Washer Won't Drain: Causes and Fixes
Safe checks before you call
None of these involve opening the appliance. Unplug it before cleaning anything.
- 1
Unplug it and protect the floor
Water and electricity do not mix. Put towels down before opening anything.
- 2
Check the drain hose
Make sure the hose behind the washer is not kinked or pushed too far down the standpipe, and that the standpipe or sink is not backed up.
- 3
Clean the pump filter (front-loaders)
Open the small door at the bottom front, drain the water through the little hose into a shallow pan, then unscrew the filter and remove socks, coins and lint.
- 4
Run a drain and spin cycle
Listen for the pump. A steady whir with water moving is good. A hum with no water means the pump is jammed or failed. Silence points to the pump motor, wiring or control.
- 5
Check the load
One heavy item, like a bath mat, can keep the washer from spinning and leave it full.
What a technician usually finds
Drain pump
The most common part replaced on this complaint. Jammed impellers and worn motors both end with standing water.
Lid lock or door latch
The washer will not drain and spin if it cannot confirm the lid or door is locked.
Pressure sensor or hose
The control thinks the tub is empty and never starts the pump.
Control board
Rare, and only suspected after the pump, lock and sensor test good.
Questions and answers
How do I drain a washer that is full of water?
On a front-loader, use the small drain hose next to the pump filter and a shallow pan, emptying it as many times as needed. On a top-loader, lower the drain hose into a bucket on the floor and let gravity empty the tub.
Can I use the washer if it drains slowly?
It is better not to. Slow draining leaves clothes wet, strains the pump and can overflow the standpipe. A partial clog usually becomes a full one.
What error codes mean a drain problem?
It varies by brand. Common ones are OE on LG, 5C or ND on Samsung, F9 E1 on Whirlpool and Maytag and E21 on Frigidaire and Electrolux. Have the code ready when you call.
Related services
More guides
Leave your contact and we will call you back
Requests get a reply usually within the hour during business hours. Mon - Fri 8 am - 7 pm, Sat 9 am - 5 pm.