Top 4 Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain or Spin

From unbalanced loads to trouble with your drain hose, we tackle the most common explanations for why your washing machine won’t drain or spin — and how to fix them.

In the most popular video series on our YouTube channel, the pros at Sears Home Services share their best troubleshooting tips for common problems that befall high-efficiency top-load washers. Oftentimes, there’s a simple fix that you can do yourself to save you from having to call a washer repair service.

There are many possible reasons your washing machine may not be spinning or draining properly.

1. The load is unbalanced.

Solution: Redistribute the load and run the washer again.

2. The drain hose is clogged, kinked or frozen.

Solution: Make sure the hose is properly draining into the utility sink.

3. You’re using an extension cord.

Solution: If you use an extension cord, less voltage will be supplied to the washer, which could cause your machine to overheat and shut down early. Plug directly into an outlet instead.

4. There are excessive suds.

Solution: This could be caused by soft water or too much detergent. Check the instructions on the detergent bottle.