Repair help
Why Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain and How to Repair It
AAZparts Team
Updated on May 16, 2025
9 min read
A washer that won’t drain water can be a sign of an underlying problem with your appliance. If you’re standing in front of a machine full of water, don’t panic. In this guide, AZParts will help you explore the most common causes behind washer drain malfunctions, explain the role of the drainage system, and show you how to fix the issue with reliable washer replacement parts, either manually or through step-by-step troubleshooting.
1. Common Reasons for a Washing Machine Not Draining Properly
One of the most common causes of a washer drain malfunction is a clogged or kinked drain hose, which prevents water from exiting the drum. This drainage failure might also occur due to a faulty pump or a blocked filter that restricts washing machine water removal.
Another frequent washing machine not draining issue is a malfunctioning lid switch or door lock, which interrupts the spin cycle. If the drainage system malfunctions in washers, the washer simply won’t proceed to the draining phase, causing standing water inside the drum.
2. The Importance of the Drain Function in Your Washing Machine
The washing machine drainage mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining the effectiveness, hygiene, and longevity of your appliance as it’s an essential part of the cleaning cycle that ensures your laundry gets properly washed and rinsed.
First and foremost, the role of the drain in a washer is to remove dirty water and detergent after each wash and rinse phase. Without this function, your clothes would remain soaked in residue, undermining the purpose of cleaning. Additionally, once the wash is complete, the washer water pump function enables the rinse cycle by draining out the soapy water and allowing clean water to fill the drum.
Beyond performance, a functional drain prevents potential issues like rust, mold, and mildew. Stagnant water in the discharge system can damage internal components over time and foster bacterial growth, leading to foul odors and health concerns. Lastly, proper drainage protects your home: a blocked or broken system may cause flooding or leaks, leading to costly water damage in your laundry area.
Washing machine drainage system (Source: AZParts)
3. How to Manually Empty a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
When you're dealing with a washing machine not draining issue , knowing how to perform a manual drainage method can prevent water damage and help you move forward with repairs. You can start by turning off and unplugging the washer to avoid electrical hazards, place towels around the base, and have a bucket or shallow pan ready to catch water.
For many top-loading machines, the easiest water removal from the washing machine is through the drain hose. Then, you gently pull the washer away from the wall, locate the hose at the back, and lower it into a bucket or sink. You have to ensure the end is positioned below the drum level so gravity can help with draining the washer manually .
For front-loading machines, you can empty the washing machine manually through the drain pump filter. You open the bottom access panel, place a shallow tray underneath, and slowly unscrew the filter to release trapped water. Finally, clean the filter of any debris and secure it back in place.
You manually empty a washing machine that won’t drain (Source: AZParts)
4. Troubleshooting a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dealing with a washing machine not draining issues can be frustrating, but don’t worry as many problems can be solved with a bit of hands-on work. This step-by-step washing machine drain fix guide will help you perform a safe and effective troubleshooting washer drainage process right at home.
Step 1: Safety first! Unplug the washing machine
Before beginning any troubleshooting washer drainage work, make sure your machine is completely unplugged from the power outlet - or shut off the circuit breaker if it's hardwired. Water and electricity can be a dangerous mix, so never skip this critical first step.
You should carefully unplug the washing machine before checking (Source: AZParts)
Step 2: Check the drain hose for kinks or obstructions
The drain hose is a common source of washer not draining problems. You have to carefully inspect it from end to end for sharp bends or kinks that could be obstructing water flow. You straighten the hose and look for external pressure points or debris blocking the connection to the drainpipe or standpipe.
You have to carefully inspect drain hose from end to end for sharp bends or kinks (Source: AZParts)
Step 3: Examine the drainpipe or standpipe
If your washer empties into a standpipe, you need to make sure the hose isn’t inserted too far as this can create a siphoning effect that prevents proper drainage. You are required to look inside the pipe for debris like lint or socks that may be blocking the flow and carefully remove visible clogs using a wire hanger or long tweezers.
You examine the drainpipe or standpipe (Source: AZParts)
Step 4: Clean the washing machine's filter
A clogged filter is a frequent cause of washing machine pump troubleshooting. You will locate the filter, typically behind a small front panel near the bottom of the machine, and place a towel or pan underneath to catch any leaking water. Then, you unscrew and remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly to clear lint, hair, coins, or other debris, using a toothbrush for stubborn grime. Reinstall it securely before proceeding.
Step 5: Inspect the drain pump (If You're Comfortable)
If you're confident in DIY repairs, examine the pump itself for washing machine drainage mechanism issues. It’s usually located near the filter. After removing the filter, look inside the cavity for obstructions. If you see foreign objects around the impeller, carefully remove them using needle-nose pliers, taking care not to damage the blades.
You remove the filter and see foreign objects around the impeller inside the cavity (Source: AZParts)
Step 6: Check the Drain Hose Connection to the Machine
Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the washer. Be prepared for water to spill out. Then, inspect the washer’s outlet port where the hose connects—sometimes small clogs or debris hide here and cause washing machine water removal problems.
Step 7: Run a Test Cycle
After reassembling everything, plug the washer back in. Run a short "Drain and Spin" cycle and observe whether the machine drains correctly. This test helps confirm whether your cleaning and adjustments resolved the issue.
Step 8: What to Do If It Still Doesn’t Drain
If you've followed every step and the machine still won’t drain, you may be facing a deeper drainage system malfunction in washers such as a defective control board, pump motor failure, or internal clog. At this point, it’s best to contact a professional appliance technician for a thorough diagnosis.
Many drainage issues are caused by minor clogs or kinks that can be fixed at home. With a little effort, you can often get your washer working again without needing a costly repair.
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machine Drainage Issues
If your washer won’t drain water, you’re not alone as many homeowners face this issue at some point. Below are answers to the most common questions to help you identify the cause and explore effective washing machine not draining solutions.
5.1 How do you fix a washing machine that won't drain?
Fixing a washer not draining involves checking for blockages in the drain hose, cleaning the pump filter, and inspecting parts like the lid switch or control board. A reliable washing machine not draining solution may require replacing damaged components, especially if they show signs of wear or electrical failure. Be sure to unplug the washer before performing any checks or repairs to stay safe.
5.2 How can you force your washing machine to drain?
To initiate manual water removal, you can start by unplugging the washer. You have to use a step-by-step washing machine drain fix: detach the drain hose, place it into a low bucket, and allow gravity to pull the water out. If needed, open the pump access panel to remove residual water and debris.
5.3 Why is your washing machine not draining wastewater?
Your washing machine might not be draining wastewater due to a clogged drain hose restricting water flow, a blocked drain pump or its filter trapping debris, a faulty lid switch (in top-loaders) preventing the drain cycle, a malfunctioning drain pump, or even a blockage in your home's plumbing.
5.4 What causes a washing machine to stop draining?
A washing machine stops draining primarily because of obstructions in the drainage system. This often involves a blockage in the drain hose from lint or small objects, or a clogged drain pump or filter. Less frequently, a faulty lid switch might interrupt the drain process, or the drain pump itself could be defective. In some instances, the issue might lie with a blockage in the external plumbing connected to your washing machine.
5.5 How do you know if your washing machine drain hose is clogged?
To figure out if your washing machine drain hose is clogged, look for a few key indicators. First, you should check for standing water in the drum after a wash cycle; if it's not draining away properly or is draining very slowly, the hose could be obstructed. You might also hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the drain hose or the drainpipe as the water struggles to pass through a blockage.
Another sign can be unpleasant odors emanating from the washing machine or the drain area, which can be caused by trapped stagnant water and debris.
5.6 How does a washing machine drain water?
A washing machine drains water using a drain pump that pushes wastewater through the drain hose and into your home's plumbing after the wash and rinse cycles are finished.
A washer won’t drain water issue can often be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps, from checking the drain hose to cleaning the pump filter. However, if the problem persists, it might be time to replace faulty components such as the washer drain pump or washer drain hose clip . AZParts offers reliable replacement parts to help you get your washing machine back in top working condition, which ensures smooth and efficient drainage for years to come.
Contact information
8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
Washer
- 1. Common Reasons for a Washing Machine Not Draining Properly
- 2. The Importance of the Drain Function in Your Washing Machine
- 3. How to Manually Empty a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain
- 4. Troubleshooting a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Machine Drainage Issues
- 5.1 How do you fix a washing machine that won't drain?
- 5.2 How can you force your washing machine to drain?
- 5.3 Why is your washing machine not draining wastewater?
- 5.4 What causes a washing machine to stop draining?
- 5.5 How do you know if your washing machine drain hose is clogged?
- 5.6 How does a washing machine drain water?
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