Imagine the horror of running your washing machine with a load of laundry and then realizing that the water isn’t draining.

While it’s annoying to have laundry sitting in water, you have a bigger problem on your hands. The cause of your draining problems isn’t always easy to find. There are several things that could be the reason your water is staying put.

For that reason, you need to know all the possible issues in order to determine what you’re dealing with.

Here are several problems that would lead to a washing machine not draining. Be sure to go down this list in order to find the culprit for your dilemma.

1. Clogged Drain Hose

Sometimes you might notice that the water isn’t draining, but that the washing machine itself is operating as it should.

In other words, it sounds like the machine is trying to pump water out, but to no avail.

If that’s the case, then you’re probably dealing with a clogged drain hose. The washer drain hose is the rubber hose located behind your washing machine.

In some instances, it can gather up a large pile of fibers (from rugs, fuzzy apparel, knitted hats, etc.) and get clogged.

While it might be a huge inconvenience, you should consider yourself lucky. A clogged drain hose is easy to fix. Simply shut the machine off, remove the hose, and clear out the gathered fibers. Once you have, attach it back on and it should work again.

2. Blocked Filter

Are you noticing a trend yet? If it still sounds like something is blocked after checking the drain hose, then your filter might be to blame.

In fact, a blocked filter is one of the most common problems with washing machines that won’t drain.

If this is the case, then try to drain the water that’s in the machine. Do this by holding the drain hose below the level where the water is in the washer.

Once all the water is removed, pull out the filter and get rid of anything you see that has gathered together. While you’re there, take a look at the pump impeller by turning it. If it doesn’t turn then it means something is blocking it from doing so.

If you’re unsure or not confident in how to troubleshoot the problem, then be sure to reach out to trusted local plumbing service and schedule an appointment.

3. Drive Belt

If you’re not hearing a pumping sound from your washer when it’s operating, then something is off with the pump.

Most likely, the issue at hand is that the drive belt is worn down or broken. If the belt is either too loose or too tight, then the pump won’t work properly.

If you’re confident in your abilities as a DIY handyman or handywoman, then you can try to turn the washer over on its side to check it out. When the belt looks worn out, then it’s probably the root of the cause.

Either way, you’ll need to reach out to a plumbing service to get it fixed. The repair shouldn’t take long at all and is a cost-efficient fix. It’s a far better alternative to purchasing a new washer.

4. Faulty Drain Pump

If the belt seems to be in good condition then the pump itself is probably faulty and needs to be replaced.

To check, turn off the appliance and search for the drain pump, which kind of looks like the back mechanics of a house fan, and check to see if it’s working.

To check it for yourself, you’ll need to have a multimeter on-hand, which isn’t a tool most common homeowners have.

Use the multi-pump to see if the pump reads anywhere between 100 and 300 Ohms. If it reads any lower or higher than that, then the pump needs to be replaced before the washer can be used again.

5. Lid Switch Issues

Your washing machine’s draining problem might not have anything with the draining system. It could be another part of the machine that’s stopping it from running correctly.

Sometimes, if you’re dealing with a faulty lid switch, the washer will stall its operations.

The lid switch is the loud “click” sound that you hear a few seconds after you start a load in your washer. It lets the entire system know that the washer lid is locked and is safe to perform the rest of the operations.

It’s the reason that your washer stalls out when you open the lid of your washer, even if the water hasn’t been drained.

If something is wrong with the lid switch, then it can trick the entire washer’s system into thinking the washer lid has been open/lifted.

To test whether or not the lid switch is the problem, open the door while the machine is operating and try to press the lid switch by hand. If there isn’t a clicking sound that follows suit, then you need to get it fixed.

Fortunately, the lid switch is a quick and easy fix for your local plumber. Simply schedule an appointment and it will be good to go in a few minutes!

Washing Machine Not Draining? Contact a Professional!

Why mess with the problem of a washing machine not draining yourself when you could put it in the hands of an expert.

Be sure to read this article on how to deal with a sink drain clog for more information on repairing that nuisance down the line.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we’ll be happy to assist you further!