How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Drain

Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet — do not just press the power button, because the control board and pump can still receive voltage. Then turn off both the hot and cold water supply valves behind the machine by rotating them clockwise until they stop. Lay 2-3 old towels on the floor around the base of the washer to catch any water that escapes during troubleshooting.

If the tub is full of water, you need to remove it before you can access the filter or pump. For front-loaders, locate the small drain hose or emergency drain tube behind the access panel on the lower-front of the machine — place a shallow pan underneath, pull the cap or plug, and let gravity drain the water into the pan, emptying it into a bucket as needed. For top-loaders without an emergency drain, bail the water out with a cup into a bucket, or use a wet/dry vacuum. Getting the water out first makes every subsequent step safer and less messy.

Most front-loading washers have a pump filter (also called a coin trap) behind a small access panel on the lower-front of the machine. Open the panel, place a shallow pan underneath, and slowly twist the filter cap counterclockwise — water will rush out, so go a quarter-turn at a time and let it drain between turns. Once the flow stops, unscrew the filter completely and pull it out. You will often find coins, hair ties, bobby pins, lint clumps, and small socks jammed in the filter housing. Remove all debris, rinse the filter under running water, and scrub the housing interior with a toothbrush. Reinstall the filter by threading it clockwise until snug — do not overtighten.

Pull the washing machine forward far enough to access the back (have someone help if needed — washers weigh 150-200 lbs). The drain hose is the corrugated gray or black hose that runs from the back of the machine to the standpipe, laundry sink, or wall drain. Check the full length for kinks, sharp bends, or pinch points — a kink even an inch long can completely block drainage. If the hose looks clear externally, disconnect it at the machine end by loosening the hose clamp with pliers. Hold it over the bucket and let any trapped water flow out. Shine a flashlight through the hose and look for blockages — lint, soap scum, and small objects accumulate at bends. If you find a clog, use a long-handled brush or straightened wire hanger to push it out.

If the hose itself is clear, the clog may be in the standpipe (the vertical pipe in the wall that the drain hose feeds into) or the laundry sink drain. Shine a flashlight down the standpipe opening — you may see standing water or debris. Pour a cup of white vinegar followed by hot water to help dissolve soap buildup. If water backs up quickly, the clog is deeper in the plumbing and you may need a drain snake. Also verify the drain hose isn't pushed too far into the standpipe — it should insert only 6-8 inches. Pushing it too deep creates an air-lock that prevents proper drainage.

Top-loading washers have a lid switch that prevents the machine from draining or spinning when the lid is open — a safety feature that can malfunction. Open the lid and locate the small plastic switch on the underside of the lid or on the door frame. Press it with a pen or your finger — you should hear a distinct click. If it doesn't click or feels loose, the switch may be broken and the washer thinks the lid is open, so it refuses to drain. Replacement lid switches cost $10-25 and typically attach with two screws and a wire connector. Consult your model's parts diagram before ordering.

If the filter, hose, and standpipe are all clear, the pump itself may be jammed. The drain pump is located behind the lower access panel (front-loaders) or underneath the cabinet (top-loaders — you may need to tilt the machine back). With the filter removed, shine a flashlight into the pump housing and look for the impeller — a small fan-like disc. Try rotating it gently with your finger or a wooden skewer. It should spin freely. If it's stuck, a small object like a coin, button, or underwire from a bra is likely wedged against the impeller blades. Remove the obstruction carefully. If the impeller spins freely but the pump still doesn't work when powered on, the pump motor may have failed and needs professional replacement.