Electrolux Washer Not Draining Completely

Introduction

A washer that won’t drain completely can be a real headache! Not only do you have wet clothes that are heavier and take longer to dry, but standing water in your washer can lead to mold and mildew growth, causing unpleasant odors and potentially damaging your machine. If you’ve noticed water lingering after a wash cycle, or your clothes are unusually damp, it’s important to address the problem quickly to prevent further issues and get your laundry routine back on track.

Common Causes of electrolux washer not draining completely

Here are some of the most common reasons why your Electrolux washer might not be draining properly:

Clogged Drain Hose: The drain hose carries water away from the washer. If it’s kinked, bent, or blocked, water won’t be able to flow freely.
Blocked Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a filter to catch lint, coins, and other debris before they reach the drain pump. A clogged filter restricts water flow.
Drain Pump Issues: The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the washer. If the pump is faulty or has a broken impeller, it may not be able to effectively drain the water.
Clogged Drainpipe: The pipe where your drain hose connects to your home’s plumbing could be clogged, preventing water from leaving the washer.
Air Lock in the Drain Hose: Sometimes, air can get trapped in the drain hose, creating an “air lock” that prevents water from draining.
Lid Switch Problems: Although less common on front-load Electrolux washers, a faulty lid switch on top-load models might prevent the washer from completing the drain cycle.
Control Board Malfunction: In rare cases, a problem with the washer’s electronic control board can prevent it from signaling the drain pump to activate.
Excessive Soap Usage: Using too much detergent, especially if it’s not HE (High Efficiency) detergent, can lead to excessive suds that interfere with draining.

Symptoms Checklist

Check these indicators to confirm the issue:

Standing water remains in the drum after the wash cycle is complete.
Clothes are soaking wet or unusually damp after washing.
The washer makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle, but no water is being pumped out.
The drain cycle takes an unusually long time or doesn’t seem to complete at all.
You see an error code related to draining on the washer’s display panel (check your owner’s manual for code definitions).

How to Fix electrolux washer not draining completely Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your draining problem:

Unplug the Washer: For safety, disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the drain hose for kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not crushed.
Detach the Drain Hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from both the washer and the drainpipe. Have a bucket ready to catch any residual water.
Flush the Drain Hose: Rinse the drain hose with water to remove any potential blockages. You can use a garden hose with a gentle stream of water.
Check the Drainpipe: Insert the drain hose into the drainpipe and ensure it’s not too far down (it should not be submerged in the water). Test the drainpipe’s drainage by pouring a bucket of water into it. If it drains slowly, you might have a clog in your home’s plumbing.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your Electrolux washer’s owner’s manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. It’s typically located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine.
Access and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Place a shallow pan or towel under the access panel to catch any spilled water. Open the panel and carefully remove the drain pump filter.
Remove Debris from the Filter: Clean the filter thoroughly under running water, removing any lint, coins, hair, or other debris.
Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: Make sure the filter is properly seated and secured before closing the access panel.
Check for Obstructions in the Pump Housing: With the filter removed, use a flashlight to look inside the drain pump housing for any visible obstructions. You may be able to carefully remove small objects with tweezers or pliers.
Reconnect the Drain Hose: Reattach the drain hose to both the washer and the drainpipe, ensuring a secure connection.
Plug in the Washer: Reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet.
Run a Test Cycle: Select a short wash cycle (or a drain and spin cycle) to test if the washer is now draining properly. Observe the drainage process.
Check for Error Codes: If the washer still doesn’t drain, check the display panel for any error codes and consult your owner’s manual for troubleshooting information.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Here are some things you can try that don’t require buying any new parts:

Washer Reset: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes. This can sometimes reset the control board and clear minor errors.
Reduced Soap Usage: Try using less detergent, especially if you have hard water. Make sure you’re using HE detergent for HE washers.
Inspect the Pump Impeller: If you’re comfortable, carefully inspect the drain pump impeller (the small fan-like part inside the pump housing) for damage or obstructions. Sometimes a small object can jam the impeller.
Leveling the Washer: Make sure your washer is properly leveled. An unlevel washer can sometimes have drainage problems.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still isn’t draining, the drain pump itself might be faulty and require replacement. A drain pump replacement can range from $50 to $150 for the part, plus the cost of labor if you hire a professional. Other parts that could potentially fail include the water level sensor (rare) and the electronic control board (very rare). A new control board could cost $200-$400. Consider the age of your washer and the cost of repairs before deciding to replace parts. Sometimes, a new washer is more cost-effective in the long run.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Be careful when handling water and electrical components to avoid electric shock.
If you’re not comfortable working with electrical appliances, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Be aware of wet floors. Keep the area around the washer dry to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket or shallow pan
Towels
Flashlight
Garden hose (optional, for flushing the drain hose)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Electrolux washer draining problems:

Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not draining?
A: This often indicates a problem with the drain pump, either a blockage or a failing motor.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?
A: If the pump makes unusual noises, doesn’t pump water, or the impeller is broken, it likely needs to be replaced.
Q: Can I use a drain cleaner to clear a clog in my washer?
A: It’s generally not recommended, as harsh chemicals can damage the washer’s components. Try the methods described in this guide first.
Q: My washer drained fine before, what changed?
A: Clogs often build up gradually over time, or a foreign object might suddenly block the pump.

Conclusion

Don’t let a washer that won’t drain ruin your laundry day! By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself, saving time and money. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t resolve the issue, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician. But give it a shot yourself first you might be surprised at what you can accomplish!