If you’ve ever stood in front of your washer after a cycle, expecting clean, ready-to-dry clothes—only to find them swimming in murky water—you’re not alone. A washer not draining is one of the most common laundry-related headaches homeowners face. The good news? It’s usually fixable, often without calling in a professional.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your washing machine isn’t draining and give you practical tips to get it working again. Whether you have a top-loader or a fancy front-loader, these insights will help you pinpoint the problem and get back to laundry day like a pro.
First Things First: Safety
Before you do anything, unplug the washing machine. You’ll likely be poking around water, and the last thing you want is a shock. Also, if your washer is full of water, consider bailing some of it out with a bucket or using a wet/dry vacuum to make troubleshooting easier (and less messy).
1. Clogged or Blocked Drain Hose
This is probably the most common culprit. Over time, lint, fabric, or small clothing items (like socks!) can get lodged in the hose that carries water out of your washer. If your machine tries to drain but nothing happens, or you hear gurgling, this might be the issue.
How to Fix It:
- Locate the drain hose at the back of your washer.
- Detach it and inspect for clogs.
- Flush it out with hot water or run something flexible through it (like a plumber's snake or a straightened coat hanger).
- Reattach it securely and try running the washer again.
2. Pump Problems
The drain pump is the part that pushes water out of the washer and into your home's drainage system. If it’s damaged, broken, or jammed, your washer won’t drain properly.
Signs of a pump issue:
- Strange noises during the drain cycle
- A washer full of water after the cycle ends
- You smell something burning (not good!)
How to Fix It:
- Unplug the washer and remove the front or back panel to access the pump.
- Look for debris, small socks, coins, or buttons that might have jammed it.
- If the pump looks broken or isn’t running, you may need a replacement. These aren’t too expensive and are widely available online.
3. Faulty Lid Switch (for Top-Loaders)
For safety, most top-loading washers won’t spin or drain if the lid is open. A broken lid switch can trick the machine into thinking the lid is still up, halting the drain cycle.
How to Fix It:
- Close the lid and listen for a clicking sound.
- If you don’t hear a click, the switch might be faulty.
- Lid switches can often be replaced easily with basic tools and a little patience.
4. Clogged Coin Trap or Filter (Front-Loaders)
Front-loading washers usually have a coin trap or filter near the bottom front of the machine. It’s designed to catch small objects that sneak out of pockets, like coins, bobby pins, or buttons.
How to Fix It:
- Check your user manual for its exact location.
- Open the panel and twist off the cap (have a towel or shallow tray ready—some water will likely come out).
- Clear out any debris or gunk.
- Re-secure the cap and test the washer.
5. Drainage Problems in Your Home Plumbing
Sometimes, it’s not your washer’s fault at all. If your plumbing or drain pipes are clogged, your washer can’t push water through. This could cause water to back up into the machine or even lead to a washer leaking underneath, which can seem like a washer issue but is actually plumbing-related.
How to Fix It:
- Run water down the same drain the washer uses (like a utility sink) and see if it drains slowly or backs up.
- If it does, call a plumber to inspect the drain line.
6. Overloading the Washer
Yes, stuffing your washer to the brim saves time—until it doesn’t. Overloading can throw off the balance, stop it from spinning properly, and leave you with soaking wet laundry and standing water in the drum.
How to Fix It:
- Don’t overload. Leave enough space for clothes to move freely.
- If you did overload, remove some clothes and try the spin/drain cycle again.
7. Worn or Loose Belt (Older Models)
In older washing machines, a worn-out or broken drive belt can cause the washer to stop spinning or draining. These belts wear down over time and may need to be replaced.
How to Fix It:
- Unplug and remove the rear panel of the washer.
- Inspect the belt for cracks or slack.
- Replacing a washer belt is generally straightforward and inexpensive.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through all the common issues and your washer still won’t drain, it might be time to call in a technician—especially if the problem involves the machine’s electronic control board or motor.
But here’s the good news: many “washer not draining” problems are quick fixes you can do at home, often with minimal tools and cost.
Keep Your Washer Happy: Maintenance Tips
To avoid drain issues in the future:
- Empty all pockets before washing.
- Clean the filter or coin trap monthly.
- Don’t overload the washer.
- Use the right detergent (especially in HE machines).
- Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner every few weeks.
Final Thoughts
A washer that won’t drain can be super frustrating, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of laundry day. With a little detective work—and the tips above—you can often figure out what’s wrong and fix it without too much trouble. Whether it’s a clogged hose, a faulty pump, or a simple overload, you now have the know-how to tackle the issue head-on.
And remember: staying on top of regular maintenance is the best way to avoid finding your laundry floating instead of spinning.
