Article
Few things are as frustrating as opening a washer and finding a drum of cold, soapy water. The good news is that drain problems are often simple. A coin in the pump, a kinked hose or too many suds can be the whole story.
Work through the steps below in order. Always unplug the machine first, and keep towels ready. If water is leaking or you feel unsure, call (972) 449-9527 for same-day help.
Quick answer
- Check for kinked hoses, a clogged filter and a stuck cycle.
- Always unplug the washer before you open any panel.
- If water will not leave, a failed pump may need replacing.
Check the cycle and the settings
Some cycles pause with water in the drum. Try the drain or spin cycle on its own.
Look for a kinked drain hose
Pull the washer out a little and check the drain hose behind it. A bend or a crushed hose can block water.
Clean the pump filter (many front-load washers)
- Unplug the washer and put towels and a shallow pan down.
- Find the small door at the bottom front.
- Slowly unscrew the filter. Water will come out.
- Remove coins, lint and socks.
- Screw the filter back in tightly.
Check the drain at the wall
If water backs up in the wall pipe, the problem is in your plumbing, not the washer. Do not keep running it.
Too many suds
Too much detergent can make suds that stop the pump. Run a rinse cycle and use less next time.
Front-load vs top-load: what is different
Many front-load washers have a small filter near the bottom front that catches coins and lint. Top-load washers often have a pump you cannot reach without removing a panel. If your washer is a top-load, the filter steps may not apply, and a technician may need to open it.
Signs the drain pump is failing
- A humming sound with no draining
- Loud grinding or rattling
- Water leaking from the bottom
- A burning smell
Prevent drain problems
- Check pockets before every wash.
- Use the right amount of detergent, and use HE detergent in HE washers.
- Clean the pump filter every few months if your washer has one.
- Do not overload the drum.
Plumbing or machine?
If water backs up out of the standpipe or the sink also drains slowly, the clog may be in your home plumbing. In that case, call a plumber. If only the washer fails to drain, the washer is the likely problem.
A simple troubleshooting order
- Check the cycle and the settings.
- Check the hose for kinks.
- Clean the pump filter if there is one.
- Check for suds and run a rinse.
- Test whether the home drain is clear.
- Call a technician if the water still stays.
Following this order saves time. Most drain problems are solved in the first four steps.
Safety around standing water
Never open the door with water inside a front-load washer, because water can pour out. Unplug the washer before you touch any part, and wipe up spills so no one slips. If water has reached an outlet, stay away and call for help.
Know when it is the pump or lid switch
If water still does not leave, the drain pump, lid switch or control may have failed. See our washing machine repair page. Leaks are urgent. Read about same-day appliance repair.
Need help now?
If your washer is flooding, turn off the water and power and call us. We offer same-day and emergency service, 24 hours a day. Searching for appliance repair near me? Call (972) 449-9527 for same-day service and emergency help in The Colony and nearby cities. We take calls 24 hours a day.
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