If you’ve ever found yourself asking “why is my washer not draining?” you’re not alone.
It’s a common issue that can cause a lot of frustration and confusion.
Fortunately there are a few easy steps you can take to help identify the problem and get your washer draining properly again.
Common Causes
In most cases a clogged drain pipe or hose is the root cause of a washer not draining.
Lint and other small particles can easily get stuck in the pipes or build up over time restricting the flow of water and preventing your washer from draining properly.
Other common causes include a defective drain pump or a kinked hose.
Clogged Drain Hose
A clogged drain hose is one of the most common causes of a washer not draining.
This is because the drain hose can become filled with all sorts of debris including small pieces of clothing hair and lint.
When this happens the drain hose is unable to properly transport the water out of the washer.
To check if a clogged drain hose is the issue you can remove the hose from the back of the washer and inspect it for clogs.
If you find a clog you can try to clear it out with a pipe cleaner or other small tool.
Worn-Out Pump
Another potential cause for a washer not draining is a worn-out pump.
This occurs when the pump motor is no longer able to move enough water out of the machine.
To determine if this is the cause you can listen for a humming noise coming from the washer.
If you hear this noise then it could be a sign that the pump motor is not functioning properly.
In this case you may need to replace the pump altogether.
Power Issue
Lastly a power issue could be the reason why your washer is not draining.
This could be due to a tripped breaker or a faulty power cord.
To test if this is the cause you can unplug the washer from the wall and then plug it back in.
If this does not fix the issue then it could be a sign of a more serious power issue.
In this case you may need to call an electrician for further diagnosis.
Checking for Clogs
If you suspect a clogged drain or hose the first step is to check the filter in the washer.
Depending on the type of washer you have the filter may be located in the drain hose near the drain pump or at the back of the washer.
If you find a clog remove it and see if that resolves the issue.
Inspecting the Drain Pump
If the washer still won’t drain the next step is to inspect the drain pump.
The drain pump is responsible for pumping the water out of the washer so a defective pump can cause the washer to not drain properly.
To check the drain pump unplug the washer and then remove the access panel.
Once the panel is removed you should be able to see the pump.
Inspect the pump for any signs of wear or damage.
If the pump is damaged it should be replaced.
Kinked Drain Hoses
If the drain pump appears to be in good condition the next step is to check the drain hoses.
Make sure the hoses are not kinked or pinched as this can restrict the flow of water and prevent the washer from draining properly.
Professional Assistance
If you’ve inspected the filter drain pump and hoses and your washer still won’t drain you may need to call a professional.
A professional can inspect the washer and identify the root cause of the problem.
Depending on the issue they may suggest replacing certain parts or simply cleaning the washer.
Conclusion
If your washer is not draining don’t panic! With a few simple steps you can help identify the problem and get your washer draining properly again.
Start by checking the filter drain pump and hoses for any signs of damage or clogs.
If the issue persists call a professional for assistance.