MY WASHING MACHINE WON’T DRAIN: WHAT DO I DO?
How a washing machine cleans your clothes varies per cycle and setting. The basic idea, however, is that the drum fills with water, a wash cycle commences and then completes, the drum drains and then a spin cycle starts. The final steps include the drum refilling to clean the load with clean water before draining one more time and then spinning the load to get them dry enough for the dryer.
You don’t want to open the lid to find your clothes floating in water that should have been drained.
If your washer won’t drain, try these steps to assess the situation and some troubleshooting tips you can try before deciding if you need to reach out for professional help.
Common Causes of a Washing Machine Not Draining
Here are some of the common causes behind a washing machine not draining. These are a good place to start to determine the source of the problem.
Is there a Kink in the Drain Hose?
Even a small kink in the drain hose could prevent water in the drum from draining.
A common fix is find the hose behind the washing machine and adjust it, even slightly, to initiate better flow.
Is the Drain Hose or Pump Clogged?
A small piece of clothing—even just a sock—can get stuck inside the drain and clog the hose or pump.
Try these steps to perform a common fix of this problem:
Remove the front panel of the washer
Inspect for any kind of obstruction
If you find something, take it out and check if the washer will now drain.
