Drain Dilemmas? Simple Fixes for a Washing Machine That Won’t Empty

A functional washing machine is an effective tool for getting dirt, sweat, and stains out of clothing. The exact way the washer cleans your clothes depends on the precise settings you choose, but the basic premise is the same: first, the drum fills with water when you hit “Start.” After the wash cycle, the drum drains, and the first spin cycle begins. Then, the drum refills to rinse the clothes with clean water. Finally, the machine drains one final time and spins the clothes dry.

If you open the lid after the washer stops running to find your clothes swimming in the water, something is obviously wrong. The drum won’t drain; that much is certain, but why is the washing machine not draining? To get to the bottom of it, follow these troubleshooting tips before you call in a professional for help.

Master Reset – A Quick Fix Worth Trying

If your washing machine will not drain, one possible quick fix involves resetting the appliance. Let’s review three of the most common ways of performing a reset:

Unplug your washer for about one minute. Then, plug the appliance back in. Open and close the door six times in 12 seconds to tell the computer to reset everything.

For Maytag machines that are plugged into an outlet, start by disconnecting the power cord from the socket for one minute and then reconnecting it. For hard-wire connected units, turn off the breaker at the home electrical box for one minute and then turn it back on. It’s important to note that many Maytag models with a digital display have a Control Lock setting that must be inactivated, which is evident by an icon of an illuminated “padlock.”

To reset LG machines, begin by pressing the unit’s power button off, unplugging the power cord from the outlet, and turning off the circuit breaker for one minute. Next, press and hold the power button for five seconds, then press and hold the start button for five seconds, and finally, turn on the circuit breaker and plug the power cord back into the outlet.

Test the Lid Switch Assembly

Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. Therefore, a defective lid switch assembly could be causing the problem. See if the machine responds when you depress the lid switch with your finger. If this triggers the drum to drain, you may simply need to extend the stem on the lid so it depresses the switch. If nothing happens when you press the lid switch, it may need to be replaced.

Similarly, front-load washing machines are equipped with a safety feature that prevents operation if the door is not closed and locked. Inspect the door to determine if the strike is properly entering the lock assembly.

Inspect the Drain Hose for Kinks and Blockages

Adjust the hose behind the washer to make sure water can easily flow through it. If the hose is kinked, that could stop an otherwise functional machine from draining.

An improperly installed hose may significantly limit the draining efficiency. For example, when installing Samsung machines, the drain hose must be positioned at a height between 18 and 96” from the floor. If inserting the drain hose down into a standpipe, the hose should remain at a depth of between 6 and 8” and should not create an airtight connection.

Check for Clogs in the Drain Hose or Pump

Check the drain hose for any visual evidence of a clog, using a flashlight if needed. Insert a drain snake tool, wire hanger, or long, pliable brush to push out any blockage.

It’s common for a small piece of clothing to get into the drain system and clog the hose or pump. Some examples might include hair ties, baby socks, or undergarments. A tip to consider involves placing these small items into a zippered bag composed of mesh or dense netting that allows for normal exposure to water and detergents yet will prevent them from penetrating a drain and becoming stuck.

Are you wondering how to handle the standing water inside a washing machine that is not draining? One solution is to manually remove the water with a small bucket, pail, or basin by “scooping” it out. Many top-load and front-load models have a washer filter that is positioned near the base of the drum. If you have a floor drain nearby, you should be able to reposition the machine and drain the water by removing the filter.

Clean out the Coin Trap

Most people are aware of cleaning the lint trap (screen) on their dryer with each load of laundry, but many people are unaware that their washing machine usually has a coin trap or drain filter for capturing debris that should be cleaned at least every three months. The location of the filter varies according to the manufacturer and based on whether it is a top-loading or front-loading model.

For top-loading washers, the filter is often positioned in the center agitator or the wall of the drum. Front-loading washers may have an exterior access door on the lower front of the machine, or it may be a component attached to the end of the drain hose. Some of today’s high-efficiency models do not have filters.

Check the Water Level Control

The water level control or switch is a device that may become blocked or otherwise malfunction. The switch sends signals to the control panel when the tub should fill with water and gauges the amount of water needed for small, medium, and large loads of laundry. After the tub fills to the appropriate water level, the switch will trigger the agitator to begin the wash cycle.

The water level control device may be located in various places; therefore, referencing your owner’s manual is recommended. Before accessing the device or other similar components, be sure to unplug the machine from the electrical outlet.

The switch is “tube-like” and is generally composed of plastic with fittings that are attached to hoses. Remove the tubes or hoses from the fittings, look for any debris, and clean the device with vinegar if needed. If you notice holes or corrosion, the switch should be replaced.

When to Call a Professional

If these troubleshooting tips don’t solve the problem, you could have a broken water pump or drive belt. These components require professional repair or replacement to get your machine working again.

Why choose Mr. Appliance if your washing machine won’t drain? The team of technicians with Mr. Appliance is well-trained and properly equipped to provide solutions for homeowners who need residential washing machine repair services and businesses who need commercial washing machine repair services.

We repair and maintain top loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, and combination units. Our technicians are experienced in servicing appliances from leading manufacturers, including LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, and more. We have access to a full array of quality replacement parts such as agitator assemblies, hoses, lid switch assemblies, pumps, timers, and many others.

Our company stands behind the work that we perform with our Neighbourly Done Right Promise^™, which is a customer service pledge that ensures your satisfaction. Further, our residential customers have peace of mind knowing that our replacement parts include a warranty.

Washing machine repair is best left to the professionals. If your washing machine still won’t drain, it’s time to call Mr. Appliance^® for help. Our experienced technicians can efficiently and effectively restore your washing machine to good working order.

This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mr. Appliance^® is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance^® for more information and a professional on-site assessment.