Washer Won't Drain? Check These 5 Things First
A washing machine that won’t drain is frustrating, but it’s usually fixable without a service call. Most drainage issues come down to five common culprits that you can check yourself.
Unplug Before Working
Always unplug the washer before checking the drain pump or filter. Water + electricity = danger. If you can’t reach the plug, turn off the circuit breaker.
Quick Diagnosis
Washer Won't Drain Diagnostic Flow
Check these in order—start with the fastest test first.
Check the drain hose for kinks
Pull the washer out from the wall and inspect the drain hose. A kinked or crushed hose is the #1 cause of drainage issues. The hose should have a gentle curve, not sharp bends.
Clean the drain filter/trap
Most front-loaders have an access panel at the bottom front. Open it and unscrew the filter slowly. Have towels ready—water will come out. Check for coins, hair ties, socks, and debris.
Check the drain pump impeller
With the filter out, look into the pump housing with a flashlight. Spin the impeller by hand—it should rotate freely. If it's stuck or hard to turn, something is jammed.
Test the drain hose at the standpipe
Disconnect the drain hose from your standpipe or utility sink. Run water through it with a garden hose. If water doesn't flow freely, the hose is clogged.
Check for standpipe clogs
If everything else checks out, the clog might be in your home's standpipe. Pour water directly into the standpipe—if it backs up, you have a plumbing clog, not a washer problem.
If the pump motor hums but doesn't spin, or if you see error codes like F21/F02/E21, the pump may need replacement. This is a moderate DIY job (1-2 hours) or a $150–$250 service call. Also call a pro if you smell burning or see smoke from the washer.
Tools You’ll Need
âś“ Must-Have
- • Towels
For water cleanup—you'll need several
- • Shallow pan or baking dish
To catch water from the filter
- • Flashlight
To see into pump housing
+ Nice-to-Have
- ◦ Wet/dry vacuum $40–$80
Makes cleanup much faster
- â—¦ Needle-nose pliers
For grabbing debris from the pump
- â—¦ Bucket
For draining water if pan overflows
! Safety Gear
- ⚡ Rubber gloves
The standing water can be gross
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Common Culprits
The most frequent causes of washer drainage issues:
- Small items in the pump — Coins, bobby pins, and small toys
- Lint and debris buildup — Especially if you don’t clean the filter regularly
- Kinked drain hose — From pushing the washer too close to the wall
- Clogged standpipe — A plumbing issue, not a washer issue
- Failed drain pump — Usually makes a humming sound but won’t pump
Prevent repeats: Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar monthly. This prevents buildup that causes drainage issues. Also, check pockets before washing—coins and tissues are the usual suspects.
When to Call a Pro
If you’ve checked all five items and the washer still won’t drain, the issue is likely:
- A failed drain pump motor (hums but doesn’t pump)
- A control board problem (error codes, no response)
- A blocked main drain line (plumber territory)
Budget $150–$300 for a professional diagnosis and repair. If your washer is more than 10 years old and needs a major repair, consider whether replacement makes more sense.
Model-specific help: Search your model number + “drain pump replacement” on YouTube. Most manufacturers have similar designs, but the exact location and removal process varies.
Related Maintenance
To prevent future drainage issues:
- Clean the drain filter monthly (front-loaders)
- Wipe door gasket after each load (front-loaders)
- Leave door ajar between loads to prevent mold
- Run a cleaning cycle monthly with washer cleaner or vinegar
- Check pockets before every load