Reasons A Washer Won T Drain

Introduction

A washing machine that won’t drain is a common household problem. Imagine a full tub of soapy water and wet clothes not a pretty picture! If your washer refuses to empty, it can lead to overflowing, potential water damage, and a pile of soggy laundry. Addressing this issue quickly is important to prevent further damage and get your laundry routine back on track. This guide will walk you through the common causes and simple steps to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

Common Causes of Reasons a Washer Won’t Drain

Several things can prevent your washer from draining properly:

Clogged Drain Hose: The hose that carries water away might be blocked with lint, socks, or other debris.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Most washers have a filter that catches lint and small objects before they reach the pump. If this filter is full, it can restrict water flow.
Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose: A kink in the drain hose can stop the water flow. Also, the drain opening in the wall can be blocked.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for pushing the water out of the washer. If it’s broken, it won’t be able to do its job.
Lid Switch Problem: Some washers have a lid switch that prevents the washer from spinning or draining if the lid isn’t closed properly.
Blocked Standpipe: The standpipe is the pipe that the drain hose empties into. If it’s clogged, the washer can’t drain.
Air Lock: Sometimes air can get trapped in the drain system, preventing the water from flowing freely.
Control Board Malfunction: In rare cases, a problem with the washer’s control board can prevent it from sending the signal to drain.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to help identify the problem:

Washer fills with water but doesn’t drain at the end of the cycle.
Washer drains very slowly.
Washer makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle but doesn’t drain.
Washer displays an error code related to draining.
Water is leaking from the drain hose or pump area.

How to Fix Reasons a Washer Won’t Drain Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot your washer:

Unplug the Washer: For safety, always disconnect the washer from the power outlet before starting any repairs.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the drain hose for any kinks or bends. Straighten out any kinks.
Check the Drain Hose Connection: Make sure the drain hose is securely connected to both the washer and the standpipe.
Remove and Clean the Drain Hose: Disconnect the drain hose and inspect it for clogs. Flush it out with water to remove any debris.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Consult your washer’s manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. It’s usually located at the front, bottom of the machine, behind a small access panel.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully remove the filter and clean it thoroughly. Remove any lint, hair, coins, or other debris.
Inspect the Drain Pump: After cleaning the filter, check the drain pump impeller (the little fan inside the pump) to see if it’s blocked. You might be able to reach it with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Check the Standpipe: If the washer drains into a standpipe, make sure the standpipe isn’t clogged. You can use a plumbing snake to clear any blockages.
Check the Lid Switch: Manually press the lid switch to see if it’s working properly. If it’s broken, it might not be signaling the washer to drain. (Note: bypassing or tampering with safety switches is not recommended)
Run a Test Cycle: After checking all the components, plug the washer back in and run a test cycle to see if it drains properly.
Check for Air Lock: If you suspect an air lock, try gently tilting the washer forward or backward to release any trapped air.
Check Washer Leveling: Make sure your washer is level. An unlevel washer can sometimes have draining issues. Use a level and adjust the feet accordingly.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Here are some methods you can try before considering replacement parts:

Washer Reset: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the electronic controls.
Cleaning Cycles: Run a washer cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and debris.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the lint trap regularly and avoid overloading the washer to prevent clogs.
Inspect Hose Connections: Periodically check hoses to prevent clogs.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washer still won’t drain, the drain pump might be faulty and require replacement. Replacing a drain pump typically costs between $50 and $200 for the part, plus labor if you hire a technician. Other parts that sometimes fail are the lid switch and the control board, but these are less common causes of draining problems.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
Be careful when working with water and electricity to avoid electric shock.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and debris.
Clean up any spilled water to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Plumbing snake
Bucket
Towels
Gloves

FAQ

Q: My washer makes a humming noise but won’t drain. What does that mean?A: This usually indicates that the drain pump is trying to work but is blocked by something. Check the drain pump filter for clogs.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 2-3 months, or more often if you wash a lot of heavily soiled items.
Q: Can I use a regular garden hose to replace the drain hose?A: No, you should only use a drain hose specifically designed for washing machines. Garden hoses are not designed to withstand the pressure and temperature of washing machine water.
Q: My washer is still under warranty. Should I try to fix it myself?A: No, if your washer is still under warranty, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician to avoid voiding the warranty.

Conclusion

A washing machine that won’t drain can be frustrating, but often the problem is something you can fix yourself. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can save time and money. If you’ve exhausted all options and the washer still won’t drain, then it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician.