Washer Not Draining? Common Causes and What You Can Check
Water still sitting in the drum after the cycle ends? Learn the usual causes of a washer that will not drain, what you can check safely, and when to book a repair.
You open the washer and find a drum of cold, soapy water and wet clothes. A washer that will not drain usually has something in the way, or a part that moves the water out has stopped working. It is a messy problem, but the list of likely causes is short.
Most cases come down to a blocked drain path, a pump that is jammed or worn, a kinked hose, or a control that is not telling the pump to run. A few ordinary checks can rule out the simple ones before you book a visit.
Water and electricity do not mix. Unplug the washer before you touch hoses or pull it away from the wall, and do not open any panels. A full drum is heavy and the water can be hot, so do not lift or tilt the machine, and keep towels down to avoid slipping.
What you can safely check first
- Look at the drain hose behind the washer. It should not be kinked, flattened or squeezed against the wall.
- Check that the hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe, which can cause slow draining or siphoning problems. A loose fit is better than a tight one.
- Run a drain-only or spin-only cycle if your washer has one, in case the last cycle simply paused.
- Check the sink or standpipe the washer drains into. If the sink is backing up as well, the blockage is in your home plumbing, not the washer.
- Check the pockets of clothing you removed. Coins, tissues and small items are classic pump blockers, so look for a missing sock too.
- Check for a cycle option that holds water, such as a soak or extra rinse hold, and cancel it.
- Confirm the machine has power and the door is closed. Some washers will not drain with the door unlatched.
If your front loader has a small drain filter, you will often find the owner manual shows where. Place towels and a shallow tray first, since a lot of water can come out. If you are not comfortable doing this, leave it for a technician.
Common causes
A clogged drain pump or filter
The pump pushes water out through the drain hose. Small items, lint and hair can jam its impeller or block the filter that guards it. Signs include a humming sound while the machine tries to drain, or no sound at all. A technician clears the blockage and checks the pump is not damaged.
A failed drain pump
Pumps wear out. If the motor hums but the water does not move, or there is a grinding noise, or the pump is silent when it should be running, it may need replacing. A technician tests it to confirm.
A blocked or kinked hose
The hose can be squashed behind the machine, or clogged with lint and soap residue inside. Water then drains slowly, or not at all, and may back up into the drum.
A faulty lid switch or door lock
Many washers will not run a drain or spin step unless they believe the lid or door is closed and latched. If that switch or lock has failed, the cycle can stop with the water still in the drum.
A control or sensor problem
The control board, or a water level sensor, tells the pump when to run. If it gives the wrong signal, the pump may never start. This is less common than a blockage, and a technician can tell the difference by testing.
When to call a technician
Call if the hose is clear, the drain is not blocked, and the water is still in the drum. Call straight away if you hear a grinding noise from the pump, see water leaking, or smell burning. Standing water can also develop a bad smell, so do not leave it for long.
Still not working? Book a washer repair and tell us the model number and what you have checked.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there water left in my washer after the cycle?
Usually the drain path is blocked or the pump cannot move the water. A kinked hose, a jammed pump or a faulty door lock are all common reasons. A technician checks each in turn.
Can I wash again to clear it?
Running another cycle will usually add more water and make the problem worse. Try a drain-only or spin-only setting after you have checked the hose, and stop if the water does not go.
Can the problem be my home plumbing and not the washer?
Yes. If a nearby sink gurgles or backs up, the blockage may be in the standpipe or drain line. In that case a plumber is the right call, not an appliance technician.
Is it safe to unplug a washer with water in it?
Yes, unplugging it is the safe first step. Just keep your hands out of the machine and away from any wet electrical connection.
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