There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your washing machine, only to find a pool of water and soggy clothes inside. If your washer refuses to drain, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common laundry headaches.
Knowing how to fix a washing machine that won’t drain can save time, money, and even your favorite outfit. In this article, you’ll find simple troubleshooting steps, practical tips, and insights to get your washer working again in no time.
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How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
When your washing machine refuses to drain, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it can bring laundry day to a standstill and may even leave you with soggy clothes and a potential mess. Luckily, diagnosing and fixing a washer that won’t drain is possible in many cases, even if you don’t consider yourself especially handy. Let’s walk through clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and practical advice to help you get your washing machine back in working order.
Why Won’t My Washing Machine Drain?
A washing machine typically drains water after it washes your clothes. If you notice standing water in the drum or your clothes are still soaking wet after the cycle, something has interrupted the draining process. Here are some common reasons:
- Clogged or blocked drain hose: Lint, socks, or small clothing items can block the hose.
- Faulty drain pump: Sometimes, debris or a failed motor can cause the pump to malfunction.
- Lid switch problems: On top-loaders, the washer won’t drain or spin if the lid switch is broken.
- Obstructed pump filter: Modern washers often have a filter to catch debris, which can become clogged.
- Faulty or kinked hoses: Hoses might be bent, twisted, or pinched off, interrupting water flow.
- Drain height issues: If the drain hose is too high or low, it can affect draining efficiency.
Understanding what might be behind the issue helps you approach the fix methodically.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
Below, we’ll go through logical steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Always remember safety first: unplug your washing machine before beginning any check or repair.
1. Remove Standing Water from the Drum
Before you investigate further, you need to clear out the water in your washing machine. Here’s how:
- Unplug the washing machine.
- If available, use a “Drain” or “Spin” cycle to try draining the water.
- If not, scoop water out of the drum with a bucket or cup.
- Place towels on the floor and remove any remaining water with a wet/dry vacuum or by gently tipping the machine (if possible).
This step prevents mess and makes inspection easier.
2. Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose is a frequent culprit when it comes to drainage issues.
- Locate the hose at the back of your washer. It connects your machine to the home’s drain or a laundry tub.
- Inspect for kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten the hose if it’s kinked.
- Detach the hose (have a bucket ready for any residual water).
- Run water through the hose using a tap or hose to check for clogs. If water doesn’t flow freely, there’s likely an obstruction that needs clearing.
- Reattach firmly, ensuring it’s not pinched or twisted.
3. Inspect and Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Many front-loading washers feature a drain pump filter to catch coins, lint, hair, and other debris.
- Locate the pump filter. This is usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of your washer.
- Open the cover and have a shallow pan or towels ready—some water may spill out.
- Unscrew or open the filter and remove any debris.
- Rinse the filter under running water, then replace it securely.
This simple task often resolves standing water issues.
4. Examine the Drain Pump
The pump moves water from the machine into the drain hose. It may be blocked, jammed, or faulty.
- Access the pump (check your washer’s manual for location—it’s often at the bottom).
- Look inside for stuck items like coins, buttons, or small clothing articles.
- Turn the impeller (the small fan-like blade) to check for free movement.
- Check for water leaks or rust; these could indicate the pump needs replacing.
- If clogged, clean out debris. If the pump shows signs of damage or doesn’t function, it may require replacement.
5. Test the Lid Switch or Door Lock
For top-loading machines, a faulty lid switch often halts the draining cycle for safety reasons. On front-loaders, the problem might lie with the door lock mechanism.
- Press the lid switch to see if it clicks. If not, it might be broken.
- Check for loose wires or obvious breaks.
- Replace the switch if it’s faulty.
Replacing these is generally straightforward, but consult your washer’s manual for exact instructions.
6. Investigate the Coin Trap (if applicable)
Some washers feature a coin trap that collects small items before they clog the pump or drain.
- Locate the trap (often near the pump or on the drain line).
- Open and clear out debris.
- Securely close before running the washer again.
7. Assess the Drain Height and Placement
Incorrect installation of the drain hose can also result in poor or no drainage:
- Make sure the drain hose is between 24 and 40 inches above the floor.
- Do not seal the hose tightly into the standpipe; it needs some air to drain properly.
- Check for any bends or loops below the washer level, which can trap water.
8. Try a Spin & Drain Cycle
After making the above checks and fixes:
- Plug the washer back in.
- Run a short “Spin & Drain” cycle or simply the “Spin” cycle.
- Check if water drains out as expected.
If your washer still doesn’t drain, it could point to a more technical issue, such as a wiring fault, electronic failure, or pump motor problem.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
- Regularly clean the pump filter every month to avoid issues.
- Double-check pockets before washing to prevent objects from entering the pump.
- Use correct detergent amounts; too much can create excessive suds, inhibiting drainage.
- Avoid overloading your washing machine, as this places extra strain on drains and pumps.
When to Call a Professional
If you have followed all the steps above and your washing machine still does not drain, or if you suspect an electrical or electronic failure, it’s wise to call a qualified appliance technician. Some repairs, especially involving wiring or the control panel, require special tools and expertise. Attempting these on your own can cause further damage or void warranties.
Possible Challenges
- Hidden debris: Small items can get lodged deep in hoses or the pump.
- Difficult access: Pumps or filters can be tricky to reach, especially on top-load machines.
- Messy spills: Draining the machine can result in water leaks.
- Fragile parts: Many components are plastic and can break if handled roughly.
- Persistent electrical faults: Some problems may require diagnostic tools to uncover.
With patience and care, most people can handle basic drainage issues themselves, but don’t hesitate to get help if a repair feels outside your comfort zone.
Summary
A washing machine that refuses to drain can be caused by clogs in hoses or filters, a jammed or broken pump, issues with switches or locks, or simple installation errors. By carefully following troubleshooting steps—unplugging the machine, checking hoses, cleaning filters, examining the pump, and verifying switch function—you can often solve the problem and save a service call. Regular maintenance and careful use go a long way toward preventing future drainage headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do first if my washing machine won’t drain?
Start by unplugging your washer for safety, then remove any standing water using a bucket or a wet/dry vacuum. This makes it easier to check hoses, filters, and the pump for blockages.
2. Can I use drain cleaner to clear my washing machine’s blockage?
No, you should avoid chemical drain cleaners in washing machines. These chemicals can damage the machine’s rubber and plastic components and often don’t reach the actual blockage. Mechanical removal is best.
3. How often should I clean my washing machine’s filter?
Check and clean your washer’s filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you have pets, hard water, or do lots of heavy laundry. This helps prevent clogs and keeps your washer running smoothly.
4. My washer still won’t drain after cleaning the hose and filter. What next?
If simple cleaning hasn’t solved the issue, the problem may lie with the drain pump, a faulty switch, or a technical/electronic fault. Consider consulting a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.
5. Could a full load cause drainage problems?
Yes, overloading your washing machine can strain the drain system and prevent proper draining. Make sure to use the correct load size and avoid stuffing the drum too full.
A little maintenance and troubleshooting can keep your washer healthy and your laundry routine running smoothly. By following these steps, you can address most drainage problems on your own and know when it’s time to call for help.