Washer Won T Drain Completely

Introduction

Finding your clothes swimming in dirty water after a wash cycle is frustrating, and the problem”washer won’t drain completely”is unfortunately common. This means your washing machine isn’t properly removing water from the drum after the wash cycle. This can leave your clothes sopping wet, potentially lead to mold or mildew growth, and even damage your washing machine. It’s important to address this issue quickly to prevent further problems. Let’s get started to resolve this issue.

Common Causes of Washer Won’t Drain Completely

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your washer might not be draining properly:

Clogged Drain Hose: This is the most common culprit. Lint, hair, and debris can build up in the hose, blocking water flow.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a filter to catch larger debris before it reaches the pump. This filter can get clogged.
Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose: A simple kink in the hose can restrict water flow. Obstructions also can be present.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for forcing water out of the washer. If it’s broken, it won’t work correctly.
Blocked House Drainpipe: The problem might not be in the washer itself, but in the drainpipe where the washer empties.
Air Lock in the Drain Hose: Trapped air can prevent the water from draining properly.
Lid Switch Problem: Some washers won’t drain if the lid switch (which detects if the lid is closed) is faulty.
Control Board Malfunction: Although less common, a problem with the washing machine’s control board can prevent the drain cycle from initiating.

Symptoms Checklist

Look for these indicators to accurately identify the issue:

Standing water in the washing machine drum after a completed wash cycle.
The washing machine makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle, but no water is pumped out.
Error codes related to draining or pump failure are displayed on the washing machine’s control panel.
Water drains very slowly from the washing machine.
The washing machine smells musty or moldy.

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

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your washer:

Safety First: Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before starting any repairs.
Check the Drain Hose for Kinks: Inspect the entire length of the drain hose for any kinks or bends that might be restricting water flow. Straighten any kinks you find.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Make sure the drain hose is properly connected to both the washing machine and the drainpipe. Ensure the connections are secure.
Clean the Drain Hose: Disconnect the drain hose from both the washer and the drainpipe. Flush the hose with water to remove any clogs. You can use a garden hose for this.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your washing machine’s manual to find the drain pump filter. It’s usually located at the front or bottom of the machine, behind a small access panel.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully remove the drain pump filter (have a towel ready to catch any water). Clean the filter thoroughly, removing any lint, hair, or debris.
Inspect the Drain Pump: Once the filter is removed, check the drain pump impeller (the fan-like part inside the pump housing) for any obstructions. Remove any debris you find.
Check the House Drainpipe: Ensure the drainpipe where the washing machine empties is not clogged. You can use a drain snake to clear any blockages.
Check for Air Lock in drain hose: Disconnect the drain hose and slightly lower it to ground level. If water spills out, it may release some air pressure that was trapped inside the drain hose.
Reset the Washing Machine: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve the issue. Unplug the washing machine for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in.
Check the Lid Switch: Try manually pressing the lid switch (while the washer is unplugged!) to see if it moves freely. If it’s stuck or broken, it might need professional attention.
Run a Test Cycle: After completing these steps, plug the washing machine back in and run a short drain and spin cycle to see if the problem is resolved.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacing any parts, try these free methods:

Reset: As mentioned above, unplugging and replugging the machine can sometimes reset the system and resolve minor glitches.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the drain pump filter (every few months) to prevent clogs from building up.
Maintenance: Avoid overloading the washing machine and use the correct amount of detergent to prevent excessive lint and residue.
Recalibration: refer to the washing machine’s instruction booklet and lookup recalibration information.

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 $150 USD, depending on the model of your washing machine. The lid switch is another part that might need replacing. Have a technician check the control board if all else fails. Replacement parts can be ordered online or from appliance parts stores.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before performing any repairs.
Be careful when handling water to avoid slips and falls. Clean up any spills immediately.
If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical appliances, consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips head and flat head)
Pliers
Bucket or towels
Drain snake (optional)
Gloves

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions:

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 notice your washer draining slowly.
Q: Can I use a liquid drain cleaner in my washing machine? A: No, it’s generally not recommended to use liquid drain cleaners in washing machines as they can damage the components.
Q: Why is my washing machine making a loud noise when it tries to drain? A: This could be a sign of a clog in the drain pump or a failing drain pump motor.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is broken? A: If the drain pump is making a humming noise but not pumping water, or if it’s completely silent, it might be broken.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a “washer won’t drain completely” issue can often be resolved with simple steps. By following this guide, you can likely fix the problem yourself and save money on repair costs. If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician for further assistance. Good luck!