Why Your Washer Isn’t Draining, and What to Do About It

If your washing machine is full of water and soaking wet laundry, stopping mid-cycle, emptying more slowly than usual, or not emptying at all, you'll need to get to the bottom of the reasons why the washer is not draining.

This can be a tough problem to diagnose, but with the help of this guide, you'll be able to check some of the most common causes, and figure out which problems can be fixed yourself, and which issues require a call to a professional.

Drain Hose Is Clogged or Bent

If you can hear the washing machine's pump operating but water isn't draining, the rubber drain hose on the back of the machine may be clogged with cloth fibers, bent, or pinched. Clogs can build up over time, or happen after you wash item with a lot of fabric fibers, like rugs, and you can clear them out yourself.

Remove the drain hose attached to the back of the washer and check if it's clear. If you find any obstruction, you can rent an air compressor to blow air into the hose and clear the clog. But if the hose is worn or badly kinked, you may need to replace the hose.

Drain Pump Filter Is Blocked

If you can hear the pump operating but it sounds like it's struggling, there may be something obstructing the pump mechanism. You'll need to shut off and drain the machine, then remove the washing machine panel to examine the water pump, which can be found on the back of top-loading washers, and below the door on front-loading machines. Most pumps have removable covers with filter screens inside.

If this screen is clogged with debris, cleaning it yourself and reassembling the pump should fix the problem. But if there are no obstructions, your water pump may have failed. It will need to be replaced by a professional, unless you have advanced DIY skills.

Not Enough Power

Washing machines consume a lot of power during cycles, and need their own dedicated outlets and circuits according to the National Electrical Code. So if yours is plugged into an extension cord or sharing an outlet with another appliance, you may notice the machine is unable to draw enough power to drain.

Double-check if your washer is plugged into its own outlet, and if it is, the problem may be down to an overloaded circuit. You can try resetting your circuit breaker, but if you still see your machine struggling, you may need to call in an electrician to replace your breaker with one that has a higher amperage capacity.

Improper Drain Height

Another reason your for your washer not draining could be the height of its drain hose. The drain hose from the machine is inserted into your home's waste pipe, which should allow it to drain dirty water back into your home's waste system. The hose creates a U-shape when entering the pipe, and if the top point of the U is lower than it should be, water will be siphoned during a cycle.

You can use an anti-siphon clip to attach your drain hose to the cold water hose beside it, keeping it at the proper height (usually at least 35 inches, depending on the model). But if your home's drain pipe itself is lower than the machine requires, you may need to install a standpipe, which requires following specific rules and codes a professional plumber will know.

Issues With the Home’s Plumbing

If water is not draining and the drain hose and pump filter are both clear, there could be a clog deeper in your home's plumbing system, or the plumbing air vents on the roof may even be clogged.

If you feel comfortable, you can rent a medium drain snake by the hour from a home improvement store, or check for a clean-out fitting behind the washing machine that can be used. However, it's best to call a plumber for larger issues with the home's entire system, especially if the vents are the source of the problem.

If you notice your washing machine vibrating and making a lot of noise alongside the draining issues, your washer is most likely unbalanced. This could be due to the load of laundry being too heavy, or needing redistributing—but if it's a recurring issue, you will need to level your washing machine.

As long as you feel comfortable disconnecting your machine, are able to move it yourself, and the floor underneath is in good condition, leveling the washer can be a DIY job. But if you find damaged or rotting floorboards once you've pulled the washer out, you will need to call a pro to make the needed repairs.

Washer Isn't Balanced

Broken Lid Switch

There is a small plastic switch under the lid or door on the washing machine, which senses when the door is shut so the machine can operate. If the lid switch is faulty, the machine may not drain. When the door is open and the machine is running, press the switch by hand and listen for a clicking sound. If you don't hear it, the switch may need replacing, which can be done either by yourself, or by a pro.

Water Pump Needs Replacing

Whether your water pump has been damaged by items left in pockets, is having electrical issues, or has simply burnt out at the end of its lifespan, your washing machine won't be able to drain without it. You may also notice your washer making more noises than usual, stopping mid-cycle full of water, or burning smells.

If you suspect your machine's draining issues are due to the water pump, it's best to call a technician who will have an understanding of the internal mechanics of your washer. If it turns out the pump's problems are due to its age, it may be a sign it's time to invest in a new washer.

Resetting the Washer

Sometimes, a washer not draining simply comes down to a glitch during a cycle, an unbalanced load of laundry being detected, or a one-off issue with the power. Performing a reset by unplugging the machine for a few minutes and plugging it back in could help to get the drain cycle running again.

Keep in mind, resetting your washing machine will not help it start draining again if the problem is coming from one of the components, such as the drain hose, pump, or lid switch.

Draining the Washer Manually

Before you start to clean or repair the parts of your washing machine, you'll need to manually drain the water inside, and you won't have to use cups or buckets to bail the water out. The process can vary between washing machine models, but you can typically follow the steps below:

• Grab some towels, and a large bucket if your washer is not close to a utility sink.
• Turn off the power, unplug the washing machine, and pull it away from the wall.
• Locate the drain hose running from the back of the machine to the wall, and disconnect it from the wall.
• Place the end of the hose into the bucket or sink, allowing the water to drain out.

You may not be able to drain the washer manually using this method is if there is a clog in the drain hose, or if you are working with a front-load washer with a drainage filter and no hose.

If your machine only has a drainage filter, follow the first two steps above, then place a large, shallow container under the drainage filter panel at the front of your machine. Remove the panel cover and slowly unscrew the filter, allowing water to drain into the container.

When to Call a Professional

Although filters and hoses can be taken apart and cleaned yourself, there are some issues you will want to call a professional for. Anything involving motor parts, electrical work, or the home's wider plumbing system—such as a potentially clogged vent, installing a standpipe, replacing the water pump, or upgrading your circuit breaker—should be done by an expert.