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.
More about Keith →
Countrychick,
If you replaced the capacitor and it is overheating then stopping, you may have a motor issue. The motor may be faulty. If the motor is faulty the cap will most likely go bad fast. Check to see if the motor is wired properly. If problem persists, you may need to look into replacing the motor. eBay and Amazon have motors for sale at low prices if you need to buy one.
-RR
I have an older Kenmore washer. I believe series 860 (older as in early 80’s??). I narrowed it down to the capacitor. Changed it and the washer began to work. After 10-15 min it stopped and a humming sound started. Stopped the washer and let it “cool” down for 45 min and then works again and so on. Any suggestions on what it could be causing it to work and then “overheat” and stop?
Dan,
#1 – If you have replaced the pump and the problem is still happening, you may have an issue with the control board if you have to wait 30 minutes to get the washer to fully drain. It sounds like a timing issue and may only be repaired by removing and replacing the control board. Have you made sure that the wire harness to the control panel is secure and not loose?
#2 – If the washer will not stop shut off the hot water, you may have a bad or loose solenoid where the hot water comes into the washer, test with a multimeter to see if it needs replaced.
-RR
Two problems with my Samsung front load washer.
#1 – On large loads it will not spin fully dry and the ND error code comes on. I replaced the pump that had a broken impeller, but it still occurs. If I run the spin only, it still occurs. If I wait about half an hour and run the spin cycle it drains fully. I checked the hose and the boot on they are both clear.
#2 – When I run hot water, it won’t stop filling. I have to shut off the hot water and run a cold cycle.
Wesley,
Make sure the drain pump is getting power. If all drain hoses and drain pump is brand new, there may be a wiring, power, or communication error. Check wire harnesses and be sure the proper voltage is getting to the drain pump.
-RR
I have a Samsung front load washer reading Error ND = not draining. I checked the pump, the inlet and outlet hoses are clear, I even put a brand new pump on it still reading ND! HELP PLEASE HELP!
Kim,
Whirlpool Duet Washer F02 is a drain error. What about drain filter? Have you checked that it is clean and free of debris? Sounds like you have replaced the pump but no mention of the drain filter being removed and cleaned out.
-RR