Why Won't My Washer Drain?

Dealing with the problem “why won’t my washing machine drain” can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it leaves you with soggy clothes and a laundry backlog.

Knowing the common reasons behind this issue is crucial for getting your washer back to peak performance. From clogged hoses to faulty pumps, various factors can lead to drainage problems.

In this guide, we'll explore why your washer might not be draining and offer step-by-step troubleshooting tips.

We’ll also suggest preventive measures to help you avoid future issues and discuss when it’s best to call in the pros. Let’s dive into resolving your washer troubles.

Why Is My Washer Not Draining?

If you’re asking, "why isn't my washer draining?", understanding the usual reasons for drainage issues can simplify the troubleshooting process.

Clogged House Drain

Your washer won’t drain when the standpipe house drain is clogged with lint or debris. Check to see if water flows through the standpipe behind the washer freely. If not, use a plumber’s snake to remove the clog or have a plumber fix the washer drain.

Obstructed Drain Hose

Another frequent issue that can have you wondering “why won’t my washing machine drain?” is a clogged drain hose. The drain hose can get obstructed by debris, lint, or small clothing items. A kinked or pinched drain hose will also prevent the washer from draining.

Follow these DIY troubleshooting steps to find and eliminate an obstruction in the drain hose:

• Check the condition of the drain hose. Eliminate a kink and straighten out a pinched section of the hose if you find either of those problems.
• Pull the end of the drain hose out of the stand pipe and look for a clog at the end of the hose. Pull any lint or debris out of the end of the hose.
• If you didn’t find a clog in the end of the hose and the hose wasn’t pinched or clogged, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck a clog out of the end of the hose and empty water from the washer.

Here’s a helpful video that shows how to check these issues and more in a top-load washer not draining:

If you’re able to eliminate a clog in the drain hose, the washer should drain properly. If not, continue on with additional troubleshooting.

Problems with the Drain Pump

Another common problem that can prevent draining is a clogged or broken drain pump.

Front-load washers have a drain pump filter that can get clogged and prevent draining. Use the procedure shown in the image below to check and clean the drain pump filter:

If the drain pump impeller is broken or the drain pump won’t run in your front load washer, you may need to replace it. This video shows how to replace the drain pump in a front-load washer:

Replacing the drain pump in a front-load washer can be a complex repair for many DIY’ers. If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the drain pump on your own, or you’re unsure whether you need to replace the drain pump, schedule washer repair service to have a technician fix the machine.

The drain pump in a top-load washer is typically easier to access and replace. Here’s a video that shows how to replace that part:

Too Much Suds

A washer drain pump often won’t be able to pump water out of the washer if you used too much detergent or the wrong kind of detergent and excessive suds forms in the washer tub.

When you find excessive suds in the washer:

• Add a ½ cup of white vinegar to the tub to help dissipate the suds.
• Run a rinse, drain and spin cycle or start a new cycle with no detergent added to get rid of the suds and rinse out the vinegar from the load.
• Reduce detergent use on future loads. Use only the recommended amount of detergent for your machine and the size of the load. If you’re using a high-efficiency washer, make sure to use the appropriate HE low-sudsing detergent.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Drainage Problems

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your washing machine running smoothly and preventing drainage issues.

• Regularly clean the drain pump filter and check the drain hose for blockages.
• Use the Clean Washer cycle and a washer cleanser such as Affresh to help remove detergent residue and lint build-up that affect drainage.
• Avoid overloading your washer, as this strains the machine and hinders effective drainage. Load the washer with a balanced amount of clothes, ensuring even weight distribution, which aids in drainage and improves efficiency.
• Schedule annual professional washer maintenance to have a technician tune up, inspect, adjust and maintain your washing machine. The technician can identify and fix problems early to help prevent drain problems.
• If you notice strange noises or reduced efficiency during the wash cycle, schedule washer repair immediately to fix the problem quickly so you’re not struggling without a washer.

Monitoring the drain system and maintaining your washing machine properly can prevent headaches and ensure your washer functions efficiently for years to come.