
Top 4 Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain or Spin
- 1. The load is unbalanced. Solution: Redistribute the load and run the washer again.
- 2. The drain hose is clogged, kinked or frozen. Solution: Make sure the hose is properly draining into the utility sink.
- 3. You’re using an extension cord. ...
- 4. There are excessive suds. ...
Full Answer
What causes a washing machine to not spin or drain?
Try These Easy Fixes
- Common Reasons a Washer Won’t Spin. In this post, we’ve outlined the most common reasons a washer won’t spin. ...
- Drive Belt. Your washing machine’s drive belt helps the motor power the spin of the drum by wrapping around the motor and a pulley wheel.
- Drive Motor. ...
- Motor Coupler. ...
- Lid Switch. ...
- Broken Pump. ...
- Repair Costs When a Washer Won’t Spin. ...
- Washer Won’t Spin? ...
Why is my washer not draining or spinning?
| What You Need to Know
- Check Your Machine’s Power Supply. Perhaps one of the easiest answers to the question, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” is in its power source.
- Reset Your Machine. If your machine has this function, try performing a master reset on it. ...
- Check the Machine’s Position on the Floor. ...
- Rebalance the Washer’s Load. ...
- Inspect the Lid Switch. ...
Why is my Whirlpool washing machine not spinning?
Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
- Unbalanced or Jammed Load. Clothes can jam in the washer between the drum and the basket, creating a walker. ...
- Level the Washer. If your washer isn’t completely level, it won’t be able to spin properly. ...
- Washer is Overloaded. ...
- Reset the Washer. ...
- Clogged or Kinked Drain Hose. ...
Why does my washing machine keep draining?
- Find the drain. Usually the drain of a washing machine is a pipe behind the machine that the hose on the machine pours into.
- Pour hot water down the drain.
- Buy a commercial drain cleaner.
- Detach the drain.
- Follow the directions on the packaging.

Why is my washer not draining and spinning?
If your washer won't drain or spin, the water level control may be faulty. Open the machine's control panel and look for a plastic tube attached to the water level valve. If it's clogged, clear it out with vinegar. If the valve itself is corroded, it may need to be replaced.
How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?
Drain Hose Problems To test this, remove the drain hose attached to the washer and make sure it is clear. An easy way to check that the drain hose is clear is to blow air through it. If nothing is obstructing the drain tube, the problem is most likely at the washing machine pump.
How do you force a washing machine to drain?
How to drain a washer filled with waterTry the spin cycle. ... Turn off the power and water supply. ... Remove and check the drain hose. ... Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ... Check your machine's inner workings. ... Check the drain pipe. ... Drain manually if needed. ... Call a service professional.
What can cause washing machine not to drain?
A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt. No matter the culprit, you need to drain the water from the washing machine before diagnosing the issue or doing any work to remedy the situation.
Will vinegar unclog a washing machine drain?
It's perfectly safe to pour vinegar by itself directly into your washing machine drain to get rid of minor clogs. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the best options for unclogging your washing machine drain. Vinegar is often mixed with water, lemon juice, baking soda, salt, or borax to help unclog drains.
How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is bad?
A common complaint is that the water in the washing machine drum will not drain, or that the washing machine has stopped mid-cycle with it still full of water. Another common issue is that the washing machine drum will not spin, or it won't drain properly.
How do you unclog a washer without a snake?
If you don't feel prepared to manually take apart your laundry unit and use a drain snake to clear dense debris from your clogged washing machine drain, you can also try flushing out your drainage systems with non-caustic home cleaning mixtures, typically made of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.
Where is the drain pump on a washing machine?
The drain pump may be located behind removable panels in either the front or back of the washing machine, even underneath the appliance, requiring you to tip the machine forward to access it (consult your owner's manual for instructions). You'll see a drain hose and inlet hose connected to it with spring clamps.
Can a washing machine drain hose get clogged?
The Common Causes of Washing Machine Clogs A blocked washing machine drain pipe is typically the result of: Soap residue buildup. Leftover dryer lint and fragments. Grease, oils and other materials on clothing prior to washing.
How do I clean the drain hose on my front load washer?
0:461:43How To: Clear The Drain Pump On Your Front Load Washer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow some models will have a drain hose if your model does what you'll want to do first is open theMoreNow some models will have a drain hose if your model does what you'll want to do first is open the hose and let the water drain. Once the water is drained you can then unscrew the pump filter.
Can you use Drano in washer drain pipe?
Yes. Drano or any drain cleaner can be used to unclog your washing machine drain, but make sure you run your washer without a load of laundry before normal use.
Why is my washer still soaking wet after a wash cycle?
Incorrect Draining Another reasonable cause for soaking wet clothing after your wash cycle is drain problems. If the washer cannot drain the soapy wash water, then it stays in the tub. The laundry items will sit in a tub full of water, so they are soaked, even if the cycle finishes with a spin.
1. Drain Pump Clogging
One of the most common reasons why your washing machine stops spinning is when the water can’t drain properly due to a clogged drain pump. This can happen when something gets stuck in the outlet pipe, which in turn prevents the steady flow of water in and out of the machine.
2. Unbalanced Sink
When the load is too heavy for the machine, your washing machine will detect a risk. If the drum moves too much or in an unbalanced way, this puts stress on the machine and can cause it to become unbalanced and prevent your washing machine from turning.
3. Gear Motor Wear
The motor cleats on your washing machine are used to connect the drum to the motor. The brushes can wear out over time, which means the machine will fill with water and run normally, but the tub or drum itself won’t rotate and your clothes won’t be cleaned effectively.
4. Check Power Source
While it may seem like an unnecessary thought, try double-checking that the washer is plugged in. Because it could be that your washing machine is not damaged, but your power outlet is the problem.
5. Incorrect Cable Roll
The electrical conductors plugged into your home by PLN are heavy-duty cables that are different from roll cables. Many roll cords or extension cords are not actually able to conduct enough electricity to start the washing machine motor, what happens next is the washing machine is damaged because the mains voltage is not appropriate.
6. Check the Washing Machine Panel
On top-loading washing machines, the small bump on the bottom of the lid pushes the switch when you close it. This serves as a safety precaution when the washing machine door is closed.
Why does my washing machine not leave water?
If you hear the washing machine's pump operating but no water is leaving the machine, it is likely that the rubber drain hose running from the back of the machine to the drain standpipe or washtub is clogged with cloth fibers. This can sometimes happen after you wash items like rugs, which may shed a lot of fabric fibers, or if the drain hose is pinched. If the hose is clogged, it can prevent the water from being pumped out of the machine.
What is the problem with a washing machine pump?
If nothing is obstructing the drain tube, the problem is most likely at the washing machine pump. If the hose is worn or badly kinked, replacing the hose may improve the ability of the machine to pump water.
How to find a clogged washer?
To determine where the clog is located, first, fill the washing machine with water. Turn the dial to the spin/drain setting and get ready to drain it. Position yourself where you can see the drain standpipe while still having access to the washer dial.
How does a clogged drain work?
A clogged drain causes water to back up into the standpipe and spill on the floor. Clearing the clogged drain will usually resolve the problem. The washing machine drain hose goes down about two feet into the plumbing drain standpipe.
Why does my washing machine pump sound like it is working?
If you can hear the pump operating but it sounds like it is laboring, there may be a piece of fabric or another item obstructing the pump mechanism. To remedy this, you'll need to shut off and drain the machine, then remove the washing machine panel to examine the water pump. The pump itself may be clogged, or the clog might be in the corrugated tube that leads to the pump.
How does a washing machine pump work?
The pump is operated by a drive belt that fits around pulleys on the bottom of the washing machine motor. If this belt is broken or isn't tight on the pulleys, the washing machine will have difficulty draining or may not drain at all. Fixing this will require you to turn machine over on its side to examine the belt.
How to tell if a washing machine is leaking?
With the door open and the machine running, press the switch by hand and listen for a clicking sound. If you don't hear it, the switch may need replacing.
Why won't my washing machine drain?
There are several common reasons why a washing machine won’t drain. One of these is caused by clogged hoses or hoses with kinks , which can restrict water flow and cause the machine to overflow. Another issue is broken parts, such as bad hoses or defective drain pumps. By running some simple tests on your own, you may be able to quickly diagnose the problem and solve it.
Why does my washer stop draining?
When the washer stops draining, it can be due to an internal error code or control panel malfunction. Resetting the machine to factory settings can resolve issues like these and get the washer working again.
Why is my washer still sitting in the tub?
If you notice water still sitting in the washer tub after washing a load of laundry, check to see if there are any obstructions blocking the drain line or if the pump itself has failed. A failed pump will likely have an audible issue, such as a grinding or whirring sound that may have started slowly and steadily increased over time. If you’re unsure, call a plumber to investigate further.
Why does my washing machine have a drain pump?
The drain pump in all washing machines is designed to evacuate the water from the tub after cycles of washing and rinsing. However, if during one of these draining cycles you hear that the pump appears to be running but water is either going down slow or not at all, then this usually indicates a problem with this pump.
How to check if washing machine drain hose is clogged?
To check the drainage hose for any clogs, make sure you turn off the washing machine and move it so you can access where the hose connects to the machine. Once you disconnect the hose from the washing machine, remove it from the basin or washtub.
How to fix a clogged drain hose in a washer?
It’s a simple fix, and won’t take long at all to resolve. Just shut the machine off, remove the hose, and clear out fibers that have gathered inside it. Then, attach the hose again and your Washer should be good as new.
How to replace washer drive belt?
To replace this belt, unplug the machine and turn it so you can access the back panel. Open the panel to find where the bottom of the drum is, then slide out the old belt. Attach the new belt according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Why does my washer turn off in the middle of the cycle?
If there isn’t enough power to run your washer, it will turn off in the middle of your cycle. Washers require a high amount of power, so be sure that your outlet can handle it.
Where is the drain pump on a washing machine?
On front-loaded machines, you can find this below the door and in the front. Top-loaded washing machines have the drain pump near the back.
How to remove hose clamp from washer?
You will want to remove the hose clamp from the end of the washer. Loosen the clamp and be ready for the release of water.
Why do you check the drive belt on a washer?
Because you happen to be checking out the pump, this also gives you an excellent opportunity to check out the drive belt. The drive belt is connected nearby to the pump and will typically run it so that your washer may spin and drain adequately .
What to do if your hose is clogged?
You can use a stiff brush to remove anything within reach. Otherwise, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove anything deeper. If the clog is in the pipes, check to see what types of drain cleaner your pipes can handle.
What is a coupler on a washing machine?
A coupler Is between the transmission and the motor to ensure that everything is running correctly. If the coupling breaks, the motor breaks with it, and no draining or spinning will occur. To handle this, you will need to remove the motor. The motor is beneath the cover for the washing machine.
How to stop pulley from moving?
To prevent the pulley from moving, some people like to use a zip tie. But others may not have the same issue as long as you can stretch the belt around all pulleys. Pulling these belts will require a bit of muscle, so don’t be afraid to force it a bit. After this, you can close up the machine and run a test to see if it is draining correctly.
Why won't my washing machine drain?
But most common of them are: drain pump filter clogged with debris or hair, bad drain pump, lid switch is broken or drain hose clogged. The purpose of this article is to help you, the reader to be able to possibly do some troubleshooting and discover the likely cause of the problem.
Why move washer away from wall?
Move the washer away from the wall in order to make it possible to get at the back access panel.
How to check if a washer hose is clogged?
To check the hose of any clogs, be sure that you turn off the washer and move the washer so that you can gain access to where the drain hose connected to the washer. Once you have the hose disconnected from the machine you should remove it from the washtub or basin.
What is a washing machine water pump?
All washing machines have a water drain pump that is designed to evacuate the water from the tub after cycles of washing and rinsing the clothes.
Why is the lid switch on my washing machine important?
The lid switch is an important part of the safety system that is builtin in all washing machines. If the top lid is open the machine will stop running immediately and will not operate until the lid is closed again. This is to prevent anything from accidentally falling inside and causing damage. If you suspect that the lid switch maybe not working ...
How to test a lid switch?
If you suspect the lid switch you test it in a couple of different ways. You can open the lid, locate the lid switch and push down on the switch and listen for the telltale clicking sound. You can also double-check and test the lid switch with a multimeter to see if there is continuity.
Why is my water pump clogged?
Chances are there might be a clog in the pump filter that is restricting or completely preventing the water from going through the pump .
Why won't my washing machine spin?
Problem: As a general rule, a washing machine doesn't spin normally unless the laundry load has been drained of water. Problems with draining usually stem from a drainage hose that’s become either kinked or clogged with small items like coins or buttons from your clothing. Fix: For the first issue, unkink the hose.
Why won't my washer spin?
Top loaders have a device called a lid switch that signals to the washer when the lid is not properly closed. If your lid switch stops doing its job , your washing machine doesn’t spin, as a safety precaution. Fix: On the underside of the lid, you’ll find a small protrusion that activates the switch when you close the lid.
Why won't my spin cycle stop?
Problem: Your spin cycle won’t function as well – or at all – if the wash load is unbalanced. Generally, this happens when you’re trying to clean one or two heavy items, such as a comforter, bath sheet, or washable pet bed, and something clumps into a big, sullen lump. Interestingly, an unbalanced load can also cause the opposite problem, an ineffective spin cycle that won’t stop.
