Washer Won T Drain Water Out

Introduction

A washing machine that won’t drain is a frustrating problem. It means your clothes are sitting in dirty water, potentially growing mildew. Plus, you can’t start another load! This issue needs to be addressed quickly to prevent damage to your clothes, the washer itself, and even your home if the water overflows. Don’t worry, many times it’s a simple fix you can do yourself.

Common Causes of Washer Won’t Drain Water Out

Here are some of the most common reasons why your washing machine might be refusing to drain:

Clogged Drain Hose: The drain hose carries the water away. If it’s blocked by lint, socks, or other debris, the water can’t escape.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Most washers have a filter to catch larger objects before they reach the drain pump. A full filter restricts water flow.
Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose: A simple kink in the drain hose can stop the water flow. Obstructions inside the hose, like built-up soap scum, can also cause problems.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for pushing the water out. If it’s broken, it won’t be able to do its job.
Lid Switch Problem: Some washers won’t drain if the lid switch (which tells the machine the lid is closed) is faulty.
Blocked Standpipe: The standpipe is the pipe that the drain hose empties into. If it’s clogged, the water has nowhere to go.
Air Lock in Drain Hose: An air lock can prevent the water from draining properly.
Control Panel Malfunction: In rare cases, the washing machine’s control panel might be malfunctioning and not sending the signal to drain.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to accurately identify the issue:

Washer completes its cycle, but water remains in the drum.
You hear a humming or buzzing sound during the drain cycle, but no water is being pumped out.
The washer displays an error code related to draining.
The drain hose is visibly kinked or damaged.
Water is backing up into the standpipe.
Clothes are soaking wet after the wash cycle.
You can’t hear the drain pump running at all.

How to Fix Washer Won’t Drain Water Out Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing the draining problem:

Unplug the Washer: For safety, always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before you start working on it.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the drain hose for any kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten out any kinks and make sure the hose isn’t crushed.
Check the Standpipe: Make sure the standpipe isn’t clogged. You can try using a plumbing snake or a coat hanger to clear any blockages.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: The location of the drain pump filter varies depending on your washer model. Check your owner’s manual. It’s usually located at the front, bottom, or back of the machine.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Place a towel or a shallow pan under the filter access panel to catch any water that might spill out. Carefully remove the filter and clean it thoroughly, removing any lint, hair, or debris.
Inspect the Drain Pump: Once the filter is removed, shine a flashlight into the drain pump housing. Check for any obstructions, like small items of clothing or debris.
Check for Air Lock: Detach the drain hose from the standpipe. Lower the hose to the floor to allow any trapped air or water to drain out. Then, reattach the hose, making sure it’s not pushed too far down into the standpipe.
Check the Lid Switch: Some washers have a lid switch that prevents the machine from draining if the lid isn’t properly closed. Try manually pressing the lid switch to see if it activates the drain cycle. (Be careful not to get your fingers caught!)
Run a Rinse and Spin Cycle: After checking and cleaning everything, plug the washer back in and run a rinse and spin cycle to see if it drains properly.
Check for Error Codes: If the washer is displaying an error code, consult your owner’s manual to understand what the code means and how to troubleshoot it.
Manually Drain the Washer: If all else fails, you can manually drain the washer by siphoning the water out with a hose or using a wet/dry vacuum.
Test the Drain Pump (Advanced): If you have some electrical knowledge, you can test the drain pump with a multimeter to see if it’s receiving power. Only do this if you are comfortable and familiar with electrical safety procedures.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Often, you can resolve a draining problem without buying new parts. Here are some free methods:

Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control panel and clear minor errors.
Deep Clean the Washer: Regular cleaning can prevent build-up that leads to clogs. Run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda.
Recalibrate the Washer (If Applicable): Some newer washers have a recalibration cycle. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions.
Inspect Hoses Regularly: Check all hoses for kinks, cracks, or leaks periodically.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Too much detergent can lead to excessive suds and residue, which can clog the drain.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washer still won’t drain, the drain pump may be faulty and need replacement. A drain pump replacement can cost between $50 and $200, depending on the washer model and where you purchase the part. Other parts that can sometimes fail include the lid switch ($20-$50) or, in rare cases, the control board ($100-$300). If you’re not comfortable replacing parts yourself, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washing machine before working on it.
Avoid standing in water while working on electrical appliances.
Be careful when handling tools to avoid injury.
If you are not comfortable working with electricity, call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Clean up any spilled water immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket or shallow pan
Towels
Flashlight
Plumbing snake or coat hanger
Multimeter (for advanced testing)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about washing machine draining problems:

Q: My washer hums but doesn’t drain. What could it be?
A: This usually indicates a blocked drain pump or a faulty drain pump motor. Check the drain pump filter and the pump itself for obstructions.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?
A: If the pump is making a humming noise but not pumping water, or if it’s not running at all even when the washer is supposed to be draining, it’s likely faulty. You can also test it with a multimeter if you have the skills.
Q: Can too much laundry detergent cause draining problems?
A: Yes, excessive detergent can create too many suds, which can hinder the draining process and leave residue that clogs the drain pump and hoses.
Q: My washer drains slowly. What could be the cause?
A: A slow drain could be caused by a partially clogged drain hose, drain pump filter, or standpipe. Check each of these for obstructions.

Conclusion

A washing machine that won’t drain can be a real headache, but with a little patience and these troubleshooting steps, you can often fix the problem yourself. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first, like checking the drain hose and filter. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity or if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck!