It might be annoying and messy when your washing machine won’t drain water. In addition to delaying your laundry, a washer stuck in the middle of the cycle with water in the drum could indicate a more serious problem. This blog post, which is intended for American homes in 2025, will discuss why your washing machine isn’t draining, how to fix it, and when to call a professional.
Why Doesn’t My Washing Machine Empty?
Your washing machine may not be emptying for a number of reasons. Typical offenders include:
A kinked or clogged drain tube
Pump filter blockage
A broken drain pump
Failure of the lid switch (for top loaders)
faulty wiring or control board
Overloaded or unbalanced drum
The first step in resolving the issue is identifying the underlying cause.
Examine the drain hose.
Wastewater is transported from your washer to the plumbing system via the drain hose. It may eventually become kinked or deformed, obstructing the flow of water, or become blocked with trash, coins, or lint.
Fix: Unplug the washing machine.
Examine the rear drain hose by pulling the machine forward.
Adjust any kinks.
To check for obstructions, disconnect the hose and run water through it.
If damaged, replace or give it a good cleaning.
- Wash the pump filter.
A pump filter in many contemporary washers, particularly front-loading LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool models, collects hair, lint, and tiny items. It will not drain if it becomes plugged. Fix: Find the filter access panel, which is often located at the bottom of the front. It can leak water, so place a towel and shallow tray underneath. Slowly detach the filter after opening the filter cover. Rinse it thoroughly after removing any debris. Restart the washer after firmly reinstalling it.
Check the Drain Pump
The drain pump in your washer may be broken or obstructed if the motor is humming but no water is draining.
Fix: During the drain cycle, pay attention to pump noise.
Take off the lower back panel.
Check the pump for impeller blockages or obstructions.
To determine whether the pump is getting power, use a multimeter.
If the pump is broken, replace it.
🔧 Hint: Parts and labor for replacing a drain pump in the USA might cost anywhere from $100 to $300.
Examine the lid switch on top-loading washers.
Failure of the lid switch will prevent top-loading washers from spinning or draining. Assuming the lid is open, the machine operates.
The cycle may resume if you manually press the lid switch.
Test the switch’s continuity with a multimeter.
If the lid switch assembly is broken, replace it.
- Faulty Control Board or Timer
If all physical components are fine, the issue can reside in the washer’s electrical control board or timer. Fix: Check the board for corrosion or burns after unplugging the device. A qualified technician is the ideal person to perform this repair. In the USA, a control board replacement should cost between $150 and $400.
Unbalanced or Overloaded Load
The washer may occasionally refuse to spin or drain for no other reason than that it is overloaded or unbalanced.
Fix: Put the cycle on hold.
Rearrange the clothing in the drum so that it is evenly distributed.
Restart the cycle after removing any extra washing.
🧺 To avoid overloads, go for a washer that has a capacity of more than 4.5 cubic feet for large households.
Error Codes for Issues with Drainage
When drainage problems arise, many modern machines, including those made by LG, Samsung, GE, and Maytag, display error codes.
Meaning of the Brand Error Code
LG OE Drain Error
The Samsung 5E/SE is not draining.
Whirlpool F21 Extended drain duration GE 26 Error in the drain pump
For precise codes and instructions, consult your user handbook.
When to Make a Professional Call
It’s time to call a local professional if you’ve tried the aforementioned solutions and your washer is still refusing to drain.
The washer is leaking water, which is a sign that you need help.
After draining, the washer won’t turn on.
You hear loud grinding sounds or smell burning.
Find authorized appliance repair shops in your area or give the brand’s official help line a call.
Avoiding Future Drainage Problems
It’s always better to prevent than to treat. The following advice will help you avoid washer drainage issues:
Each month, clean the pump filter.
Every three months, check the drain hose.
Don’t wash things with tissues in your pockets, coins, or pins.
To prevent accumulation, use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent.
Observe the washer’s capacity guidelines and avoid overloading it.
Well-known American washer brands with a reputation for dependable drainage
Here are some of the best-rated brands in the USA (2025) if you’re thinking about replacing your washer because of persistent leakage problems:
LG: renowned for its long-lasting pumps, self-diagnosis, and intelligent technologies.
Samsung: EcoBubbleTM and SmartThingsTM diagnostics are among its features.
Whirlpool: Long-lasting and simple to keep up.
Maytag: Offers dependable pumps and ten-year warranties.
Concluding remarks
Although it can be annoying, a washing machine that refuses to drain doesn’t necessarily need to be repaired. Often, all it takes to get back on track is a brief examination and some cleaning. In a typical American home, your washer can last 10–13 years with regular upkeep and the occasional service.
Leave a Reply