Water Won T Drain In Washer

Introduction

Is your washing machine stuck with a tub full of water? This is a common problem that can be a real headache! When your washer doesn’t drain, your laundry stays wet, and you can’t start the next load. Sometimes it happens after washing a particularly bulky load or after years of reliable service. Ignoring this problem can lead to mold, mildew, and potentially damage your washing machine. Let’s troubleshoot and get your washer working again!

Common Causes of Water Won’t Drain in Washer

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your washing machine isn’t draining:

Clogged Drain Hose: This is the hose that carries the water away from the washer. It can get blocked with lint, socks, or other small items.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a filter near the drain pump to catch debris. This filter can become clogged and restrict water flow.
Kinked or Bent Drain Hose: If the drain hose is bent sharply, it can prevent water from flowing properly.
Blocked Drainpipe: The pipe in your wall that the drain hose connects to might be clogged.
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 Issue: The lid switch tells the washer it’s safe to spin and drain. If it’s malfunctioning, the washer might not drain.
Timer/Control Board Problems: Modern washers have electronic controls. A glitch or malfunction in the timer or control board can prevent the drain cycle from starting.
Too Much Soap: Excessive soap can create suds that hinder the drain pump’s ability to remove water efficiently.

Symptoms Checklist

These indicators will help you to know the problem:

Washer fills with water but doesn’t drain at the end of the cycle.
Washer stops mid-cycle with water still in the tub.
You hear a humming or buzzing sound from the washer but no draining occurs.
The drain hose doesn’t seem to be emptying water.
Error code displayed on the washer’s control panel related to draining.
Clothes are soaking wet after the wash cycle is complete.

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

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your washing machine:

Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Always unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before starting any repairs.
Check the Drain Hose for Kinks: Straighten out any kinks or bends in the drain hose. Make sure the hose isn’t pinched or crushed.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Ensure the drain hose is securely connected to both the washing machine and the drainpipe in the wall.
Empty the Washer Manually: If the washer is full of water, use a bucket or siphon hose to remove the water. This will make it easier to work on the washer.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Consult your owner’s manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. It’s usually located at the front or back of the washer, near the bottom.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully remove the drain pump filter and clean it thoroughly. Remove any lint, hair, or debris that may be blocking it.
Check the Drain Hose for Blockages: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe and inspect it for any clogs. You can use a garden hose or a plumbing snake to clear any blockages.
Check the Drainpipe for Blockages: Make sure the drainpipe in the wall isn’t clogged. You can use a plumbing snake to clear any blockages.
Inspect the Drain Pump: If you’re comfortable doing so, you can remove the drain pump and inspect it for any damage. Look for cracks, broken impeller blades, or signs of wear. (If you are not comfortable, skip this step).
Test the Lid Switch: The lid switch ensures the washer doesn’t spin with the lid open. Try gently pushing down on the lid switch with your finger to see if it activates the drain pump.
Reset the Washer: Some washers 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 Rinse and Spin Cycle: After performing these checks, run a rinse and spin cycle to see if the washer drains properly.
Check the Air Gap: Some plumbing installations have an air gap near where the drain hose connects. This device can also clog and needs cleaning.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many times, the issue can be fixed without buying any new parts:

Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes to reset its electronics.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter Regularly: Prevent clogs by cleaning the filter every few months.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Using too much detergent can cause excessive suds, which can hinder draining.
Inspect Hoses Regularly: Look for kinks, cracks, or damage in the hoses.
Run a Washer Cleaning Cycle: Many washers have a cleaning cycle that helps remove buildup and prevent clogs.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your washer still isn’t draining, you might need to replace a part. The most common parts that fail are the drain pump ($50-$150 USD) and the lid switch ($20-$50 USD). In rare cases, the timer or control board ($100-$300 USD) might need to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable replacing these parts yourself, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before performing any repairs.
Be careful when handling water, as it can create a slip hazard. Wipe up any spills immediately.
If you’re not comfortable working with electricity or plumbing, call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Don’t force any parts. If something doesn’t seem right, stop and consult a professional.

Tools You May Need

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

FAQ

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

Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not draining? A: This usually indicates a problem with the drain pump. The pump might be clogged or broken.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad? A: If the pump isn’t making any noise, or if it’s making a loud grinding noise, it’s likely bad. You can also test the pump with a multimeter.
Q: Can I use a drain cleaner in my washing machine? A: It’s not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners in your washing machine. They can damage the machine’s components.
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine’s drain pump filter? A: It’s recommended to clean the filter every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use your washer.

Conclusion

Don’t give up on your washing machine just yet! By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often fix a draining problem yourself. Remember to stay safe and take your time. If you’re not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician. With a little effort, you can get your washing machine back in working order and avoid costly repairs!