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What to Do If Your Washer Doesn’t Drain Water?
The Problem

A washing machine that won’t drain leaves clothes soaking wet and heavy, making drying almost impossible. I had this issue once when I opened the door after a cycle only to find the drum full of water. At first, I thought the pump had failed completely. But after checking the user manuals, I realized that this problem is very common and usually caused by minor issues that can be fixed without professional help.

Common Reasons Why a Washer Won’t Drain

Clogged drain pump filter – Lint, coins, or small objects can block water flow.

Obstructed drain hose – A kinked or clogged hose stops water from leaving the drum.

Overloaded drum – Too many clothes put pressure on the pump.

Incorrect cycle selection – Some programs, like “soak,” may not include full draining.

Faulty lid or door switch – If the safety switch doesn’t engage, the machine won’t continue to draining.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Check the Drain Pump Filter

The user manuals explain where the filter is usually located at the bottom front of the machine. When I opened mine, I found lint and even a small coin inside. Cleaning it restored normal draining.

2. Inspect the Drain Hose

I followed the manuals and disconnected the hose. It turned out to be kinked behind the washer. Straightening it immediately allowed water to flow.

3. Reduce the Load

Once, I had overfilled the washer with heavy towels. The manuals recommend keeping the drum only about two-thirds full. Smaller loads drain much better.

4. Verify the Cycle Settings

I discovered I had accidentally selected a “rinse and hold” cycle. The user manuals reminded me that some programs don’t fully drain. Choosing the correct cycle fixed this mistake.

5. Check the Door Lock

The manuals also note that if the door switch isn’t working, the washer won’t drain as a safety precaution. Pressing firmly until the lock clicked solved this problem for me once.

My Experience

At first, I feared an expensive repair. But after carefully following the guidance in the user manuals — cleaning the filter, straightening the hose, and selecting the right program — I solved the draining problem myself. Now, I check the filter every few weeks to avoid future issues.

FAQ

Why won’t my washer drain water?
– Most often because of a clogged filter, blocked hose, or incorrect cycle selection.

Can I fix this problem at home?
– Yes, by cleaning the filter, checking the hose, and ensuring the cycle is correct.

When should I call a technician?
– If the pump motor doesn’t run at all or the washer stays full of water despite troubleshooting.