Washer Won T Drain And Spin

Introduction

Discovering that your washing machine is full of water after a wash cycle is frustrating. When your washer won’t drain and spin, your clothes stay wet, and you can’t start another load. This problem can quickly become urgent, especially if you need clean clothes or fear water damage. Luckily, many causes are simple to fix yourself.

Common Causes of Washer Won’t Drain and Spin

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your washer might not drain and spin:

Clogged Drain Hose: The hose that carries water away from the washer can become blocked with lint, debris, or small objects.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a filter that catches lint and small items before they reach the drain pump. This filter can become clogged.
Drain Pump Malfunction: The drain pump pushes water out of the washer. If it’s faulty, it won’t be able to do its job.
Lid Switch Problems: Most washers have a lid switch that prevents the machine from spinning if the lid is open. If the switch is broken, it might think the lid is always open.
Belt Issues: Some washers use a belt to power the drain pump. If the belt is broken or loose, the pump won’t work.
Control Board Problems: The control board is the brain of the washer. If it malfunctions, it can prevent the drain and spin cycles from working.
Air Lock in Drain Hose: A bend or kink in the drain hose can trap air, preventing water from flowing freely.
Overloading the Washer: Putting too many clothes in the washer can strain the motor and prevent proper draining and spinning.
Soap Residue Buildup: Excessive use of soap or using the wrong type of detergent can lead to soap residue buildup, clogging the drain system.

Symptoms Checklist

These symptoms can help you pinpoint the problem:

Washer is full of water after the wash cycle.
Washer makes a humming noise but doesn’t drain.
Washer displays an error code related to draining or spinning.
Washer drains very slowly.
Washer doesn’t spin clothes dry.
Clothes are soaking wet after the cycle.

How to Fix Washer Won’t Drain and Spin Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your washer:

Unplug the Washer: For safety, always unplug the washing machine before starting any repairs.
Check the Drain Hose: Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer. Make sure it’s not kinked, crushed, or blocked. Straighten any kinks and clear any visible obstructions.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe (usually behind the washer or under a sink). Check for clogs in the drainpipe. You can use a garden hose to flush it out.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the front, bottom of the washer behind a small access panel). Place a towel and shallow container beneath the filter to catch any water. Unscrew the filter and clean out any lint, debris, or small objects.
Check for Obstructions in the Drain Pump: With the filter removed, use a flashlight to look inside the drain pump housing for any remaining obstructions. You can try to carefully remove them with needle-nose pliers.
Test the Lid Switch: Manually push the lid switch down to see if it clicks. If it doesn’t click or feels loose, the switch may be faulty. (This is a more advanced check).
Check the Drive Belt (If Applicable): If your washer has a belt, open the back panel and inspect the belt for damage or looseness. If it’s broken or very loose, it will need to be replaced.
Check the Air Gap (If Applicable): If your sink drain has an air gap, make sure it’s not clogged. Clean it with a small brush or pipe cleaner.
Reduce Load Size: Avoid overloading the washer. Try running a smaller load to see if it drains and spins correctly.
Reset the Washer: Some washers can be reset by unplugging them for 1-2 minutes and then plugging them back in. This can clear minor electronic glitches.
Run a Cleaning Cycle: Over time, soap residue can build up in the washer. Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of vinegar to help clear out any buildup.
Level the Washer: An unbalanced washer can sometimes have draining and spinning issues. Use a level to ensure the washer is level. Adjust the legs as needed.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many times, you can resolve the “washer won’t drain and spin” issue without purchasing new parts:

Resetting the Washer: Unplug the washer for a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes clear errors.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the drain pump filter and run cleaning cycles to prevent clogs.
Inspecting Hoses: Check the drain hose frequently for kinks or blockages.
Maintaining Proper Load Size: Avoid overloading the washer to prevent strain on the motor and pump.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washer still won’t drain and spin, you might need to replace a part. Common parts that fail include the drain pump (estimated cost: $50-$150), lid switch ($20-$50), or drive belt ($10-$30). If the control board is faulty, replacement can be costly ($100-$300) and might not be worth it for an older machine.

Safety Warning

Please observe the following safety measures:

Always unplug the washer before attempting any repairs.
Be careful when dealing with water and electricity to avoid electric shock.
Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Wipe up any spilled water immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

Here are some simple tools that can be useful for this repair:

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Towels
Shallow container
Flashlight
Garden hose (for flushing the drainpipe)
Level

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this issue:

Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not draining?
A: This usually indicates a clogged drain pump or a faulty drain pump motor. Check the drain pump filter and pump for obstructions.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?
A: If the pump is making unusual noises, not draining water, or if you can’t find any obstructions, the pump may be faulty and need replacement.
Q: Can I use a wet/dry vacuum to drain the washer?
A: Yes, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water if the washer won’t drain. Be careful not to submerge the vacuum’s electrical parts.
Q: How often should I clean my washer’s drain pump filter?
A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently you use your washer and how much lint it produces.

Conclusion

Don’t panic if your washer won’t drain and spin! Many of the causes are simple to troubleshoot and fix on your own. By following these steps, you can often get your washer back up and running without calling a technician. If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, it might be time to call a professional, but starting with these DIY fixes can save you time and money.