How To Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain

Got it — your washing machine isn’t draining. This is one of the most common washing machine problems and it’s often something you can troubleshoot yourself before calling a technician. I’ll break it down step by step so you know exactly what to do.

🔎 Why Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know the main reasons this happens:

• Clogged drain hose (lint, coins, or small clothes blocking the hose)
• Blocked pump filter (detergent, lint, or small debris stuck inside)
• Faulty drain pump (the pump motor isn’t running or has failed)
• Kinked or improperly installed drain hose
• Lid/door switch fault (machine thinks the door is open, so it won’t drain)
• Blocked or slow household drain (the pipe your washer empties into is clogged)

🛠️ Step-by-Step Fix

1️⃣ Unplug the Machine

Safety first. Unplug the machine from the wall socket before you start any work.

2️⃣ Check the Drain Hose

• Pull the washer slightly away from the wall.
• Locate the drain hose (it’s usually at the back of the machine leading to your wall drain).
• Make sure it’s not bent or kinked. Straighten it if it is.
• Detach the hose from the drain and check for blockages by running water through it or blowing air into it.

3️⃣ Inspect the Pump Filter (Front Loaders)

Most front-load washers have a small access door at the bottom front:

• Open it (keep a towel or tray nearby — water may spill out).
• Unscrew the filter cap slowly to drain remaining water.
• Remove any lint, coins, buttons, or hairpins stuck inside.
• Clean the filter, then screw it back in securely.

4️⃣ Check the Drain Pump

If your washer still won’t drain:

• Listen during the drain cycle — do you hear a humming or clicking noise?
  • Humming but no draining = pump may be clogged.
  • Silent = pump motor may have failed.
• If you’re comfortable, remove the lower panel to inspect the pump for obstructions. Clear anything you find.
• If the pump motor looks burned or damaged, it likely needs replacement.

5️⃣ Inspect the Lid or Door Switch

On some machines, a faulty door or lid switch stops the washer from draining:

• On top-load washers, check if the lid switch clicks when the lid closes.
• On front-load washers, inspect the door latch.
• Replace the switch if it’s defective.

6️⃣ Check Your Household Drain

Sometimes the issue isn’t the washer but the pipe it empties into. If it’s clogged, water will back up:

• Pour water down the drain manually to see if it flows freely.
• If not, you’ll need to unclog it or call a plumber.

📝 Extra Tips

• Clean your pump filter monthly to prevent future clogs.
• Don’t overload the washer; it strains the pump.
• Empty pockets before washing — coins and small items are the #1 cause of pump blockages.
• Use the correct detergent — too much soap can create buildup and slow draining.

⚠️ When to Call a Technician

If you’ve checked the hose, filter, pump, and door switch but the machine still won’t drain, the problem is likely an electrical fault in the pump or control board. In that case, it’s safer and cheaper long-term to call a certified technician.