Washer Won't Drain? 6 Common Causes and What to Check

Why Won't My Washer Drain?

A washer that fills and agitates but will not drain is one of the most common service calls we get. The good news is that the cause is usually one of six things — and some you can check yourself before calling for washer repair.

1. A Clogged Drain Pump Filter

Every washer has a drain pump, and most have a small filter that catches coins, lint, and debris. If that filter clogs, the pump cannot push water out. On front-load washers, the filter is usually behind a small access door at the bottom of the machine. Unplug the washer first, then open the filter and clean it out. You will probably find a small collection of coins and lint.

2. A Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose

The drain hose carries water from the washer to your home's drain pipe. If the hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged, water cannot flow out. Pull the washer out and check the hose from the pump to the wall. Straighten any kinks and make sure the hose is not crushed behind the machine.

3. A Failed Drain Pump

If the filter is clean and the hose is clear, the pump itself may have failed. You will usually hear a humming or buzzing sound when the washer tries to drain — that is the pump motor running but not moving water. Sometimes a small object (a coin, a bobby pin) gets stuck in the pump impeller and jams it. A technician can remove the pump and check the impeller.

4. A Stuck or Failed Lid Switch

On top-load washers, a lid switch prevents the washer from spinning or draining when the lid is open. If the switch fails, the washer thinks the lid is always open and will not drain or spin. You can sometimes hear a faint click when you open and close the lid — if there is no click, the switch may be bad.

5. A Failed Water Level Pressure Switch

The pressure switch tells the washer how much water is in the tub. If it fails, the washer may not know it is time to drain. This is less common but does happen, especially on older machines.

6. A Control Board or Timer Problem

If everything else checks out, the issue may be in the electronic control board or the mechanical timer. The washer is not sending power to the pump at the right time. This requires a technician to diagnose — do not try to fix a control board yourself.

When to Call for Repair

If you have checked the filter and the drain hose and the washer still will not drain, it is time to call a professional. Our washer repair service covers Venus, Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid, and the surrounding South-Central Florida area. Repairs start at just $69, and you get an upfront quote before any work begins.

Call 954-663-7959 to schedule a repair, or browse our inventory if you are thinking about replacing your washer instead. We also deliver used and refurbished washers with free local delivery on orders over $200.