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Washer Won't Drain

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Washer won't drain are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

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Most Frequent Causes for Washer won't drain

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Drain Pump

Sometimes, small objects or articles of clothing can get caught in the drain pump. To determine if anything is blocking the drain pump, remove the drain pump and check the pump for obstructions. If the drain pump is clear of obstructions, but is still noisy during the drain cycle, replace the drain pump.

Parts
Cause 2Control Board

Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 3Drain hose is clogged or kinked

Check to see if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If your washer "dances" during cycles, it may have moved and kinked the hose or the drain hose could be clogged with lint or hair. You can use a thin, long-handled brush to clean the hose.

Cause 4Clogged Pump or Hose

Foreign objects such as lint, coins, or safety pins may be clogging the pump or drain hose. Confirm the hose is free of debris and is not kinked. Most front-load washers have a removable drain trap behind a small door near the bottom of the washer to keep items from getting to the pump. Unplug the washer for safety, then inspect the drain trap and remove any items as needed.

Cause 5Lid Switch Assembly

The lid switch assembly prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not drain. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test each of the lid switches for continuity. If a lid switch does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 6Water Pump Belt

Some older washing machines are equipped with a water pump belt. If the water pump belt is broken or worn out, the washer will not drain. Check the belt and replace it if it shows signs of excessive wear.

Parts
Cause 7Suspension Rod

If a top-load washer is not completing a cycle in addition to not draining, a broken suspension rod could be making the tub unbalanced and unable to spin or agitate properly. Inspect the suspension rods for damage and replace if necessary - it is recommended that all suspension rods be replaced at the same time for more even wear.

Parts
Cause 8Drain Hose

First, check the drain hose to determine if it is kinked, twisted, or bent. If the drain hose is bent, straighten it out. In addition, remove the drain hose and check it for obstructions. If the drain hose has any obstructions, try to remove them. If necessary, replace the drain hose.

Parts
Cause 9Coin Trap

Some washers are equipped with a coin trap to trap any foreign objects that enter the drain. The coin trap should be checked and cleaned periodically. If debris continues to accumulate in the coin trap, the coin trap will become clogged, and the washer will not drain properly. If the washer won’t drain or is not draining properly, and the washer has a coin trap, remove the coin trap and clean it thoroughly.

Parts
Cause 10Door Lock

Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.

Parts
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