Do you have a washing machine that won’t drain? If every function on your washing machine works except it WILL NOT DRAIN OUT THE WATER, here are the most common reasons why. We will explain the parts on your washer that may be causing the problem of “no drain”. The symptoms we list will be generalized and will include the most common parts that can fail, malfunction or break. Note that there are differences with newer front loading washers compared to older top loading washers. See here if your WASHER WILL NOT SPIN OR DRAIN.
There are roughly 6 different parts on most washing machines that could be causing your WASHER NOT DRAINING problem. We will list each part in question along with a detailed description of that parts function.
Troubleshoot Why Your Washing Machine Will NOT Drain
The drain pump is the main part in your washing machine that pumps out the water. If this is defective or has failed in any way, this will be the reason why your washer will not drain the water. Before you order a new drain pump, make sure to check the pump to be sure a small object like clothing or similar has not lodged itself inside of it causing the NO DRAIN issue. If the drain pump is not clogged, you can test it with a multimeter and remove and replace if needed. Go to Google or YouTube and search for “Replace Washing Machine Drain Pump” then type your brand and model number of washer to show you details on replacement.
COMMON WASHING MACHINE DRAIN PUMP
The washing machine drain hose is where the water flows through to get the water out. If this drain hose is blocked, kinked, bent, or clogged, the washer will NOT be able to remove the water from the tub. Check the drain hose to be sure it allows the water to flow freely. You can take the drain hose off and run water through it in your sink to be sure it is not blocked. If there is water STILL in the washer when you remove the drain hose, grab a bucket as the water will exit from where you disconnected it. You can search Google or YouTube for “How To Remove Washing Machine Drain Hose” to assist you.
If you know what Washing Machine Replacement Parts you need,
here is where to get them at a GREAT PRICE and most have FREE shipping.
LOCATION OF WASHING MACHINE DRAIN HOSE – CHECK FOR BLOCKAGE
The water pump belt (to drain out the water) may have broke or become frayed or loose. If this belt breaks then it is unable to drain and remove the water from your washer. Inspect the belt to see if this is causing the NO DRAIN issue and remove and replace if needed. Go to Google or YouTube and search for “How To Replace Pump Belt On Washing Machine” then type your brand and model number of washer to show you details on replacement.
The drive belt rides on the pulleys. If this belt is not tight enough or if it is broken it cannot move the appropriate parts to drain. Inspect the drive belt to see if this is causing the NO DRAIN issue and remove and replace if needed.
Go to YouTube or Google and search for “How To Replace A Drive Belt On A Washing Machine” then type your brand and model number of washer to show you details on replacement.
COMMON WASHING MACHINE DRIVE BELT
If the lid switch is not working as required it will cause your washer to not drain (and many other problems). This may be unlikely as a bad lid switch will usually cause your washer to also not agitate or spin. However on some models this can vary. The best thing to do if you have a suspected bad lid switch is to test it. It can fail electrically and or mechanically. If mechanical failure is the issue, you should be able to see if it is cracked, broken, or not in place to make contact with the lid. To test it electrically, use a multimeter set on Ohms and test it for continuity. Go to Google or YouTube and search for “How To Test A Washing Machine Lid Switch For Continuity“. If the lid switch does end up being the cause of your washer not draining, then remove and replace the switch as needed.
COMMON WASHING MACHINE LID SWITCH
If the door lock switch on your washer has failed, this can prevent the washer from draining out the water. Check this switch for continuity and remove and replace if needed. Go to YouTube or Google and search for “How To Replace A Washing Machine Door Lock Switch” then type in your brand and model number to show you details on replacement.
COMMON DOOR LOCKING SWITCH FOR WASHING MACHINES
Are you an experienced Appliance Technician with many years of Washing Machine Repair? Please leave a comment below if you know of other reasons why a washer will not drain.
Looking for WASHING MACHINE ERROR CODES?
Here are error codes for Amana, Asko, Beko, Bosch, Frigidaire, GE,
Hotpoint, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool washers.
Here is a webpage with ALL ERROR CODES for all washing machines.
If anyone visiting this page still has unanswered questions about repairing your washer that won’t drain, feel free to ask us a question below and we will troubleshoot your issue and answer you back ASAP.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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I was told that the reason the clothes in my top loading Kenmore washer are coming out wet was because there is water staying in my drain hose and if I wanted them to come out drier I would have to spin them twice. I would like to know what this could possibly be from or what kind of repair this would need.
I have a combo Frigidaire Electrolux model FEX831CSO that isn’t draining. I checked that hoses are clear and there is power running to the drain pump, then replaced the drain pump. Still not draining. It makes a clicking sound when it gets to that part of the cycle then stops. I’ve checked and dusted out the wires and the timer and the door switch and all seem to be okay. What’s my next step?
Took pump and drain hoses off my front loading Affinity washer and cleaned everything out. Taking the upper boot that housed to basket was a real pain. It had some sort of screw spring release clamp. Now that I am trying to put it back on I cannot seem to get it tight again. the more you tightening the screw does not correspond with how taut it makes it. Am I supposed to put caulk in there for adherence? Also, just an FYI I did put a little laundry soap on inner rim to slip on easier. Any suggestions?
I fixed my washer without taking it apart! I would have had to take apart the entire washer to fix clogged pump.
But instead I…
1) used EXTREMELY hot water and let it drain a few times, putting the hose on the ground.
2) blew air into the hose and back out to help unclog the water pump.
3) started to shake and slide the washer back and forth as it was on it’s drain cycle.
4) after doing this for about an hour, THE WATER PUMP STARTED WORKING and a HUGE clump of my rugs lint came out of the machine.
Alex,
You could have a slight clog in the drain pump, drain hose, or actual drain itself. Check most easy first. Check the drain hose for crimps or clogs, then drain pump for foreign objects inside of it, if both are okay, no clogs or blockage, the issue may be in the drain itself. You may need to clean out the drain trap in your home if you have one or have a plumber come and check your situation at the drain for the washer. If everything else drains just as good as before you reset the water pressure, then the things we mentioned above are most likely causing your issue.
-RR
My Frigidaire FWS1233FS1 top loader lately has had about 25-30% percent water remaining in the tub after washes. After selecting an additional spin cycle, the water clears. I’ve read through a lot of your information, posts and responses. There is no bad smell, no funny/alarming noises. I plan on checking the drain hoses later today, but otherwise, do you think I need to replace the pump? I am connected to a cesspool, but nothing else in the house has difficulty draining. I’ve also recently reset the water pressure to the house because of a water hammer. I’m not entirely sure if the draining problems occurred before or after this event. Any additional information would be great. Thank you for your attending to all these washer issues!
Karin,
Yes that is part of your issue. If the drain in your home is clogged, then it will back up when the washer is draining and can cause the washer to stop draining or slow to drain. Get that looked at by a plumber first and then troubleshoot the washer.
-RR