Has your laundry day been impeded by a washing machine that won’t drain properly? We understand how inconvenient — not to mention annoying and frustrating — it can be to reach into your washer just to find that your clothes are still soaking wet in a drum full of water. You turn on the spin cycle, but nothing happens. What now?
4 Common Reasons Why Your Washer Is Not Draining
There are several components that make up the drainage system in your washing machine. Whether you have a clogged drain hose, broken pump, defective lid switch, or worn belt, any damage to these components can affect your washer’s performance. Before you begin troubleshooting, start by draining the water in the drum so you can perform a proper diagnosis.
Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose removes water from the tub during a spin cycle. So, if you’re wondering why your washer is not draining, look at the drain hose first and foremost.
Is it kinked? A drain hose that is twisted can prevent water from flowing freely. As a result, the washing machine will not drain. Thankfully, that’s an easy fix! Simply adjust the hose, so it is straight again.
If your washer is still not draining, there might be something clogging the hose. It’s common for socks or other small pieces of clothing to get stuck here and block the flow of water.
Disconnect the hose and check for an obstruction. Make sure you have an empty bucket ready to catch any water that might come pouring out of the machine or hose. If the drum is full of water, scoop out as much as possible with a small container first to avoid a mess.
Once the blockage is removed, reconnect the hose to the washer, turn on the machine, and run a rinse cycle to see if it starts draining properly.
Check the Pump
The second most common reason why your washer is not draining is a damaged pump. You may have a clogged pump filter, missing or broken fan blades, a blocked pump outlet, or even cracks in the pump motor. Of course, any issues with the pump should be left to a professional.
Check the Lid Switch
You’ve probably noticed that your washing machine only operates when the door is securely closed and stops running when the door is open. How does it do this? A small plastic device installed inside the lid lets the control panel know when the door is sealed properly.
The lid switch is a small but powerful safety mechanism that prevents the washer from draining or spinning when the lid is open. A defective lid switch assembly may be the reason why your washing machine is not draining properly.
Do you hear a clicking sound upon closing the door? Does the machine respond if you depress the lid switch with your finger? Then, your drain problems may be related to a damaged lid switch!
Check the Belt
Older washers have a belt-driven pump. Located at the bottom of the machine, the belt connects the motor to the water pump. Over time, the elastic becomes stretched or glazed, and as it wears down, it can affect your washer’s performance. The belt has to be replaced according to the exact manufacturer specifications, so leave this to the pros if your washing machine is not draining.
Perform a Master Reset
If your washing machine is not draining, you can try to perform a master reset. This technique is often performed by appliance repair technicians and can fix many common problems that washers experience. Keep in mind that not every washing machine has the capability to master reset, so consult with the owner’s manual first.
Washing Machine Not Draining? Call Appliance Doctors to the Rescue!
No matter what’s wrong with your washer, whether it be a clogged drain pump or a damaged drive belt, our appliance technicians can fix it all! We work with all brands of washing machines, including LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Bosch. Contact us to schedule a washing machine repair today!
