Washer Will Not Drain Water

Introduction

Discovering your washing machine refuses to drain water can be frustrating and lead to a watery mess! A washer that won’t drain not only prevents you from doing laundry but can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Addressing this issue promptly is essential to prevent further damage to your washing machine and potential water damage to your home. This guide will help you troubleshoot the problem safely and effectively, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Common Causes of Washer Will Not Drain Water

Several issues can cause your washer to stubbornly hold onto its water. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Clogged Drain Hose: The drain hose is the flexible tube that carries water away from your washer. It can become blocked with lint, socks, or other small items.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Most washers have a small filter near the drain pump that traps debris. If this filter becomes clogged, it restricts water flow.
Obstructed Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for forcing water out of the washer. If a small object gets lodged in the pump impeller (the rotating part), it can prevent the pump from working.
Kinked or Bent Drain Hose: A kink in the drain hose can restrict or completely block water flow.
Clogged House Drain: If your house drain is clogged, the washer won’t be able to drain properly. This is less common but worth checking.
Lid Switch Malfunction: Some washers have a lid switch that prevents the machine from spinning or draining if the lid is open. If this switch is faulty, it might think the lid is open even when it’s closed.
Faulty Drain Pump Motor: Over time, the drain pump motor can wear out and fail.
Control Panel Issues: In rare cases, a problem with the washing machine’s control panel can prevent the drain cycle from activating.

Symptoms Checklist

Confirm if your washer issue matches the following:

Water remains in the drum after the wash cycle.
The washer makes a humming or buzzing sound during the drain cycle but doesn’t drain.
The drain cycle seems to take much longer than usual.
The washer stops mid-cycle and displays an error code related to draining.
The washer drains very slowly.

How to Fix Washer Will Not Drain Water Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the problem:

Safety First! Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
Check the Drain Hose for Kinks: Inspect the drain hose along its entire length for any kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten out any kinks you find.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Make sure the drain hose is securely connected to both the washing machine and the drainpipe.
Check the Drain Hose for Clogs: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe. Hold the hose over a bucket and see if water flows freely. If not, try flushing the hose with water from a garden hose to dislodge any clogs.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your washer’s user 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: Place a shallow pan or towel under the access panel to catch any spilled water. Open the access panel and remove the drain pump filter. Clean the filter thoroughly, removing any lint, hair, or debris.
Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller: With the drain pump filter removed, use a flashlight to look inside the drain pump housing. Check for any objects that might be blocking the pump impeller. You might be able to remove small objects with tweezers or pliers.
Check the House Drain: Ensure that the drainpipe where the washer drains is not clogged. You can use a plumbing snake or drain cleaner to clear any blockages.
Check the Air Gap: If your plumbing has an air gap for the washer drain, make sure it is free and clear of debris. This prevents siphoning of wastewater.
Reset the Washer: Some washing machines can be reset by unplugging them for a few minutes and then plugging them back in. This can sometimes clear minor electronic glitches.
Run a Test Cycle: After performing these checks, plug the washer back in and run a short drain/spin cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
Consult Your User Manual: Your washer’s user manual may have specific troubleshooting steps or error codes that can help you diagnose the problem.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many draining issues can be resolved without spending any money:

Reset the Washer: Unplugging the washer for 5-10 minutes can sometimes clear minor electronic faults.
Clean the Drain Hose and Filter Regularly: Preventative cleaning can stop clogs before they happen. Aim to clean these every few months.
Inspect Hoses for Kinks Regularly: Catching a kink early can prevent it from becoming a serious blockage.
Avoid Overloading the Washer: Overloading can put extra strain on the drain pump.

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 need replacement. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150, plus labor if you hire a technician. Other parts that could potentially fail include the lid switch (around $20-$50) and, rarely, the control board (which can be expensive, $100-$300+). If the control board is the issue, it might be worth considering replacing the entire washing machine.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washing machine before performing any repairs.
Be careful when handling water near electrical components.
If you are not comfortable working with electrical appliances, consult a qualified technician.
Be aware of the weight of the washing machine if you need to move it. Get help if needed.
Wear gloves when handling potentially dirty water or debris.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket or shallow pan
Towels
Flashlight
Plumbing snake (optional)

FAQ

Q: My washer makes a humming noise but won’t drain. What does this mean?

A: This usually indicates that the drain pump is trying to work but is blocked by something. Check the drain pump filter and the pump impeller for obstructions.

Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?

A: It’s a good idea to clean the drain pump filter every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you wash a lot of heavily soiled items.

Q: Can I use a drain cleaner to clear a clog in my washer?

A: It’s generally not recommended to use harsh chemical drain cleaners in your washing machine. They can damage the machine’s components. Try flushing the drain hose with water or using a plumbing snake instead.

Q: What if my washer is still under warranty?

A: If your washer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance. Attempting to repair the washer yourself could void the warranty.

Conclusion

Dealing with a washing machine that won’t drain can be a messy inconvenience. By following these steps, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself, saving you time and money. However, if you’re uncomfortable performing any of these steps, or if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician.