Remove And Check The Drain Hose
Behind the washer, you will find the drain hose. Its connected to the appliance at one end while the other goes into a drain pipe that leads out of your house. First, verify that the hose isnt pinched or kinked anywhere, then pull the hose out of the pipe and inspect it for clogs.
If you find any debris, you should most definitely remove it. Then, set everything back up, turn the water and electricity back on and try starting your washer again. If the clog was the problem, it should now drain. If it still doesnt drain, or if you didnt find a clog, then make sure the power and water supply are shut off again before proceeding to the next step.
Is It The Drain Hose
The hose that carries water from the back of the machine could be causing it not to drain properly. The washing machine hose could have a kink obstructing the water flow, or the unit could be jammed too close to the wall, interfering with water flow through the hose. Another possibility is that the hose could be clogged. Disconnect the drain hose , and shine a flashlight inside to inspect it for any obstruction. If you cant reach whats clogging the tube, try taking it outside and using a garden hose to run water through it. Then, reconnect the drain hose to the machine, turn the electricity back on and run the rinse cycle to see if to drain properly.
Washing Machine Not Draining Even After Troubleshooting
In addition, always follow your model’s manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the type of laundry detergent you should use and for how to properly load the machine. If the answers to these questions dont reveal why your washer isnt draining properly, you may need to call the plumber after all.
While its certainly possible to replace the washer pump, lid switch or belts yourself, you may choose to have a professional make those repairs instead. If the drain is clogged and you cant clear it yourself, you may also need to ask your plumber for help. Be sure to keep in mind that the average washing machine’s life expectancy is about 14 years. This time frame is taking 7 loads a week into consideration. Depending on your make and model, you may be able to get away with a dependable machine for a longer span of time, but if you’re reaching the 14 year mark and you’ve had some problems with your washer in the past, it may be time for an upgrade. This is where washing machine warranties come in handy.
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What To Do When Your Washing Machine Wont Drain
A functional washing machine is an effective tool for getting dirt, sweat, and stains out of clothing. The exact way the washer cleans your clothes depends on the precise settings you choose, but the basic premise is the same: first, the drum fills with water when you hit Start. After the wash cycle, the drum drains, and the first spin cycle begins. Then, the drum refills to rinse the clothes with clean water. Finally, the machine drains one final time and spins the clothes dry.
If you open the lid after the washer stops running to find your clothes swimming in water, something is obviously wrong. The drum wont drain, that much is certain, but why? To get to the bottom of it, follow these troubleshooting tips before you call in a professional for help.
Why Is My Washer Not Draining Or Spinning
Home » FAQs » Why Is My Washer Not Draining or Spinning?
If your washer isnt draining or spinning the clothes before the cycle finishes, youll know. When you go to transfer your load, your clothes will be sopping wet and heavy. Does this mean you need to replace your washing machine?
Not necessarily. Before you start browsing catalogs for a new machine, let the Top Shelf Services team take a look. We may be able to save you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on a replacement washing machine.
However, if your machine is over ten years old, it may make more financial sense to replace it. Well let you know what your best possible next steps should be after we take a look at your washer.
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Schedule Washing Machine Repair
If these troubleshooting tips dont solve the problem, you could have a broken water pump or drive belt. These components require professional repair or replacement to get your machine working again.
Washing machine repair is best left to the professionals. If your washing machine still wont drain, its time to for help. Our experienced technicians can efficiently and effectively restore your washing machine to good working order.
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How To Replace The Pump
Buy a new one to match.
- You can find a new pump by searching for your washing machines brand and model number online.
- Pro tip: Model numbers are usually stamped on a small metal plate located under the tub lid or on the top, side or back of the machine. Copy down all the plate information and use it to access online parts suppliers, or take it along to the parts distributor.
Family Handyman
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How To Diagnose An Issue With Your Drain
First, you will need to confirm that your washers drain line is the issue. Some advanced washing machines have signal errors that identify the cause of a leak, but for most washing machines, youll need to run a diagnostic test.
Start by running your washer through a drain cycle. Observe the washing machine as it pumps water into the hoses and up into the standpipe. If you see water back up and out of the standpipe, your washers drain is most likely the issue.
The amount of time it takes for the standpipe to fill up and overflow helps you diagnose where the clog is located. Heres what each timeframe might mean:
- A few secondsIf the pipe fills up and overflows within seconds, the clog is most likely located near the standpipes surface or in a washing machine hose. If the clog is small, you may be able to clear it with a hand-operated snake.
- 30 seconds to a minuteIf the stoppage doesnt cause the water to surface for 30 seconds or more, the clog may be deeper in the drainpipe system. This may require a long drain-snake to reach deep into the pipe and free the clog. If you cant reach the clog with your snake, contact a plumber to assess the proper course of action.
- More than a minuteWater that takes more than a minute to overflow after entering the drainage pipe may mean a more severe blockage in the plumbing system. Contact a licensed plumber to inspect your homes sewage lines and identify the issue.
How To Fix A Washing Machine Not Draining
After finally deciding to tackle that mountain of laundry once and for all, spending precious time separating your colors from your whites, and proudly loading your washing machine, you find yourself hit with one of lifes inconveniences: your washing machine wont drain.
Along with stubbing your toe and getting stuck in traffic, a washing machine not draining is one of those seemingly minor things that can ruin an otherwise good day. After all, its frustrating when you go to transfer a load of clothes from the washer to the dryer, only to encounter a deluge of water remaining in the washer tub after the cycle has finished.
If your washing machine wont drain, were here to help. Learn more about the function of your washing machine drain and how to drain the washer on your own.
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Possible Causes Of Why Washer Is Not Draining Water
Before getting into the steps of solving the problem, its important to first understand why your washing machine drain system might malfunction. Among the many possible reasons this might happen are the following:
Some of these causes are easier to check for than others. In general, its best to follow a systematic process to check for and resolve the issue, as described in the next section.
When To Call A Professional
If youve gone through the steps to troubleshoot your washing machine issue and still cant find the reason, there may be a bigger problem at play. On average, professional services cost $150 to $300 for a machine that wont drain and$150 to $500 for a machine that wont spin.
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Washing Machine Wont Drain Heres What To Do
If your washing machine wont drain, its probably due to a faulty drain hose or a defective drain pump filter or because the drain pump has stopped working altogether.
Thankfully, the first two reasons are relatively easy to check and fix. If its the motor, you can replace it yourself if you have the right tools, or you might need to call a technician to do it for you.
If your washing machine wont drain, heres what to do.
How Do You Drain A Washer That Wont Spin
What to Do When Your Washing Machine Wont Drain
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Check The Door Lock Switch
Washers will not run if the door or lid is not closed. This is achieved by a failsafe switch that will not let the cycle run until the door locks and it is engaged.
If the door lock assembly has become loose, it can fail to sense when the door or lid is closed. This causes the draining function to stop.
If this is the problem, you will most likely see the error code OE on your digital display. Press the door or lid firmly shut to see if this kickstarts the draining process.
If this is your problem, you should call a professional appliance repair technician to conduct the repair.
How To Fix Washing Machine Drain Overflows
If your washing machines drain is overflowing, the problem could be as simple as a clogged drainpipe or as serious and complex as a main sewer line blockage. No matter whats causing the overflow, its important to immediately address the issue to prevent lasting damage to your home, even if that means contacting a plumber.
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Five: Check The Control Boards
Your control board accepts and relays the signals between different components of your washers. With modern programmable washers, your machine cant operate if your board doesnt function. In this case, you can typically test the power of connections using a multimeter. The multimeter should read that there is power coursing through the washer.
Your owners manual will contain information related to what power level is correct. If the multimeter isnt matching up, youve found where your issues are originating. Typical signs of a broken control board include burnt spots, warped spots, or abnormal moisture accumulation.
Check the wires to see if there is any corrosion as you are doing this. You can find electrical issues in the cables as much as you find them in the panels. If there are any leaks, these problems are suddenly compounding to the point where they are not worth it. Consider calling a specialist for a quote, but you may want to replace the washing machine at this point.
Check The Drain Hose Or Pump For Clogs
Its common for a sock or other small piece of clothing to get into the drain system and clog the hose or pump. Remove the front panel of the washer and check for any obstructions in these areas. If you find anything, remove it to see if you can get the washing machine to drain.
Be aware that if you remove the hose to get an obstruction out of the pump, any water in the washer will come pouring out. To avoid a mess, scoop out as much water from the drum as possible before disconnecting the hose.
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Pry Off The Old Belt With A Flathead Screwdriver
The old belt is usually pretty stuck on if you havent changed it out in a while. When you remove it, you are going to need a bit of force on your side. Dont be afraid to remove the belt with force, which you can increase by prying it off using a flathead screwdriver. Be sure you dont damage the pulleys.
The Load Isnt Evenly Distributed
If you run a load of laundry and open the machine at the end of the cycle to find everything clumped to one side of the machine, the spin cycle may not have gotten to a high enough speed. Try redistributing the items by spreading everything out. For example, unfold a large blanket rather than putting it into the machine in a ball.
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What If My Washers Drain Pump Is Clogged
If your washing machines drain pump is clogged, you will need to remove the panel leading to this. On front-loaded machines, you can find this below the door and in the front. Top-loaded washing machines have the drain pump near the back.
Remove the panel and check to see if there are any significant obstructions. You likely want gloves, and the gross wet buildup of fabric isnt always pleasant for some people to feel. If cleaning the pump doesnt work, there is a chance that you will need to make the replacement. Check your warranty to see if this is covered.
While it may be tempting to do this as a DIY project, it is incredibly complicated to replace. Get a quote from an HVAC technician, but this should not exceed $200 in most cases.
Is It The Pump
Again, see the manufacturers diagram of your washer model, and locate the pump. It’s usually found in the front or the back of the machine. You may need to remove a panel to get to it, so have a screwdriver ready. Detach the pump and open it to remove the screen. Rinse the screen thoroughly. Turn the fan blades or arms to make sure they are moving freely and that none of them are broken or missing. Look in the pumps outlet part to see if anything is lodged inside. Inspect the pump for cracks or leaks. If the blades are broken or the pump is leaking, you may need a new one.
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Set Up The Bucket And Drain Hose
Ensure that the bucket is in a place where you wont accidentally knock it over you may want to place it firmly on or between several towels. Then, drop the house lower than the washer tub and into the bucket. If the bucket fills up, simply raise the hose back above the washer tub until you can empty the bucket. Drop the hose to start to fill it again.
If water doesnt flow freely from the washing machine tub through the drain hose and into the bucket, the filter may be blocked, so youll need to clear it before continuing.
Keep Your Washer Spinning And Draining With Parts From Repair Clinic
Whether you need to replace a damaged pump or hose for the washer to properly drain, or you need a new stator or belt to keep the tub spinning, Repair Clinic stocks original manufacturer parts that match the most popular top-load and front-load washer models, including those built by Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Maytag, GE, Kenmore, Bosch, and Frigidaire. To find the right rotor, drive coupler, lid switch, clutch, or motor that fit your particular washer, enter the full model number of the appliance in the Repair Clinic website search bar. You can then use the part category and part title filters to refine your search to identify the exact part you need.
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Check For And Remove All Clogs In The Drain Hose
Once the water has fully drained out of the tub, check the drain hose for any debris, clothing, or soap blockages, all of which can make the washing machine drain clogged. To check for clogs, loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the bottom of the tub, then inspect the inside. If you see something blocking the hose or its connecting parts, remove it with the pliers, then reconnect the hose.
Confirm The Lid Switch Is Working
Many washers will not perform most of their functions without a latched lid switch. The lid switch tells the washer that the door is securely closed and locked tight. It wont spin or drain for safety purposes. This can mean that a loose or broken lid switch will prevent your washer from draining when its time.
Test your lid or door switch, depending on if your washer is top or front loading. See if the door switch affects the light. See if your washer will start with the door switch depressed with your finger. If you can prove the door switch is working correctly, look elsewhere. If the door switch feels loose, secure it. If the door switch is broken, replace it.
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