Why is my washing machine not draining during the spin cycle?

Author: Prof. Paul Cronin  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt.

Why is my spin cycle not removing water?

If your washer will not spin out all water and clothes are still wet, the drain pump might be clogged with debris or possibly faulty. There could be a foreign object that is stuck in the pump and inside the drain hose. Check these areas and remove anything that may be clogging the draining system... - Washing Machine.

Why does my washer have water in the bottom after spin cycle?

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.

Why are my clothes still soaked after spin cycle?

Drain Hose Issues

The most likely culprit for a washer that spins but still turns out soaked clothing is a drain hose problem. It could be clogged, kinked, or even positioned incorrectly if you had to remove the drain tube to make another repair already.

How to fix a washing machine that isn't draining?

  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.

Top-Load Washer Won’t Drain — Washing Machine Troubleshooting

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.

How to check if a washer drain is clogged?

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.

Why are my clothes not draining in the spin cycle?

Clogged or defective drain pump

If the washer is spinning but the clothes are still wet at the end of the cycle the draining issue could be caused by a faulty drain pump or a drain pump blockage. Most washers need to be disassembled to check the drain pump for the issues.

Why does my washing machine keep filling with water on the spin cycle?

If the water keeps filling, you'll know the water inlet valve didn't close. (It's most likely broken, and you'll need to replace it). Immediately turn off the water so the washer doesn't overflow.

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.

Does spin cycle drain water?

Spin Cycles

This will remove the most amount of water possible without damaging your clothes. The spin speeds can be selected by using the control on the front of your machine, next to your programme dial.

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.

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.

Why does some water leave the clothes during the spin cycle?

Too much clothing can create an imbalance in the washer tub that reduces spin speeds, leaving clothes wet. Remove some items and redistribute others to balance the washer drum before running another drain and spin cycle.

Why is my washing machine spin cycle not working?

A displaced or faulty spin switch is the most likely cause. This small switch should be pressed down by the lid when it's closed. If it isn't pressed down, your machine may prevent the spin cycle as a safety measure. To troubleshoot this, hold the switch down with your finger (with the lid open) and start a spin cycle.

Why is there water under my washer after spin cycle?

Malfunctioning door seals are an extremely common reason washing machines leak from the bottom during the spin cycle. When dirt, excessive clothes, or defective components prevent front-loading washing machine doors from sealing properly, water starts leaking from the bottom.

Why is my washing machine not draining?

This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose. To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it. If you find any obstructions, remove them, and reattach the hose, ensuring it's securely in place.

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.

What causes clothes to still be wet after spin cycle?

One of the most common, and easiest to fix, is when the washer cannot reach the spin speeds it needs to remove water from the clothes. This is often caused by the load being unbalanced. The issue often occurs when washing bulky items like blankets or towels.

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.

What causes a whirlpool washer not to drain or spin?

Make sure that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. Straighten the hose for adequate water flow. Remove any blockage from the drain hose, drainpipe, or utility sink. Use the U-shaped drain hose form on the drain hose, and secure the drain hose.

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 my washer not spinning all the water out of my clothes?

A worn belt or bad shifter on a belt-drive washer will result in the washer not being able spin the water out of the clothes properly during the spin cycle. Some direct drive washers use a transmission to spin the basket, while other direct-drive models use a rotor attached directly to the basket to spin the clothes.

How do you know if your drain line is clogged?

How Do You Know if Your Drain Is Clogged?
  1. Slow Sink Drains. Are you annoyed that your sink fills with water when you wash your hands or brush your teeth? ...
  2. Backed-Up Plumbing Fixtures. ...
  3. Sewage Smells. ...
  4. Musty Drains. ...
  5. Pests in the Pipes. ...
  6. High Water Bills. ...
  7. Standing Water. ...
  8. Gurgling Sounds or Air Bubbles.

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