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 →
Brandon Haynes,
Please recheck Samsung refrigerator model number…. TWF is not in our database.
If you know the pump, motor, and wiring is in good working order, and no blockages are preventing draining, then the board IS the most likely issue.
We cannot direct you to where to get parts as Samsung TWF317 is NOT FOUND.
-RR
Hi, We have a Samsung twf317aag/xaa, I can not find information for this model. Everything seems to work fine until it is time to drain, usually with 11 minutes left. I have removed all hoses and checked for blockages, removed the pump, checked it for blockages and tested independently for power and it came on not problem. Tested the wires that plug into the pump and when I call for the spin cycle, I still get nothing on the multimeter. As far as I can tell the front locking mechanism works fine. So I guess my question is should I order the timing board or what? Also do you know where to find parts for this model. Thank you.
My Samsung washer goes into spin cycle but leaves clothes very wet, too wet to put in dryer.
Nikki,
Yes it is most likely a faulty control board or timer assembly causing the issue of no drain.
If you have made absolute sure the drain pump itself is good, the hoses and drain lines are clear and free of debris, then yes the control board is on the fritz.
Can you give us the model number for your Haier front load washer?
-RR
I have a Haier front-end loader that was not draining.
The drain is at the correct level, and there are no blockages in any of the pipes or filters (including the hard to reach ones).
I took off the pump and pulled it apart – no blockages. I replaced the pump, and this seemed to fix it for about 3 cycles, but now it is giving an error 2 (not draining in 6 minutes).
However, it does sometimes work, but not consistently across different cycles (ie the same cycle works at some times, but not at others), so I don’t think the pump is the issue.
Also, it drains freely into an open bathtub, so subsequent drain is not an issue.
I’ve checked the belt, and it’s tight and in good condition.
The drum also spins freely.
Guessing a timer issue?
Have an older Maytag Top loader. Single belt drive. Machine works fine on everything but the gentle cycle drain. When gentle cycle gets to drain/spin the motor and drum turn but the belt can be heard slipping on the water pump pulley. If you catch it right away you can lift the lid and close it (pausing and restarting) and the pump runs and water drains normally. Replaced water pump and belt. No change. Recently replaced timer when it failed. No change. Symptoms occur almost 100% of the time on a gentle cycle and never on any other cycle. No data on whether load size affects the problem. If you don’t catch it fast and the load is large water overflows the tub and spills all over the floor. Inspected motor slides, nylon intact. Inspected tensioner, not broken as far as I can tell (but rusty).
Cody,
Can you explain further about the wire cable to the valve?
Are you saying that the wire on the drain valve can be removed and if so the washer drains?
You may have bought a washer that was not wired correctly.
Find the schematic online and see if everything matches.
-RR