It’s a big problem if your washer is not draining. The whole process of washing and drying is affected which means you could end up doing a lot on your off.
Being informed before calling a technician can help a lot. While you can apply some do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques to why it’s not draining, you may need to call a professional technician.
How to Spot the Problem?
You can refer to your washer’s manual for the troubleshooting guide. If you have a modern washer, it may display error codes on the panel.
If not, you have to observe it on your own. You may detect one of these issues:
- Clogged drain system
- Defective lid switch
- Broken or loose drive belt
- Broken water pump
- Clogged rubber drain tube
- Clogged water pump filters or impellers
1) Drain Hose Issue
When water is not draining from your washing machine, it may be due to a clogged drain hose. Some cloth fibers may be hindering the water to flow in the hose.
Fibers may stack in the hose if you washed rugs or clothes made from light fabric. Water can’t pass through the hose so water retains.
Check if the hose is not clogged. Blow air to check if the hose is free from debris. If it’s clear, the issue may be due to the pump.
2) Drive Belts Issue
Another possible cause of washer not draining is a defective drive belt. A broken drive belt may affect the pump.
If the belt is loose or defective, the washer will not fully drain the water or totally not drain it. An expert technician can detect this problem because they need to fully inspect the washer first before they can tell you the main reason.
4) Drain Pump Issue
If you can hear the pump working but there is some trouble, it’s very likely that there is an obstruction. Maybe some fabric or other debris is hindering its mechanism.
Turn off the washer and drain. You can start a quick fix by removing the washer’s panel. Check the water pump.
The water pump or the corrugated tube may be clogged. If this is the case, clear the debris by cleaning it.
If you have a top-loading washer, the pump can be found at the back of the machine. Front-loading washers have a pump at the front just below the door.
The filter screen should be cleaned for lints. Make sure to wash it with water and soap.
The impellers should be free from debris too. Test the washer if it’s now draining.
If you still hear noise coming from the pump even there’s no obstruction, there’s a possibility that the water pump is broken. In this case, a water pump replacement is the best solution.
5) Issue with Plumbing
Do you notice that water is spilling from the drain tube or returning on the washtub? It may be due to a clogged drain tube.
This happens since fabrics often stack up through the system during the cycle. It may clog the plumbing pipes that hinder water from draining.
When the drain tube gets clogged, water runs back to the standpipe. Water will spill on the floor. The drain must be cleaned first so it will work.
6) Lid Switch Issue
A switch located below the lid or door senses when it is closed so the machine starts working. A faulty switch will not drain the water.
You should hear a clicking sound when you press the switch while the door is open and the washer is running. When you didn’t hear the sound, you need to replace it because it’s defective.
If you are still encountering problems with draining your washer after trying these troubleshooting tips, it’s time to consult and call a technician. Always follow the washing instructions when using your machine including the type of detergent to use and how to load the laundry.
Washers serve a very important role in every household. If you have a problem with it, you should immediately try some DIY tactic or call a technician to address it at once.
Don’t wait for more time before dealing with the issues. The earlier you can solve the draining problem, the lesser cost for you and the longer you can use your washing machine.
