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,
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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.
More about Keith →
Muham,
Samsung washer error code E1 means water supply error. The washer is not detecting that the unit is filling with water. Make sure you have water going to the washer. Check the inlet valve and water supply valve. Can you give us the model number of your washer to be sure the code error definition we have given you is correct?
-RR
I have Whirlpool Duet Washer. Had the F02 code. Cleaned the drain. Still got the F02 code. So I replaced the drain pump. Now I’m doing the Diagnostic test…..it runs till C:06 runs for 8 minutes and I get the F02 code. Which I have already replaced. The pump runs….it is like the sensor which tells the pump to stop running is not working…..any suggestions. Other than buying a new washer?
Samsung washing fully automatic machine not working Error code E1 EO. Please, whats the problem?
Kira,
If the drain pump was replaced and the same problem occurs, there may be a problem with the control panel/timer. Have you checked the other components with a meter to be sure the drain pump received the signal to drain at the appropriate time? Checked wire harnesses to be sure they are secure and not damaged?
-RR
Sue,
If you have wet clothes after the washer spins them, you may have a clogged drain pump or drain hose. If the drain pump is clogged the water will pump out but not ALL of the water which results in you having to run the washer again to try and spin the water out. Check drain pump and hose for blockage or clogs.
-RR
Diane,
Have you checked the pressure switch and small hose attached to it? If clogged or faulty the drain pump may run constantly thinking the washer has water in it and needs to be drained.
-RR
We have a Kenmore Elite Oasis washing machine that will drain the water out, but the drain pump won’t stop running so the machine won’t go into the spin cycle. It started with a SD error code saying there were excess suds when it finished draining a delicate cycle load and wouldn’t spin. We ran the diagnostic test on the machine and it came back giving us an F32 error which led us to replacing the CCU and the entire wiring harness. After doing all of that it wasn’t showing a code until we tried a few other things with the interface disconnected and when we reconnected it to the CCU it is now giving us an F2 code… It still has the same drain pump issue where it won’t shut off after draining the water out. We have taken the entire machine apart and cleaned it thoroughly, checked the drain pump, motor, etc and still having issues… Help….