What to do when washing machine keeps draining?

Author: Julien Monahan  |  Last update: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Make sure the drain hose is not clogged, and is hung over the drain hose hook. Fill the spin basket halfway with water, and try spinning again. Lift the end of the drain hose to prevent water from draining. Fill the spin basket halfway with water, and then run spinning after releasing the drain hose.

Why is my washing machine stuck on draining?

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.

Why does my washing machine keep draining while filling?

Issue with the Water Level Control: The water level control, also known as the pressure switch, might be faulty. This switch tells the washing machine when it has enough water and can stop filling, and when it needs to drain. If it's defective, the machine may think it needs to keep draining.

Why is my washing machine continuously running water?

Test the water level switch

The water level switch sends a signal to the tub to stop filling with water. If your washer is filling with too much water, the two sets of contacts on the water level switch may have fused. Or there may be a leak in the pressure hose or air dome tube, which connect the switch to the tub.

Why does my washing machine drain keep backing up?

Regular blockages in a washing machine drain can be caused by several factors: Lint and Debris: Lint, hair, and small fabric pieces can accumulate in the drain hose or filter, leading to clogs. Detergent Buildup: Using too much detergent or the wrong type can create soap scum that builds up in the drain system.

Top Load Washing Machine Keeps Draining Water on Wash Mode

How do I fix my washing machine from draining?

Washing Machine Not Draining? 5 Fixes (+ Reasons Why)
  1. Perform a Master Reset.
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly.
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked.
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs.
  5. Clean out Filter.

How do I stop my drain from backing up?

If you do not have a backwater valve, plugs with backflow devices can be installed in floor drains. These plugs have a ball or float that will stop water or sewage from backing up into a home while permitting water to flow into the drain. These plugs can be left in place year-round.

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.

Why does water keep coming out of my washing machine?

One of the most common causes for a washer that leaks from the bottom is a leak in the fill and drain hoses. These hoses can become blocked, kinked, damaged or disconnected, resulting in a leak while your washing machine is in use.

Why is my washing machine drain pump continuously running?

If the washing machine drain pump continues to pump even after there is no more water in the washing machine, it is most likely due to a faulty pressure switch.

How do I stop a washing machine from draining?

To stop it without it draining, simply open the lid. Additional wash cycles desired, switch it to deep clean, one click to the left from normal. You can also add things during rinse once again by lifting the lid.

How do I fix my washing machine that keeps filling?

First thing to try is turn the water supply off to the washer and see if this stops the filling. If it does then it's the water inlet valve and that will need to be replaced to cure this. But if it's still filling even with the water supply off then it's back filling from the waste hose.

Why does my whirlpool washer keep draining water?

If the drain is below 30" (76.2 cm), the water will start to flow out of the machine due to gravity. The flow of water can create suction (siphon) and the water will continue to drain out of the washer.

Why does my washing machine keep draining?

If the machine is draining out immediately, it could be due to a clogged or damaged drain hose, a malfunctioning pump, or a problem with the water level sensor. Fixing the issue can help the machine function efficiently.

How do you know if your washing machine drain pump is bad?

No washer movement: Washing machines spin and jerk quickly to loosen dirt on fabrics. No or little movement during washing cycles often means you need a new drain pump.

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.

Why is water coming out of my washing machine drain?

Washing machines overflow for a variety of reasons—the leading culprit, though, is a clog in the drain pipe. Lint and other debris come off of clothing during the wash cycle and are drained from the unit alongside the dirty water, potentially leading to clogs that can wreak havoc on your drain pipe.

Why does my washing keep coming out wet?

Drainage Issues: Clogs or kinks in the drainage system can impede the flow of water, resulting in wet garments post-cycle. Regular inspections can help. Incorrect Cycle Setting: Choosing the wrong washing cycle, especially a delicate one, may not provide the necessary spin to remove water efficiently.

Does unplugging a washer reset it?

If you want to try resolving issues with your washing machine, such as power surges or error codes, it's possible you might need to perform a quick reset. One way you can reset a washer is by unplugging the unit for at least one minute, then plugging it back in and restarting the appliance.

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 you refresh a washing machine?

Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your washing machine; pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum followed by two cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, then run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

Why does water keep coming up the drain?

But it's not always a clog: Water coming up through the drain could also be the sign of a much bigger problem with your plumbing system, Collins says, like a break in the line, roots growing in your sewer line, or a pipe that no longer flows downward because of the ground shifting or the growth of tree roots.

What does it mean when a drain backs up?

They usually happen when something blocks the sewer pipe and prevents wastewater from flowing freely. Sewer backups need to be stopped and cleaned quickly to eliminate exposure to potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

How do you stop a drain from draining?

Dig through your cabinets for a plastic jar lid that's just slightly bigger than your drain opening. Get the lid a little damp, then press it firmly over the drain. The suction should hold it in place to block water. Wide, circular drains work best for this suction method.

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