why does washing machine not drain

by Arvel Mohr Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

5 Reasons Why Washing Machine Not Draining – Let’s Fix It

Clogged Drain Hose. If your washing machine isn’t draining, the most likely culprit is a blocked drain hose. ...
Improper Drain Height. Washers need to be installed at a certain height from the floor. ...
Poor Load Distribution. ...
Clogged Drain Pump Filter. ...
Check Lid Switch. ...
Faulty Drain Pump. ...
Worn Out Drive Belt. ...
Clogged Drain Line. ...
Reset the Washing Machine. ...

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.

Full Answer

Why is my Electrolux washing machine not draining?

What Can I Do to Fix My Washer?

Checking the Water Tap. Turn on a faucet near your laundry room and see if the pressure is low. ...
Check Your Drain Hose. Sometimes, a drain hose can change position, become kinked, or isn’t set at the correct height. ...
Clean the Water Valve Filter. ...
Clean the Pump and Its filter. ...
Check for Drain Blockage. ...
Check Air Tube for Blockage. ...
Use Less Detergent. ...

Why is my washing machine not spinning or draining properly?

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning

Drain pump blockage. One of the most common reasons why your washing machine has stopped spinning is when it can’t drain properly due to a blocked drain pump.
Imbalanced drum. When the load is too heavy for the machine, or sometimes if you are trying to wash one large item on its own, the appliance detects a risk.
Motor brushes worn out. ...

Why is my ge washing machine not draining?

Why Is My GE Washer Not Draining?

Unbalanced Load. What’s happening: Before you start troubleshooting specific components in your GE washer, you must first consider if you’re loading the appliance correctly.
Faulty Lid Switch. What this part does: Top-loading GE washers will have a lid switch. ...
Failed Drain Pump. ...
Clogged Drain Filter Or Drain Hose. ...

Why is my LG washing machine not draining?

Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

Check Drain Hose. The drain hose clogs most often near where it connects to the sink’s drain. ...
Clogged Drain Filter. LG dishwashers all have a filter to catch food debris. ...
Clogged Garbage Disposal. If the LG dishwasher not draining, check the garbage disposal. ...
Check Drain Pump. ...
Clean the Air Gap. ...
Timer. ...
Using the Wrong Type of Detergent. ...
Stuck Check Valve. ...

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 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 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.

Why does water stay in washing machine drum?

Water In Bottom of Washing Machine Drum: Why It Happens Your drain hose is kinked. Your lid mechanism is broken or not engaging fully. Your drain or hose is clogged. Your load was too large for a good spin cycle.

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

Paying close attention to how your washing machine functions during a regular cycle will help you pinpoint whether you have a problem with your drain pipe. If the machine turns on and you hear the sound of the water pump, but no actual water appears, then you most likely have a clogged drain hose.

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.

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.

What is the possible trouble if the washer is energized but not spinning?

When your washer is not spinning, check the drive belt for damage, rips, over stretched, or has fallen off. If the belt is in good condition be sure you check that the idler pulley and or glide on the motor is working correctly and is able to move as designed.

Why are my clothes too wet after the spin cycle?

Loading Too Many Items Overloading can lead to an imbalance that reduces the washer's spin speed, leaving clothes too wet after spin cycle completes. If the washer leaves clothes soaked after a large load, remove some items, redistribute others and run another rinse and spin cycle.

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine belt?

Timer and Belt The belt is the part that connects the drum to the machine's motor to help it spin. Repairing the belt costs between $140 and $150.

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 won't my washer drain?

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.

Why does my washer spin when it's top loading?

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.

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.

How to reset a washer that won't turn on?

Unplug your washer for about one minute. Then, plug the appliance back in. Open and close the door six times in 12 seconds to tell the computer to reset everything. This may not work on all machines, but it’s an easy fix if yours is compatible with this technique.

What to do if your washer hose is kinked?

Adjust the hose behind the washer to make sure water can easily flow through it. If the hose is kinked, that could stop an otherwise functional machine from draining.

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.

What happens if my washing machine is not draining?

If your washing machine is not draining completely, it could result in gross standing-water situations. That leaves us with the question: how do you fix a washing machine that is not draining completely? Pull the washing machine out, remove the drain hose, and remove any debris with a brush or drain snake.

Why does my washer skip pump out?

Older washers have a dial with a specific “pump out” zone that removes the water from your washer. As a result, forcing the dial forward will cause your washer to skip that pump out mode.

What If I Hear Sloshing, But There Is No Water?

In top-loaded washers, a small amount of water is sometimes at the bottom. This water is part of your balance ring, which stays behind just if the next wash is out of balance. This water provides a bit of extra weight to the washer, making sure it doesn’t fly off the handle.

How to clean a washer access panel?

The access panel will contain a filter and a hose. Start by removing the cap from this hose and placing it into the bucket. Remove the bucket when it is full and repeat until this hose stops draining water. If any water leaks out, use your towel to clean up. Do not do this while your washer is running.

Why does my drain hose kink?

Kinks in your drain hoses may result in the water not being able to go anywhere. As a result, you will want to see about getting a smaller or more flexible drain hose. Both options may solve the issue of having too many twists, as gravity helps a drain hose work.

What happens if you don't clean drain pump?

If cleaning the drain pump doesn’t solve the problem, the pump may be broken. Signs of this are apparent if you see bits of broken plastic in the access panel of your drain pump.

What to check for in a drain pipe?

Check the drain pipe for clogs or abnormal bends.

Why is my washing machine clogged?

A kink or clog in your washing machine’s drain hose could be interfering with water flow and preventing your machine from draining properly. To inspect the drain hose, turn off the power to the washer, disconnect the hose (have a bucket ready to catch any water), and check the hose for damage or obstructions.

How to check if a washer lid switch is working?

If the lid switch fails, your washer won’t drain. To test if the lid switch is functioning correctly, press the switch down with your finger and listen for a click. If you don’t hear a clicking sound or if the ‘lid closed’ light doesn’t turn on (depending on your model), replace the switch.

How to clean a clogged washer pump?

A clogged pump could also be causing drainage issues. Your washer’s pump is usually located behind a panel in the front or back of the machine. To clean the pump, remove the panel and detach the pump. Take out the screen and rinse it thoroughly. Inspect the pump. If you notice cracks or tears, replace the pump.

What does it mean when water is in the tub?

Water remaining in the tub after a cycle could also indicate a clogged drain. You may be able to clear the blockage yourself by running a plumber’s snake through the drain opening. Remember to check all pockets and remove small items before loading clothing into your machine, as these objects can get caught in the drain or other areas, causing drainage issues.

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 long does a washing machine last?

While it’s certainly possible to replace the washer pump, lid switch or belts yourself, you may choose to have a professional make those repairs instead. If the drain is clogged and you can’t clear it yourself, you may also need to ask your plumber for help. Be sure to keep in mind that the average washing machine's life expectancy is about 14 years. This time frame is taking 7 loads a week into consideration. Depending on your make and model, you may be able to get away with a dependable machine for a longer span of time, but if you're reaching the 14 year mark and you've had some problems with your washer in the past, it may be time for an upgrade. This is where washing machine warranties come in handy.

Is it the Lid Switch?

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.

Is it the Drain?

If there is water remaining in the tub or on the floor, you may have a clogged drain. Run a plumber’s snake through the drain opening to see if you can clear the stoppage. 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. Pay attention to any unusual sounds that your washer is making – there may be a forgotten item banging around in the tub that could cause drain problems.

Is it the Drain Hose?

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. Disconnect the drain hose (have a bucket or other large container ready to catch any water), and shine a flashlight inside to inspect it for any obstruction. If you can’t reach what’s clogging the tube, try taking it outside and using a garden hose to run water through it. Then, reconnect the drain hose to the machine, turn the electricity back on and run the rinse cycle to see if to drain properly.

1. Clogged Drain Hose

Water is an essential part of washing clothes in a washing machine, but at the end of each cycle it must be removed from the drum. Water pumps are often used for this purpose to pump water out of the drum via a drain hose using suction.

2. Improper Drain Height

If you place your washing machine too high above ground, water won’t drain quickly enough and eventually the machine will stop working. The draining rate is tied directly to the height of the washing machine above the floor.

3. Poor Load Distribution

It’s crucial to evenly distribute the weight of your clothes in your front-loading washer. If you don’t, small vibrations can develop as a result — and these vibrations can cause bigger problems down the line. As a result of imbalance, your washer may not spin properly or drain fully – which could mean a trip to the appliance repair shop.

4. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

To prevent water damage and excessive mold, all washing machines have a pump that drains the water from the tub. This pump is an essential part of a washing machine that keeps laundry clean and prolongs its lifespan by protecting against rust and mildew.

5. Check Lid Switch

The lid switch is an important part of the safety system that’s built-in to every washing machine. This switch prevents damage from occurring if a child or pet gets into your washing machine while it’s running. If the top lid is open, the machine will stop immediately and won’t run again until the lid is left closed.

6. Faulty Drain Pump

When the drain pump breaks down, there’s a chance that your washer won’t be able to drain out water. Although you can use your hands to pull out the remaining water from inside the machine, it is unreliable and you might end up with an even more serious issue.

7. Worn Out Drive Belt

When the water seems to be draining at the end of a wash or rinse cycle but no water is coming out of the drain, look for a rubber belt at the bottom of the machine (or right below it) that is connected to a pump.