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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well im not much of a mr.fixit, for the most part, i took the washer apart, checked all the hoses, from the pump to out the back, and there are no clogs, the water is just sitting in the tubes, now nothing has changes with the hoses either the same set up since we moved in. we literally have not touch the washer in the 5 years we been here, i dont have a voltage meter. and when i go down to check, no buzzing, not sure how to get it right to “drain” without having it run a full cycle. i also double checked anything that needs to be plugged in, like the harnesses and they seem to be plugged in.
Thomas Helms,
Can you tell us exactly what happens when it gets to the drain cycle? Does it make noise? Do you hear anything, water flow, clicking, motor running? Did you make SURE the drain pump is receiving the correct voltage? Are all the wire harnesses secure? Did you make sure the drain is not clogged therefore preventing the washer from pumping out the water? Have you checked the drain hose to be sure it is positioned correctly and not crimped? Depending on what model you have, you may have a control board or timer issue. Have you checked to be sure all other components are working properly?
-RR
Have about a 5 year old Roper washing machine, about 2 days ago it stopped draining. I took all the water out, checked all the hoses and no clog, ended up replacing the pump, still not the issue, still not draining?
My washing machine is Model No. WF1104XAC.
The lights does not come on, and the washer is definitely getting power tried other appliances on the same power outlet. The repair man said it was the motherboard that was fried.
Nothing is damage where you say and I am afraid it is the motor.
Michelle Tommosgard,
Is the washer getting power at all? Do the lights turn on? You have to be sure the washer is getting power before you begin replacing parts. Did the repairman check the voltage going to the washer?
If the washer has power and nothing works, check the wiring harnesses behind the front panel and also be sure the plug and cord is not damaged. If all wires are secure and the plug isn’t damaged, then it is most likely a power issue inside the washer. Something may be loose or damaged. Please give us the model number of your Samsung washer.
-RR
I have a Samsung washing machine, front loader 10 kg. I does not start or anything, I tried different power sockets and nothing works. I had a repair man here saying the motherboard is damaged and it could be the motor too, but he did not know. He never got back to me either about the repair of it. How can I know if the motor is damage and is it worth fixing the motherboard if the problem still will exit, because of the motor might be damaged.
Marcia,
The next part on your top load Whirlpool washer to test and most likely replace will be the lid switch. The lid switch, even if bad, will let the washer agitate but not spin. If the lid switch is good, then next would be to check drain pump and drain hose for blockage. You can find videos of all these issues on YouTube so you can follow along and troubleshoot it yourself. Do you have a multimeter? If not an inexpensive one to have around the house is a good idea.
-RR