Is a washer supposed to have water in the bottom?

Author: Ralph Schimmel MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Your washing machine is designed to keep some water in the drum when not in use. This helps ensure your water pump doesn't dry out and overwork the next time you run a load of laundry. You shouldn't be able to see this water — you'd likely only hear the water in your washing machine when you spin the drum.

Is it normal to have a little water in the bottom of a washing machine?

Your washer will have a small amount of water in the hoses after it drains, this is normal. If it's not leaking and the water is below the drum (so the drum is dry between washes) it is fine.

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

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.

Why is my washing machine leaving water in the bottom?

If your washer is leaking water from the bottom, it could indicate several potential issues: Hoses: Check the drain hose and water supply hoses for any cracks, loose connections, or kinks. A damaged hose can lead to leaks. Pump Issues: The drain pump may be malfunctioning or clogged.

Why does my washer still have water in it?

A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt. No matter the culprit, you need to drain the water from the washing machine before diagnosing the issue or doing any work to remedy the situation.

Top-Load Washer Leaking Water — Top-Load Washing Machine Troubleshooting

How full of water should a washing machine be?

The delicate or Hand Wash cycle will result in a deeper wash—the washer will fill about half full. The whites, Heavy Duty, Deep Water Wash, Power Wash, and Super Wash will also fill to about half full. Normal, Casual, and Wrinkle Control will fill to slightly less than 1/2 full.

Is water supposed to stay in the bottom of the dishwasher?

Some water (standing water), usually one to two cups, remaining in the bottom of the Dishwasher tub is normal. If dirty water is building up over time in the bottom of the Dishwasher and your installation does not have an air gap, make sure you have a high drain loop.

Why does my washer have water coming out of the bottom?

A leaking washing machine is a common issue caused by factors like faulty drain pumps, damaged seals, or clogged hoses. To fix it, first, turn off the machine and inspect these components for wear or damage. Tighten or replace parts as needed. If the issue persists, professional repairs may be necessary.

Should a washing machine fill with water?

The washer will partially fill with water and the drum will rotate during the initial fill. Once the initial fill is complete, the wash portion of the cycle will begin and the tub will fill will more water. At this time, the water in your washer should be about the same amount as the image below.

How to force a washer to drain?

How Do You Force Your Washing Machine to Drain? A master reset may force some washing machine models to drain. To do this, unplug the appliance, then plug it back in .

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 often should you drain your washing machine?

We recommend doing it once a month. If you're starting to get little black spots building up inside your door seal, or you can see sludge when you gently pull the door seal back, it's time for a wash.

Should there be standing water in my washing machine drain?

If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine

The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).

How long does a washing machine last?

Typically a washing machine lasts 10-13 years. Top-loading washers typically last a few years longer than their front-loading brethren. If you use a stacked washer/dryer combo, you may have to replace both if one starts acting up. Proper maintenance will likely help your washer last for over 15 years.

Should there be water under the drum of my washing machine?

Water Under Washing Machine Drum

There are a few reasons why water may be collecting under the wash drum, like a kinked or clogged drain hose or regularly overpacking your machine with laundry. These can cause obstructions and water will not be able to properly drain from the washer drum.

Is there supposed to be water in the washer?

Your washing machine is designed to keep some water in the drum when not in use. This helps ensure your water pump doesn't dry out and overwork the next time you run a load of laundry. You shouldn't be able to see this water — you'd likely only hear the water in your washing machine when you spin the drum.

Why is water left in the washing machine?

Causes of Residual Water

Your washing machine's drain hose may be blocked, preventing water from leaving the drum. This can be caused by a clog or kink in the hose. Clogged Filters: Filters in your washing machine play a crucial role in trapping lint, debris, and foreign objects.

Why is there water in the bottom of my washing machine when not in use?

Is it filling up when not in use? If you find clean water filling up the drum when the washer is not being used this could be due to contamination from your cold water supply clogging in the water valve of your washing machine. There is a filter fitted in the valve to catch this debris and can be easily cleaned.

Is it worth fixing a leaking washing machine?

Is It Worth Fixing a Leaking Washing Machine? Yes, it is worth fixing a leaking washing machine. Most washing machines can be fixed by making some simple adjustments or repairs or by having the machine assessed by a service professional.

Why is my GE washer leaking water from underneath?

The most common reasons your GE washer is leaking from bottom are a clogged water valve assembly, broken motor or a cracked drain hose.

Why does my dishwasher have water in the bottom after a cycle?

Occasionally, a dishwasher may have standing water remaining if the cycle has been interrupted before the draining process has been completed. Excessive standing water that fills the bottom of your dishwasher after a complete wash cycle is likely due to a clog in the drain or nearby garbage disposal.

Why is there water left in the bottom of my Samsung dishwasher?

If your dishwasher isn't draining, you will need to check the sink's drain for clogs and blockage caused by food, debris and waste, and that the drain hose connection to the sink is straight, not pinched shut, kinked, bent or damaged.

How do I get rid of standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?

Remove Any Standing Water

Empty your dishwasher for a full, unobstructed view. Take out the bottom rack. Remove the excess water with a cup or soak it up with towels or a turkey baster and sponge. You can also use or a wet/dry shop vac to suction it all out.

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