A washing machine that won’t drain can quickly turn laundry day into a mess. Standing water in the drum, soaking-wet clothes, or strange noises during the drain cycle are all signs something isn’t working correctly.
The good news is that some washer draining problems are minor and easy to fix. Others may require professional repair to avoid damage or flooding. Below, we’ll break down the most common reasons a washer won’t drain, what you can safely check, and when it’s time to call for help.
Common Signs Your Washer Isn’t Draining Properly
You may be dealing with a draining issue if you notice:
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Water left in the drum after the cycle ends
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Clothes still dripping wet
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The washer stops mid-cycle
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A humming or buzzing sound during drain mode
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Error codes related to draining
If any of these sound familiar, one of the issues below is likely the cause.
1. Clogged Drain Hose
One of the most common reasons a washer won’t drain is a clogged drain hose. Over time, lint, small clothing items, or debris can block water from flowing out.
What you can try:
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Turn off the washer and unplug it
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Check the drain hose for kinks or bends
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Remove the hose and look for visible blockages
If the clog is deep or difficult to reach, forcing it out can cause damage.
2. Blocked Pump Filter
Many modern washing machines have a pump filter designed to catch lint, coins, buttons, and small objects. When this filter becomes clogged, water can’t drain properly.
What you can try:
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Locate the pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the front)
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Place a towel or shallow container underneath
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Carefully remove and clean the filter
Be prepared for water to drain out when the filter is opened.
3. Faulty Drain Pump
If the drain pump is damaged or worn out, it may not be able to push water out of the washer. This is often the case if you hear a humming sound but no water drains.
Signs of a bad drain pump:
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Loud or unusual noises
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Washer won’t drain even after cleaning hoses and filters
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Repeated draining error codes
Drain pump replacement usually requires professional repair.
4. Lid Switch or Door Lock Issues
Washers are designed with safety features that prevent draining if the lid or door isn’t properly locked. If the switch or lock is faulty, the washer may not drain at all.
What to look for:
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Washer won’t advance to the spin cycle
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Door doesn’t lock or unlock properly
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Clicking or no response when starting a cycle
This issue often requires a trained technician to diagnose and repair.
5. Clogged or Overloaded Washer
Using too much detergent or overloading the washer can create excess suds, which interfere with proper draining.
What you can try:
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Reduce detergent use (especially with HE washers)
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Avoid overloading laundry loads
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Run a rinse and spin cycle to clear suds
When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Technician
If basic checks don’t solve the problem, it’s best to avoid forcing the washer to run. Continuing to operate a washer that won’t drain can lead to water damage, mold, or costly repairs.
You should contact a professional if:
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Water remains after cleaning filters and hoses
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The washer makes loud or unusual noises
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The problem keeps coming back
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You see error codes related to draining
Get Help With Washer Drain Problems Today
A washer that won’t drain is more than an inconvenience — it can quickly turn into a bigger issue if left untreated.
Fix Home Appliances can help connect you with experienced local washer repair technicians who can diagnose the problem and get your machine working properly again.
👉 Request Washer Repair Now