Will a washing machine automatically drain?

Author: Tristian Daugherty  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

If you pause or power off your washer at any time during the wash cycle when there is water in the bowl, the washer will activate the auto drain function after 3 minutes. This will drain the water in the wash bowl to an acceptable level, minimising any potential hazard.

How do I make my washing machine drain itself?

The good news is that it's simple to reset this issue. If the unit is in flood mode, you just need to unplug the washer for 60 seconds so the washer knows you're in front of it. Then plug the washer back in and give it 20 minutes to finish it's flood mode sequence.

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.

Why is there still water in the bottom of my washing machine?

Your lid mechanism is broken or not engaging fully. Your drain or hose is clogged. Your load was too large for a good spin cycle. Your washing machine's sensors are damaged or old.

What happens if you don't drain the washing machine?

It is constantly submerged in water and soap, so people generally think that a washing machine doesn't need to be drained or cleaned out. However, even with water inside it, a washing machine can be a breeding ground for germs, or worse, Salmonella.

Top Load Washing Machine Keeps Draining Water on Wash Mode

Does washing machine automatically drain?

If you pause or power off your washer at any time during the wash cycle when there is water in the bowl, the washer will activate the auto drain function after 3 minutes. This will drain the water in the wash bowl to an acceptable level, minimising any potential hazard.

Will a washer drain on its own?

Most top-loading machines will only drain water and complete their spin cycle if the lid is closed. Some machines also have a locking mechanism. In some cases, a defective or broken lid switch can be why your machine isn't draining by itself.

What to do if standing water in the washing machine?

If you noticed the water back up after only a few seconds, the clog is probably closer to the trap area. You might only need to insert a small drain snake at the standpipe to take care of the clog. If it took a while for the backup to develop, you may need a longer drain snake inserted at a cleanout to fix the clog.

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.

Why is my washer wet underneath?

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.

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 washing machine not draining but no blockage?

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 force my automatic washing machine to drain?

To manually drain the remaining water inside the washing machine, restart the unit by turning it off and then open again the power. Next, choose the rinse program then press start. Water will be drained from the start of the operation.

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.

Why is my washing machine not draining automatically?

If your washer won't drain, the main thing to check is your drain hose. It needs to be in good condition and properly installed in order to work properly. If you have a front load washer, you should also clean the pump filter.

How do I know if my washer 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.

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.

What happens if water sits in a washing machine?

The drain pump is faulty.

Drain pumps are susceptible to clogs, and they can malfunction just like any other mechanical appliance component. If you notice your washing machine leaking or making strange noises in addition to standing water in the drum, there's likely an issue with your pump.

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.

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 is my washing machine continuously draining water?

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.

How do you unclog a washing machine drain?

To use a plumbing snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain pipe and rotate it until you feel resistance. Continue rotating the snake and pushing it forward until the clog is cleared. Once the clog is cleared, run some hot water through the drain pipe to flush out any remaining debris.

At what point does a washing machine drain?

The Drain Pump: The Heart of the Draining System

This electric pump activates at the end of each wash or rinse cycle to move water out of the drum and through the drain hose.

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