent a flood. It points to a leak somewhere in the tub, hoses, or seals.
Is it safe to keep using a Frigidaire dishwasher showing i30?#
No — i30 exists to stop water damage, so running the machine while it is leaking risks your floor and cabinets. Find the leak before using it again.
Can I clear the i30 error myself?#
Sometimes. If the cause is a loose hose, a fouled door gasket, or oversudsing, you can fix it and dry the pan to reset. A pump or tub seal leak needs a technician.
How much does it cost to repair i30 on a Frigidaire dishwasher?#
A professional repair typically runs $150 to $350, depending on whether it is a gasket and hose fix or a deeper seal.
Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws i30?#
The door gasket, hose connections, and pump seal are the common leak points; less often the tub itself develops a leak.
Why does a tub seal leak trigger the i30 error?#
A failing tub or pump seal lets water escape into the base pan, where the leak-detection float rises and trips, reporting i30.
Is a Frigidaire dishwasher with i30 worth repairing?#
Usually yes, and quickly — a $150 to $350 repair is far cheaper than water damage or a new dishwasher, unless the tub is cracked.
Senior Appliance Repair Technician · 15 years experience
EPA-certified technician with 15 years of experience specializing in refrigerator and cooling system repairs.
