If your washing machine isn't draining properly, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take, starting with simple checks and moving towards more involved inspections, as outlined below.
Here's how to address a washing machine that won't drain:
Getting Your Washing Machine to Drain
When facing a washing machine full of water, the goal is to identify and resolve the blockage or malfunction preventing drainage. Follow these steps to diagnose and potentially fix the issue.
Start with the Spin Cycle
Often, a drainage problem can be a temporary glitch. Your first step should be to try the spin cycle again. Sometimes, simply restarting the cycle can kickstart the pump and resolve the issue.
Prioritize Safety: Power and Water Off
Before inspecting any part of the machine, it's crucial for safety to turn off the power and water supply to the washing machine. Locate the machine's power cord and unplug it, and turn off the hot and cold water valves behind the unit. This prevents electric shock and leaks while you work.
Investigate the Drain Hose
The drain hose is a common point of failure for drainage. You need to remove and check the drain hose. Look for any visible kinks or bends that might be restricting water flow. Also, check the ends of the hose for blockages, such as lint or small items that might have been in clothes. Clearing any obstructions here can often solve the problem.
Test Drainage by Gravity
Sometimes, you can see if the system is blocked by using gravity. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. Carefully remove the drain hose from the standpipe or wall connection and lower it into a bucket on the floor. If water flows out freely, the issue might be with the height the hose is connected at or with the standpipe itself, not the machine's pump or hose.
Examine Internal Components
If the hose is clear and gravity doesn't drain it, the problem could be internal. Check your machine's inner workings. This often involves checking the drain pump filter, which can become clogged with debris like coins, buttons, or lint. Refer to your machine's manual for the location of the pump filter (usually near the bottom front of the machine) and how to safely access and clean it.
Verify the House Drain Pipe
The issue might not be the washing machine at all. Check the drain pipe where the washing machine hose connects (the standpipe in your wall). This pipe can become clogged with lint and soap scum over time. Pour a bucket of water down the pipe (when the washing machine hose is removed) to see if it drains freely. If not, the clog is in your household plumbing.
Drain Manually
If the machine is still full of water after these checks, you may need to drain manually if needed. This usually involves using a bucket and potentially the pump filter access point (with towels ready for spills) or siphoning the water out. This step is necessary before you can perform further internal checks or move the machine.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you have followed these steps and your washing machine still will not drain, it might indicate a more complex problem, such as a faulty drain pump or an electrical issue. At this point, it's best to call a service professional. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair internal mechanical or electrical failures safely.
