Washing Machine Won’t Drain – What to Check – How to Fix

Washing machine is a common appliance that you use regularly to remove dirt, sweat and stain from your clothing. Every washer uses some common steps to do their jobs. Firstly, washer fills water when you press the ‘Start’ option. After completing washing cycle, it drains and the first spin cycle begins. Then the washer fills again with clean water and starts rinsing clothes. Finally, washer drains out the dirty water and spins the clothes to dry. But it becomes a big problem when your washing machine won’t drain. That is why you should know washing machine draining tricks.

How to Drain a Washing Machine

You don’t want to see your clothes are swimming in the wash drum even after the washing machine completes its task. It also becomes horrible when you don’t have enough time to clean clothes manually. Actually, washing machine’s not draining is one of the most commonly happened problems. You can solve this problem easily by following our troubleshooting tips.

Perform a Master Reset

In some cases, you can solve draining problem by resetting washer. You can reset washer by its dedicated reset button/option. If there is no reset button/option in your washer, just unplug the washer from the power socket. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes and plug it back. It will reset your washer and works in almost every washer.

Remove any Obstructions from the Drain Pump

Sometimes, small pieces of fabrics or articles enter into the drain pump and prevent it to work properly. That’s why remove the drain pump and clean any obstructions that entered into the drain pump. If the drain pump is OK but it’s still noisy, replace it.

Look for Clogged Pump or Hose

Socks or other small clothing can enter into the drainage system and clog pump hose or pump itself. To solve this issue, remove the drain hose, check for any obstructions and clean them properly.

Test Door Lock Motor and Switch Assembly

Door lock secures washer by shutting the door when it operates. Door must be closed properly to start its operation. If you don’t latch shut, the door switch will prevent the washer to start. That means, if there is a defective door lock, your washer won’t start, spin or drain. It can be failed mechanically or electrically. That’s why inspect door lock for any damage.

If you find any damage or fault or don’t latch properly, replace it. Use a multimeter and consult your washer’s wiring diagram to find the electric failure of the washer. Test each door lock switch for their continuity. Door lock switch is not repairable. So, if you find no continuity, replace them.

Test Lid Switch Assembly

If the lid is open, main control board prevents washer from draining. Your washer’s lid may open for defective lid switch assembly. Use a multimeter and test each lid switches for their continuity. If you find any lid switch that has no continuity, replace it.

Check for Broken Water Pump Belt

Especially, some old model washing machines are equipped with a water pump belt. A broken or worn-out water pump belt results in draining issue. That’s why inspect the water pump belt and replace if you find it broken, damaged or worn out.

Check for Faulty Water Level Control

Faulty water level control is liable for washer’s draining or spinning problems. Open washing machine’s control panel very carefully and find out a plastic tube that is attached to the water level valve. If the plastic tube is clogged, clear it with vinegar. If the water level valve itself is corroded, it is not repairable. So, you need to replace it with a newer one.

Clean out the Coin Trap for Washer not Draining

Some washers are equipped with a coin trap design that catches any foreign object that enters the drain. If you don’t clean the coin trap regularly, it will be clogged with debris and your machine won’t drain. If your machine faces a draining problem and has a coin trap, you must remove and clean it thoroughly.

See if the Drain Hose is Kinked

If drain hose is narrow and it is kinked, your washer must show draining problems. You can solve this problem by adjusting the drain hose behind the washer for easy water flow through it.

Check Door Lock Assembly

Look for any damage in door lock assembly. Door lock is not repairable. So, if you find a broken door lock, replace it.

Final Words

Finally, there is nothing to worry when your washing machine won’t drain as you are able to fix your washer. But if you need to disassemble most of the parts of a washer, I suggest you call a professional who has fame in repairing washing machines. It is important to note that you must use the manufacturer’s accessories to repair your washer. Besides, you can get smooth performance from a washing machine by taking proper maintenance regularly.