How to fix a washing machine not draining?

Author: Korey Medhurst  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

  1. Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ...
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly. Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. . ...
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked. ...
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs. ...
  5. Clean Out the Filter.

How do you fix a washing machine that won't drain?

Here are some simple fixes to try when your washer tub is still full of water after a cycle:
  1. Reset your washer. ...
  2. Check the load balance. ...
  3. Test the lid switch. ...
  4. Check the drain hose. ...
  5. Look for clogs in the drain hose or pump.
  6. Check the water level control. ...
  7. Ask for help with advanced repairs.

How do I force my washing machine to drain?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

What causes the washing machine to not drain water?

If your washing machine isn't draining or filling, the most likely cause is a clogged filter, or clogged or twisted hose. This may display as a 4E/4C or 5E/5C error message on your machine. Follow these links for step-by-step guides to cleaning your debris filter and cleaning your mesh filter.

How to unblock a washing machine drain?

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

Washing Machine not Draining Water - Fixed

How do I get a blockage out of my washing machine?

There are three recommended methods of unblocking a washing machine drain yourself. These are to use baking soda and vinegar, a chemical drain cleaner, or do it manually. You can also potentially fix the issue by straightening out the washing machine drain hose if it has become twisted.

Can I use Drano to unclog my washing machine drain?

Drano® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System was designed to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and even a laundry drain.

How do you manually drain a washing machine?

Manual draining

For more stubborn situations, try this manual method to drain your washing machine: Find the drain filter, usually located at the front bottom of the machine. Place a shallow container and towels beneath to catch any water. Slowly unscrew the filter, allowing water to flow out gradually.

How to fix a washing machine that won't wash?

What are the steps to fix a washing machine that won't wash?
  1. Step 1: Check the Power Supply. ...
  2. Step 2: Check the Water Supply. ...
  3. Step 3: Check the Detergent Dispenser. ...
  4. Step 4: Check the Drain Hose. ...
  5. Step 5: Check the Agitator. ...
  6. Step 6: Check the Belt. ...
  7. Step 7: Check the Motor.

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

If there is standing water in the washer tub following the final spin cycle, or there is water leaking from the bottom of the washer cabinet, the washer's drain pump or drain hose could be clogged or broken and preventing the water from being emptied from the appliance into a laundry tub or standpipe.

What can I press to drain water from my washing machine?

1. After the washing cycle is complete and washing is done, power down the machine and cut off the water supply. 2. Take out the washed clothes, in the case of a top-loading machine, and turn the knob from “wash” to “drain”.

How to tell if a washing machine drain pump is bad?

Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.

How to reset a washing machine?

Washer Control Reset

To reset the electronic controls on your washer, shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the washer or unplug the washer for 2 minutes. For models that have a timer control knob, turn the knob around and back to any position other than final spin for the interrupted cycle. Then, restore power.

How do I fix the water not coming out of my washing machine?

Check the proper connection of the hot- and cold-water hose

Also, check to see if the hot and cold-water supply hoses are not kinked and both water supply valves are completely open, and the hose filter has no issues inside.

How do you know if your washing machine filter is blocked?

If you do not already clean your washing machine filter then the following indications mean it is overdue:
  • Deposits or residue on your clothes.
  • The unusual smell from your clothes or machine.
  • Build up of leftover laundry detergent.
  • Mould or mildew around the lid or door.
  • The water doesn't drain fully from the machine.

How do you fix a washer that won't drain?

  1. Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ...
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly. Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. . ...
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked. ...
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs. ...
  5. Clean Out the Filter.

Can I fix my washing machine myself?

While some common washer issues — noisy operation, overflow, shaking and moving, or failure to start can be DIY fixes. If the problem is more complicated than anticipated and your self-repairs aren't working, it's time to call an experienced professional to service your washing machine.

Can too much detergent cause a washing machine to leak?

Too much detergent may cause oversudsing which could clog the overflow tube. This could be the source of a leak. If you see soap bubbles on the door after a cycle, try using less detergent to prevent too many suds. Another thing to keep in mind is if you have a water softener, your laundry may require less detergent.

Can you force a washer to drain?

Even if the automatic drain does not work, all clothes washers have a manual override that allows you to prompt the washer to spin out and drain the remaining water. Check your washer's instructions. In most cases, manual override requires advancing the washer cycle to a later cycle.

How do I get rid of standing water in my washing machine?

Standing Water In Washing Machine: How to Fix It
  1. Run a cycle with an empty machine and stay close. ...
  2. Check the lid switch and sensor. ...
  3. Visually check your drain hose. ...
  4. Remove the hose to check for blockages. ...
  5. Try lighter or smaller loads.

Is there an emergency drain on a washing machine?

You need the emergency drain when the washer door is closed or the machine displays an unbalanced load error (Ub). This process also covers cleaning the debris filter on the machine, which is a good thing to do every 2 months.

What will unclog a washing machine drain?

Clear things out by mixing equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pouring the mixture through the drain pipe. Wait half an hour, then reconnect the drain pipe, plug in your machine and run a wash cycle.

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