What does it mean when your washer wont drain
Mia Horton
Updated on March 28, 2026
There are a few possibilities why your washing machine won’t drain. … Your washer may have a clogged drain hose or the pump may be broken. A broken lid switch or belt could also be the culprit. It may even be something as simple as the hose being jammed.
How do you fix a washer that won't drain?
- Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. …
- Test the Lid Switch Assembly. …
- See if the Drain Hose is Kinked. …
- Check the Drain Hose or Pump for Clogs. …
- Clean out the Coin Trap. …
- Check the Water Level Control. …
- Schedule Washing Machine Repair.
What causes a washing machine to not spin and drain?
If the washer won’t drain or spin, either something is stuck in the washing machine drain hose or pump, or the pump is broken. If a washer won’t drain or spin, the fix is simple if you’re even just a little bit handy with tools.
How do you force a washing machine to drain?
- Step 1: Turn off the power and lay down towels. For safety, unplug the machine. …
- Step 2: Locate the drain hose at the back of the washing machine. Pull the washer away from the wall to give yourself more space. …
- Step 3: Drain the water.
How much does it cost to replace a washing machine drain pump?
Washing machine pump 2 repairs are usually required when you note active leaks or a tub that doesn’t drain. If a pump is no longer working, it’s a relatively easy fix for a contractor and extends the lifetime of your appliance. On average, expect to spend $300 to $400 for a pump replacement job.
How do you drain an automatic washing machine?
- STEP 1: Turn off the power. Switch the power button on the machine off, if your model has one. …
- STEP 2: Locate the drain hose and water supply hoses. …
- STEP 3: Drain the washing machine of water. …
- STEP 4: Remove a drain hose clog. …
- STEP 5: Remove a drain pump clog.
How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is bad?
Check the pump pulley by removing the pump from the washer and trying to rotate it by hand. If the pulley doesn’t turn freely and is frozen or stiff, replace it. Also, if the agitator is moving but the tub isn’t, this is a sign the pump is dying. For front-loading washers, do not attempt to open the door mid-cycle.
Why is my Whirlpool washer not draining?
If your Whirlpool washer won’t drain, it could be caused by a clogged drain pump, kinked drain hose, faulty lid switch, or a clogged coin trap. To resolve these issues, it is possible to partially disassemble your washer on your own and unclog or replace any problematic areas.How do I reset my washing machine?
To reset your washing machine, unplug it from the power outlet. Then, plug the washer cord back into the wall. Finally, open and close the washing machine door six times to send the reset signal to the system components.
How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?The surest and most obvious sign that your washing machine’s drain hose is clogged is if you notice that the water in your machine isn’t draining away properly. Many people first notice this after putting their laundry on the spin cycle and realizing that it’s still soaking wet at the end of the timer.
Article first time published onHow do I know if my washing machine drain is clogged?
Test the drain by pouring water into it, if it has been backing up. If it’s clogged, you should be able to clear the clog with a plumbing auger.
Can a washing machine pump get clogged?
Your washing machine could suddenly stop draining after you use it for any number of reasons, but often it’s a clog in the drain pump. Small items have a habit of finding their way into the washer, and they can lodge in the pump, as can small clothing items.
How long should washing machine last?
Washing machines, on average, last around 10 years, according to Consumer Reports. If your washer is reaching the threshold, or it’s been having some problems, here are some signs the end may be near.
How much is a water pump for a washing machine?
It can cost as little as $10 or as much as $75 or more. However, most homeowners pay between $25-$40 for a new pump. The other materials and tools you need include: Clamps.
Is there a reset button on a washing machine?
Most newer washing machines come with a reset feature that allows you to restart the washer after it experiences an error code or fault. … Some machines have a button you push to reset its motor. On a machine without a reset button, unplugging the washer and then plugging it back in often serves as the means to reset it.
How do I reset my Whirlpool washer?
Method 1: Unplug it The first way you can reset whirlpool washer top load is by unplugging it for about 2 minutes then plug it back in and wait about 30 seconds before starting the washer again. This performs a hard reset on the machine and it will start over after you reconnect it again.
Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning or draining?
If your Whirlpool washer Not Spinning well, you need to check the pump. It could be clogged with debris or defective and needs to be replaced. To check the pump, disconnect the drain line and remove the back panel of your machine. Check for debris with a flashlight, or check with a special tool.
How do I force my Whirlpool washer to drain?
Find the “Pause/Cancel” button on the control panel. Press this button twice to drain the washer. Press the “Power” button and rotate the cycle selection knob to “Drain and Spin” to remove the remaining water from the load. Check the washer’s discharge hose if the water fails to drain from the washtub.
Will Drano unclog a washer drain?
Yes. Drano or any drain cleaner can be used to unclog your washing machine drain, but make sure you run your washer without a load of laundry before normal use.
What causes a drain pump to fail?
Malfunctioning Drain Pump A pump can fail in two ways: mechanically and electrically. A mechanical failure can be caused by a foreign object caught in the pump, or direct damage to a pump component, such as the impeller. Inspecting the pump can often reveal a mechanical failure.
Where is the drain pump located on a washing machine?
The drain pump is located at the bottom of your washing machine, but can be easily accessed in order to replace it if need be. If your washing machine is failing to drain during a wash cycle, it could be that there is a problem with the drain pump.