My Washer Won T Drain Completely

Introduction

Discovering that your washing machine won’t drain completely after a wash cycle can be a real headache. Not only does it leave your clothes soaking wet, but it also prevents you from starting another load. This issue can stem from simple clogs or more complex mechanical failures. Addressing it quickly is important to prevent potential water damage to your home and to get your laundry routine back on track. Before calling a repair technician, let’s explore some common causes and troubleshooting steps you can take yourself.

Common Causes of My Washer Won’t Drain Completely

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your washer might be holding onto water:

Clogged Drain Hose: A kinked or blocked drain hose is a very common culprit. Lint, small objects, or even soap buildup can restrict water flow.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a filter designed to catch debris before it reaches the drain pump. If this filter is full, it can prevent the pump from working effectively.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for pushing the water out of the machine. If it’s damaged or malfunctioning, it won’t be able to drain the water properly.
Kinked or Blocked Standpipe: The standpipe is the pipe that the drain hose feeds into. A clog in the standpipe itself can back up water into the washing machine.
Blocked Air Vent in Drain System: The drain needs an air vent to work correctly. If the vent is blocked, a vacuum can form, preventing the washer from draining efficiently.
Overuse of Soap: Using too much detergent can create excessive suds, which can hinder the draining process.
Lid Switch Problems: (For top-loading washers) If the lid switch is faulty, the washer may not recognize that the lid is closed, preventing the spin cycle (and thus the draining) from starting.
Motor Coupling: (Older direct drive washers) A worn motor coupling can fail and stop the drain pump.

Symptoms Checklist

These symptoms can help you identify the core problem:

Standing water remains in the washer drum after a completed cycle.
The washer makes unusual noises during the drain cycle (grinding, humming).
The drain hose vibrates excessively.
Water drains very slowly, or only a trickle comes out.
The washer displays an error code related to draining.
The washer stops mid-cycle and won’t proceed to the spin cycle.

How to Fix My Washer Won’t Drain Completely Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your washer:

Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Disconnect the washer from the power outlet before you begin any work.
Check the Drain Hose: Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer. Inspect it for kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten any kinks and disconnect the hose from both the washer and the drainpipe.
Flush the Drain Hose: Use a garden hose or faucet to flush the drain hose with water. This will help dislodge any clogs.
Inspect the Standpipe: Ensure the standpipe (the drainpipe where the hose connects) isn’t clogged. Use a plumbing snake or auger to clear any blockages.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your washer’s manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. It’s often located at the front bottom of the machine, behind a small access panel.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully remove the drain pump filter (be prepared for some water to spill out). Clean it thoroughly, removing any lint, hair, or debris.
Check the Drain Pump: With the filter removed, inspect the drain pump for any visible obstructions. You might be able to carefully reach in and remove small items.
Test the Lid Switch: (For top-loading washers) Manually depress the lid switch while the washer is (unplugged!). If the washer starts draining (once plugged back in), the switch might be faulty. (This is a temporary test only – do not leave the washer running unattended like this)
Check for Error Codes: If your washer has a digital display, check for error codes related to draining. Consult your manual to understand the code and its potential solutions.
Run a Test Cycle: After completing the above steps, plug the washer back in and run a short test cycle to see if it drains properly.
Use Less Detergent: If you suspect suds are the problem, try using less detergent in your next load. High-efficiency (HE) detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds.
Inspect the Air Vent (if accessible): If you know where your drain system’s air vent is located, check it for obstructions (e.g., nests from insects or animals). This may require going into the attic or roof.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many draining issues can be resolved without purchasing new parts:

Washer Reset: Try unplugging the washer for 5-10 minutes, then plugging it back in. This can sometimes reset the internal computer and resolve minor glitches.
Deep Cleaning: Run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove soap buildup and residue.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the drain pump filter regularly (every 1-3 months) to prevent clogs.
Inspect Hoses Regularly: Check the drain hose and water inlet hoses for kinks, cracks, or leaks periodically.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still won’t drain, the drain pump itself might be faulty and require replacement. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $200, depending on the washer model. Other parts that may need replacement include the lid switch (for top-loaders) or the motor coupling (for older direct-drive machines).

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the power outlet before performing any repairs or inspections.
Be prepared for water spillage when removing the drain pump filter or disconnecting hoses. Have towels and a bucket handy.
Avoid working on electrical components if you are not comfortable or experienced. Call a qualified technician.
Be careful when handling plumbing snakes or augers to avoid damaging pipes.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and bacteria.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket
Towels
Plumbing snake or auger
Garden hose
Gloves

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: Why is my washer draining slowly?: A: A slow drain is often caused by a partial clog in the drain hose, drain pump filter, or standpipe.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?: A: If the drain pump makes a humming noise but doesn’t pump water, or if it doesn’t make any noise at all, it may be faulty.
Q: Can I use Drano to unclog my washing machine drain?: A: It’s generally not recommended to use Drano or other chemical drain cleaners in washing machines, as they can damage the plastic components.
Q: My washer displays an error code – what should I do?: A: Consult your washer’s manual to identify the meaning of the error code and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Dealing with a washer that won’t drain can be frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue yourself. By systematically checking for clogs, cleaning filters, and inspecting components, you can often resolve the problem without the expense of a repair technician. If, however, you’ve exhausted all options and the washer still won’t drain, it might be time to call in a professional. Good luck!