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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Lizzie Jo,
It sounds as if the actual drain is partially clogged and therefore not ALL water is being removed. Gain access to the drain pump and take off the hoses to be sure there is nothing blcking the hoses where it connects to the drain pump AND inside the drain pump itself.
-RR
I have a Whirlpool Roper model #RAS8244KQ0. I know nothing about it but this little gray piece with a spring in it fell out and now the machine looks off balance and will not drain for a rinse and spin cycle. Where did this piece come from and how do I fix it??
My washer will not drain. However, if I set it to the spin cycle on another setting, it spins and drains (ie: I wash a load on the regular wash setting, but have to set it on delicate to get it to spin and drain). It does this no matter what setting I wash our clothes in. Any idea what the problem may be? Thanks!
I found your website while trying to find a solution to our washing machine problem. I will do my best to explain what is going on and am hoping you have a good response for me. Our Maytag top load washing machine is three years old (not sure if that matters) and will not drain properly. When we ran the diagnostic test in the manual, it said it was something about the drain too. After a cycle on hand wash, whites, normal, etc, it appears like everything is fine; however, when I go to pick up the clothes, they are soaking wet. If I move the tub inside around gently, I can hear the water at the bottom (not visible to the eye though). I have been running the Drain and Spin cycle afterwards though, and it seems to take care of the problem. I can keep doing this, but it sure takes a lot of time on one load. My husband and I believe the problem is from unintentionally using too much laundry detergent. My husband, who is an awesome guy, did laundry a few times using way too much of our dry homemade laundry detergent (it is supposed to be HE). The company said this problem would cost over four hundred dollars to fix. We, who are paying off school loans, cannot afford that. My husband has tried fixing the washing machine. He checked the drain pipe and did this vinegar thing he saw on a website. The machine is still doing the same thing as before. This has been going on for a couple of weeks now. I think this is all the information I can give , and I hope it makes sense. Is there anything we can do to fix this? We would appreciate any honest response.
Thank you.
Paula,
If the drain hose is not clogged, drain pump is new and free of debris, and diagnostics say to clean drain, then the most probable issue next is the drain itself. Have the drain checked or try and drain some water down it and be sure it drains properly. If so, you may have a loose wire harness in the washer. Have you opened up the machine after the new drain install and check? Let us know what you find.
-RR
Oh…..I’ve tried vinegar and using detergent like they suggested. Thanks.
My LG top load WT5070CW has decided to stop draining after three years. The drain hose isn’t clogged, it’s in the proper position. We replaced the pump. The “Smart Diagnostic” says to clean my drain. The LG service rep said to run a “tub clean” and that would unplug my drain, I’ve tried two times. Still not draining. Any ideas? Thanks!