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what does it mean when your washer wont drain

by Melany O'Reilly Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Diagnosing the Problem

  • Clog in the rubber drain tube leading from the washing machine to the drain standpipe
  • Material obstructing the water pump filter or impellers
  • A mechanical failure of the water pump
  • Loose or broken drive belt
  • Faulty lid switch
  • Clog in the drain system

Your washer may have a clogged drain hose or the pump may be broken. A broken lid switch or belt could also be the culprit. It may even be something as simple as the hose being jammed. Whatever the reason, the water will need to be drained from the washing machine before any work or diagnosis can be done.

Full Answer

How do you fix a washer that won ' t drain?

Table of Contents

  1. Check the Lid Switch. Your washing machine won’t drain if the lid switch isn’t working. ...
  2. Unplug the Washer Before Checking Anything Else. You will most likely have to move the washing machine away from the wall to access the power cord.
  3. Check the Drain Hose. ...
  4. Empty the Machine. ...
  5. Remove the Access Panel. ...
  6. Check the Pump. ...
  7. Test the Machine to See If It Works. ...

Why is my washer machine not draining?

Diagnosing the Problem

  • Clog in the rubber drain tube leading from the washing machine to the drain standpipe
  • Material obstructing the water pump filter or impellers
  • A mechanical failure of the water pump
  • Loose or broken drive belt
  • Faulty lid switch
  • Clog in the drain system

Why is my Whirlpool washer not draining completely?

It’s also a great idea to check that the drain hose is positioned correctly. If the hose is too far or not far enough down inside the standpipe, it can cause improper draining. This in turn causes the Whirlpool washer to not drain the water completely.

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? ...

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How do you fix a washing machine that won't drain?

What to Do When Your Washing Machine Won't DrainPerform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ... Test the Lid Switch Assembly. ... See if the Drain Hose is Kinked. ... Check the Drain Hose or Pump for Clogs. ... Clean out the Coin Trap. ... Check the Water Level Control. ... Schedule Washing Machine Repair.

What happens when your washer won't drain?

0:102:07Top-Load Washer Won't Drain — Washing Machine TroubleshootingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYourself. If your top load washer won't drain. Here are the top three most probable causes. TheMoreYourself. If your top load washer won't drain. Here are the top three most probable causes. The drain cycle begins when the control sends voltage to the drain pump. Which pumps the water out the drain

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

The number one sign of a clogged drain affecting your washing machine is finding water inside the unit after the washing cycle is complete. During the cycle, water is flooded into the chamber of the machine, mixing in with the detergent to clean your clothing.

What causes a washing machine not to drain and spin?

If the washer won't drain or spin, either something is stuck in the washing machine drain hose or pump, or the pump is broken.

How do you manually drain a washing machine?

If not, follow these steps:Step 1: Turn off the power and lay down towels.Step 2: Locate the drain hose at the back of the washing machine.Step 3: Drain the water.Step 1: Turn off the power and lay down towels.Step 2: Locate the drain hose.Step 3: Drain the water.Step 4: Scrub the filter.

Why is there standing water in my washing machine?

Your washer may have a clogged drain hose or the pump may be broken. A broken lid switch or belt could also be the culprit. It may even be something as simple as the hose being jammed. Whatever the reason, the water will need to be drained from the washing machine before any work or diagnosis can be done.

How do you fix a washing machine that stops mid cycle?

To fix a washing machine that stops mid-cycle, try a master reset by first unplugging the washing machine to reset the computer. After 1 minute, plug your machine back in, then open and close the door 6 times in 12 seconds to signal the computer to reset.

Why has my washing machine stopped mid cycle?

If your machine is stopping mid cycle, the problem may be that it is unable to drain out the water. Can you see water left inside the drum? If you can then the pump filter may be blocked or the waste arrangement (if you have connected the machine to the kitchen sink) may have a blockage .

1. Clogged Drain Hose

If your washing machine isn’t draining, the most likely culprit is a blocked drain hose. The drain hose is the rubber tube located behind your washing machine. When lint or other debris accumulates in this tube, it can hinder water flow and affect the performance of your washer.

2. Improper Drain Height

Washers need to be installed at a certain height from the floor. If you’re too high, your washer may not be able to drain water well. Before you install your brand-new washing machine, check the instruction manual for details on drainpipe height and how it can impact your drainage rate.

3. Poor Load Distribution

An unevenly distributed load can throw off your washer’s balance, causing it to vibrate when it spins, which prevents the clothes from being cleaned properly. Unbalanced loads can also damage components of the machine, resulting in costly repairs.

4. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

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.

5. Check Lid Switch

The most important part of any washing machine safety system is the lid switch. This system prevents damage or injury by stopping the machine immediately if the lid is open.

6. Faulty Drain Pump

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.

7. Worn Out Drive Belt

If the water isn’t draining during a wash or rinse cycle, it could be because of a few different reasons. If the problem isn’t the drain pump, it may be the drive belt. Located at the bottom of the machine, this belt helps operate the pump. If it’s torn or damaged, the pump will not be able to work properly.

What to do if washer won't drain?

Here are some things you can do when your washer won't drain properly. If you reach into your washer expecting to transfer the damp clothes to the dryer but find that your clothes are sopping wet, and water is still standing the bottom of the tub, your machine isn’t draining properly. Yes, you can put in a quick call to your plumber, ...

How to keep washer from draining?

One of the easiest preventive measures you can take to keep your washer draining properly is to check the pockets of all clothing items before washing them. Coins and other small objects can get caught in the pump or other washer components and cause draining difficulties.

Why is my washing machine not draining?

The hose that carries water from the back of the machine could be causing it not to drain properly. The washing machine hose could have a kink obstructing the water flow, or the unit could be jammed too close to the wall, interfering with water flow through the hose. Another possibility is that the hose could be clogged.

Where is the lid switch on a washer?

The lid switch is typically a small, plastic switch located under the lid or door of the washer. To check if it's functioning correctly, open the washer and press the switch. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, the switch may need replacing.

Why does my washer spin when I depress the lid?

Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. Therefore, a defective lid switch assembly could be causing the problem. See if the machine responds when you depress the lid switch with your finger. If this triggers the drum to drain, you may simply need to extend the stem on the lid so it depresses the switch.

How to check if washer is clogged?

Check the Water Level Control. 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.

What happens if you remove the hose from a washer?

Be aware that if you remove the hose to get an obstruction out of the pump, any water in the washer will come pouring out. To avoid a mess, scoop out as much water from the drum as possible before disconnecting the hose.

What is a washing machine?

A functional washing machine is an effective tool for getting dirt, sweat, and stains out of clothing. The exact way the washer cleans your clothes depends on the precise settings you choose, but the basic premise is the same: first, the drum fills with water when you hit “Start.”.

Can a sock clog a washing machine?

Remove the front panel of the washer and check for any obstructions in these areas. If you find anything, remove it to see if you can get the washing machine to drain.

Perform a Reset

Try resetting your machine and check the drainpipes if it is broken. Photo by Syd Wachs on Unsplash

Check the Drain Pipe

Blocked or bent drain pipes are common causes of broken washing machines. Unplug your machine and pull it out by a few meters so you can thoroughly inspect the piping. Often, a small piece of clothing like a sock can get caught in the pipelines, causing a blockage. If so, try to safely remove it and get the machine to drain.

Check the Water Level Control

When the water level control is faulty, it can cause water to pool in your machine. Check the control panel and look out for any blockages or corrosion in the water level valve.

Call a Professional

If you’ve inspected your machine and, still, the washer won’t drain, you may have to call a professional to come and take a look. They will have the right tools and expertise to identify even the smallest of problems and should be able to offer a repair of any major issues with the machine.

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1.Washing Machine Not Draining? 5 Causes and Fixes - The …

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/washing-machine-wont-drain-2718776

34 hours ago  · As you watch the machine in action, one of the following problems will likely be identified: Clog in the rubber drain tube leading from the washing machine to the drain standpipe. Material obstructing the water pump filter or impellers. A mechanical failure of the water pump. Loose or broken drive belt. Faulty lid switch.

2.5 Reasons Why Washing Machine Not Draining - Let's Fix It

Url:https://kcscfm.com/washing-machine-not-draining/

18 hours ago  · If your washing machine won’t drain, it’s probably due to a faulty drain hose or a defective drain pump filter or because the drain pump has stopped working altogether. Thankfully, the first two reasons are relatively easy to check and fix.

3.Washer Won’t Drain? 5 Troubleshooting Tips - AHS

Url:https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/what-to-do-when-your-washer-wont-drain/

25 hours ago 1. Clogged Drain Hose. If your washing machine isn’t draining, the most likely culprit is a blocked drain hose. The drain hose is the rubber tube located behind your washing machine. When lint or other debris accumulates in this tube, it can hinder water flow and …

4.What to Do When Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

Url:https://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2019/october/what-to-do-when-your-washing-machine-won-t-drain/

36 hours ago  · When the water level control is faulty, it can cause water to pool in your machine. Check the control panel and look out for any blockages or corrosion in the water level valve. Call a Professional. If you’ve inspected your machine and, still, …

5.Videos of What Does It Mean When your Washer Wont Drain

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25 hours ago  · Uneven Load Distribution. If your laundry is agitating unevenly in the machine, it can cause it to shift out of balance and vibrate excessively. This can prevent the washer from fully or properly draining. To fix the situation, re-open the …

6.What Happens When Your Washer Won’t Drain - All Area …

Url:http://allareaappliancellc.com/what-happens-when-your-washer-wont-drain/

18 hours ago A washer that will not drain usually has a blocked drain hose or a problem with the pump. Other causes can vary depending on the type of washer that you have. For instance, if the washer’s pump is driven by a belt, the belt may be worn-out and need replacing. If the washer has a drain pump filter, cleaning the filter may solve the drainage issue.

7.Why is My Whirlpool Washer Not Draining? [SOLVED] – …

Url:https://kcscfm.com/whirlpool-washer-not-draining/

23 hours ago Start the rinse/spin cycle on your washer and shine a torch into the hole. If you do not see any object that could have jammed the impeller, but the impeller does not turn, it means that the pump is broken and needs to be replaced. To do this, disconnect the whole drain unit from the washer, then disconnect the pump from the wires and the sump hose.

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