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.
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Mike,
The issue you have explained does not sound anything like a control board being bad. You have a draining issue. Check all drain components including the drain hose for clogs or bends, check the drain pump for foreign objects that may be preventing it from letting the water pump out.
-RR
I have a Samsung Model # WA5451ANW/XAA 02. As it cycles to the drain and spin cycle, it only removes part of the water. It drains maybe half of the water in the drum then it stays stuck in this cycle. The pump is running but no water is being drained. A service man told me it was the “mother board ” which has been replaced and the result is the same. Any help would be appreciated.
Dallas Allen,
Your washer is not filling with water so you replaced the water inlet valve… correct? Is the water turned on on the wall? Hoses okay? No blockage? You replaced the water inlet valve and the washer still will not fill with water? Is the water inlet valve receiving power? Can we have make and model of your washer?
-RR
So I went through the steps of checking to see if the water hose/sensor was working. It worked one time after that. Prior to that the washing machine was washing but would not fill with water. We have replaced the parts that connect to the water hoses that bring the water in the machine prior. Is it possible that the it is the pressure chamber?
Donald,
It sounds like the draining system on your washer is operating properly. If the timer motor is not working, the washer may not want to spin, drain, and final spin. There is most likely a bad spot on your timer motor and that is causing your issues. If the timer does not advance, the motor is shot. Buy a new timer motor assembly. If the lid switch is shot, buy a new one. Keeping your washer in 100% working order will help you to troubleshoot new problems when they arise. Here is the Whirlpool top load washing machine timer you need to replace for your washer. Here is the lid switch for your Whirlpool top load washing machine.
-RR
I have a Whirlpool top loading Washing Machine Model LXR 7244JT1.
It is not draining. It goes through the filling and agitation cycles without any problem. Gets to the Drain cycle and it just stops. No sounds coming from the machine at that point. I have left it like that for a long period of time. The pointer on the dial does not move. I can dial it manually to the rinse and spin cycles and nothing happens. Get past the spin cycle mark on the dial and it starts agitating again. It does that on both the Normal washing and the Casual / Permanent Press setting. No sounds at all coming from the machine when it gets to the point where it should drain. I drained the water using the drain hose that goes into the drain pipe in the wall. The lid switch has not worked in years, I stop and start it by pulling out the dial on the control panel and pushing it in to stop it. Since I can drain all of the water out by way of the large discharge hose, I assume there is not a stoppage between the tub and the discharge hose. Any ideas what my problem is?
Thanks for taking the time to help us poor DIYers to fend for ourselves! Not everyone has the money to hire someone.