Washing Machine Repair Near Me in Nairobi | Refitec 0704843613
A washing machine that won’t drain is one of the most frustrating laundry problems you can face. You open the lid expecting clean, damp clothes ready for the line, only to find them sitting in a pool of dirty water. Before you call a technician and spend KSh 2,000-5,000 on repairs, try these proven solutions to fix a washing machine that won’t drain.
Why Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain
Understanding why your washing machine won’t drain helps you fix it faster. The most common causes include a clogged drain pump, kinked drain hose, blocked filter, or faulty lid switch. In Kenya’s hard water areas like Nairobi and Kiambu, mineral buildup and detergent residue frequently cause drainage problems.
Step 1: Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose is the first place to look when your washing machine won’t drain properly.
What to do:
- Unplug your washing machine from the power source
- Pull the machine away from the wall to access the back panel
- Locate the drain hose (usually a large corrugated hose attached to the back)
- Check for kinks, twists, or bends that restrict water flow
- Straighten any kinks you find
- Disconnect the hose and check for blockages inside
- Use a plumbing snake or straightened wire hanger to clear any clogs
- Ensure the hose isn’t inserted too far into the standpipe (it should only go 15-20cm deep)
Cost: KSh 0 if you fix it yourself. A new drain hose costs KSh 800-1,500 at hardware stores in Nairobi.
Step 2: Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Most washing machines have a drain pump filter that catches coins, buttons, lint, and other debris. When this filter gets clogged, your washing machine won’t drain effectively.
What to do:
- Consult your manual to locate the filter (usually behind a small door at the front bottom of the machine)
- Place towels on the floor and have a shallow container ready
- Open the filter door and slowly unscrew the filter cap
- Let the water drain into your container
- Remove the filter and clean out any debris, hair, coins, or buildup
- Rinse the filter under running water
- Check the filter housing for obstructions
- Replace the filter, ensuring it’s screwed in tightly
- Close the access door
Clean this filter every 2-3 months to prevent drainage issues.
Cost: KSh 0 for cleaning. Replacement filters cost KSh 500-1,200 depending on your washing machine model.
Step 3: Inspect the Drain Pump
If your washing machine still won’t drain after checking the hose and filter, the drain pump itself may be faulty or blocked.
What to do:
- Unplug the washing machine
- Access the pump (usually through the front or back panel)
- Look for visible obstructions around the pump impeller
- Manually rotate the impeller to check if it spins freely
- Listen for unusual grinding or humming sounds when the drain cycle runs
- If the pump motor is burned out or damaged, it needs replacement
Signs of a faulty pump: Humming noise but no draining, complete silence during drain cycle, or visible damage to the pump housing.
Cost: DIY pump cleaning costs nothing. A new drain pump costs KSh 3,500-6,000, plus KSh 2,000-3,000 for installation if you hire a technician.
Step 4: Check for a Clogged Drain Line
Sometimes the problem isn’t your washing machine but your home’s plumbing. A clogged standpipe or drain line prevents water from flowing away, causing your washing machine to appear as though it won’t drain.
What to do:
- Disconnect the drain hose from the standpipe
- Run water from a bucket down the standpipe
- If water backs up or drains slowly, the pipe is clogged
- Use a plumbing snake to clear the blockage
- Pour hot water mixed with baking soda down the drain to dissolve buildup
Cost: Plumbing snake rental: KSh 200-500 per day. Professional plumber: KSh 3,000-8,000 depending on the severity of the clog.
Step 5: Test the Lid Switch (Top-Load Machines)
Top-load washing machines have a lid switch that prevents the spin cycle from running when the lid is open. A faulty lid switch can prevent your washing machine from draining and spinning.
What to do:
- Open the lid and locate the switch (usually a small plastic piece that the lid presses down)
- Press the switch manually and listen for a click
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity
- If there’s no click or continuity, replace the lid switch
Cost: New lid switch: KSh 800-2,000. Installation: KSh 1,000-1,500 if you hire someone.
Step 6: Examine the Drive Belt (If Applicable)
Some washing machines use a drive belt to power the drain pump. If this belt is broken or loose, your washing machine won’t drain or spin properly.
What to do:
- Unplug the machine and remove the back or front panel
- Locate the drive belt wrapped around the motor and pump pulleys
- Check for signs of wear, cracks, or looseness
- Replace the belt if damaged
Cost: Replacement drive belt: KSh 1,200-2,500. Labor: KSh 1,500-2,500.
Step 7: Check the Water Level Sensor
Modern washing machines use a water level sensor or pressure switch to determine when to drain. A malfunctioning sensor can prevent the drain cycle from starting.
What to do:
- Locate the pressure switch (usually near the control panel)
- Check the air tube connected to it for blockages or damage
- Test the switch with a multimeter
- Replace if faulty
Cost: Water level sensor: KSh 2,500-4,500. Installation: KSh 1,500-2,000.
Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Drainage Problems
Prevent your washing machine from developing drainage issues with these simple habits:
- Empty pockets before washing (coins and small items block pumps)
- Use the correct amount of detergent (excess suds can cause drainage problems)
- Clean the drain pump filter monthly
- Use washing machine cleaner every 2-3 months (available at KSh 300-600)
- Check hoses quarterly for wear and damage
- Don’t overload the machine
- Run hot water cycles occasionally to dissolve buildup
When to Call a Professional
While many drainage issues are fixable at home, call a qualified technician if:
- You’ve tried all these steps and your washing machine still won’t drain
- You notice electrical problems or burning smells
- Water leaks from unusual places
- The machine makes loud grinding or banging noises
- You’re uncomfortable working with electrical appliances
Professional repair costs in Kenya: Basic service call: KSh 1,500-2,500. Complete drainage system repair: KSh 4,000-10,000 depending on parts needed.
Conclusion
A washing machine that won’t drain doesn’t always require expensive repairs. By systematically checking the drain hose, cleaning the filter, inspecting the pump, and examining other components, you can often fix the problem yourself and save thousands of shillings. Start with the simplest solutions first—a kinked hose or clogged filter—before moving to more complex repairs. Regular maintenance prevents most drainage problems, keeping your washing machine running efficiently for years.
If you’ve successfully fixed your washing machine using these steps, you’ve saved yourself KSh 2,000-5,000 in repair costs. If the problem persists, contact a reputable appliance repair service in your area for professional diagnosis and repair.