Will a bad drain pump cause a washer to not spin?

Author: Miss Evie Gislason DDS  |  Last update: Monday, June 22, 2026

Your washing machine may fail to run the spin cycle because it cannot drain the water out of the drum. In this case, the problem likely is a result of a clogged or faulty drain pump.

Will the washer not spin if the drain pump is bad?

Okay, what you need to do is to check your drain pump for a partial clogging. What happens in virtually all front load washers is that if the drain pump get clogged, even partially, the washer won't spin out the clothes all the way. Also, immediately before the drain pump will be a trap.

How do I know if my washer drain pump is bad?

The pump impeller shouldn't turn both directions freely. It should have a rubber bandy type feeling going one direction due to the magnets. Either way, the pump only needs to be replaced if the washer isn't draining, or if it's really noisy.

What would cause a washing machine to drain but not spin?

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 is my washing machine not rotating?

Typically, washing machines don't spin for 2 reasons - either the brushes in the motor for the high speed rotation are worn or the washing machine cant balance the load - this often occurs if you're washing something that's really heavy when wet like towels. It senses the varying current to the motor to see this.

How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Spin / Weak Spin Cycle (Easy Fix)

What would cause a washing machine to not stop spinning?

It is clear that if the washing machine does not stop during spinning, then some kind of malfunction has occurred. There may be several reasons, from a banal drum overload to problems with the bearing assembly or electronics.

Why is my washing machine humming but not spinning?

The worn out carbon brushes

In some circumstances, it will produce a constant humming sound, but the drum of the machine won't rotate. The most likely explanation for this problem is that the carbon brushes which are located on either side of the main motor have worn out and will need to be replaced.

How do you reset a washing machine that is stuck on the spin?

Hitting Reset
  1. Unplug the machine from the power outlet.
  2. Leave the washing machine unplugged for at least one minute to let the memory clear.
  3. After waiting, plug the washing machine back into the power outlet.
  4. Once the machine is powered back on, look for error codes displayed on the panel.

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

Gurgling and bubbling noises coming from the hose and drain pipe. Bad odors emanating from the drain. Cycle ends with the tub filled with water and clothes are still wet. Water is leaking onto the floor near the washing machine.

Why are my clothes still 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 I know if I need a new washer pump?

Listen for the pump whirring and see if you can feel any vibration when the switch is activated. If you can't, the pump is faulty; if you can, there's likely a blockage or a leak from the reservoir. If the pump isn't working, turn the power off and access the bottom of the washer reservoir.

How much does a new drain pump cost for a washing machine?

On average, the washer pump replacement cost is between $20 and $100 (CAD 27 to CAD 134) just for the part itself, according to data from HomeGuide.

How often should you clear the drain pump on a washing machine?

Clean the drain pump filter at least once a month. You may need to clean it more frequently if the washer is used on a daily basis. If you notice any signs of clogging or improper drainage, clean the filter immediately.

Why is my washer not spinning out all the water?

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.

How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is not working?

If you're getting strange noises during the wash cycle, this issue is more likely to lie with the recirculation pump. If you're hearing strange noises when your washing machine is draining, the issue is likely to be with the drainage pump.

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 would make a washer not spin?

The load is improperly balanced. The washer itself isn't balanced correctly. The lid switch is broken. The motor is burnt out.

Can a blocked drain affect a washing machine?

Pipe blockages can stop a washing machine from properly functioning. So that outfit you need to wear will be sitting in the wash basket until you remedy the problem. There are three main methods to unblock a washing machine pipe and we will be covering all of them with step-by-step instructions.

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

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.

How to force a washing machine to spin?

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.

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 tell if a washing machine drum is loose?

The most common causes of a loose drum

The quickest way you can diagnose this issue is to switch off your washing machine at its power source and then spin the drum gently by hand. If you hear a grinding noise during this operation, the chances are high that it's your bearings that need attention.

What is the most likely cause if a washing machine will not agitate or spin?

Check the direct drive motor coupling

If your machine fills and drains but won't agitate or spin, one or more of the components of the direct drive motor coupling may be damaged or worn out.

Why is my washing machine beeping and not spinning?

Troubleshooting Steps

Check Door Closure: Ensure that the door is properly closed. Inspect Drainage System: Look for blockages in hoses and filters. Balance Load: Adjust clothing inside the drum to ensure even distribution. Review Control Panel: Look for any error codes and consult your user manual for guidance.

How do you fix a washing machine that won't agitate or spin?

Replace the washer motor coupler

The motor coupler protects the drive motor from damage if the drive system seizes up. If the washer fills and drains but won't agitate or spin even though the drive motor runs (and typically buzzes), replace the motor coupler.

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