Washing Machine Is Not Draining? Here’s What to Check

Clogged Drain Hose

Let’s start with the simplest thing — the drain hose. First, unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. Then gently pull the machine away from the wall so you can reach the back. 

Check the hose along its whole length. Look for kinks, twists, or any visible damage. If you see a kink, gently straighten it — sometimes that’s enough to fix the problem.

If the hose looks fine, but water still can’t drain, it may be clogged inside. Prepare a bucket and a few towels before removing the hose, because some water will spill out. Once it’s empty, use a flashlight to look inside. If you notice debris, rinse the hose with hot water and clean it using a tube brush or a flexible cable.

Blocked Pump Filter

If the drain hose is fine, the next thing to check is the pump filter. It’s usually located at the lower front of the washer, behind a small panel. This filter can get clogged with lint, coins, buttons, and other small items — so it needs cleaning from time to time. In many cases, you can manage this repair yourself. 

To clean it:

• Place a towel under the panel to catch any water;
• Open the panel and remove the filter;
• Clean it well and take out any trapped objects;
• Pull the filter back and close the panel.

Faulty Drain Pump

If you hear a humming sound but no water is moving, the drain pump might be failing. Other signs include a burning smell or even small leaks.

Sometimes the pump is badly damaged and needs replacement, but often it’s just clogged and can be cleaned. In that case, a simple drain pump repair can solve the problem. First, remove the panel to access the pump. Check the pump impeller for debris and clean it if it is necessary.

If there is no debris, but the pump still doesn’t work, you can check it with a multimeter (if you have one). Switch it to resistance mode (Ω) and test the pump:

• 150-300 Ohms — the pump is working;
• 0 Ohms — short circuit;
• ∞ or very high value — open circuit, the pump is faulty and must be replaced.

Blocked Drain Pipe

When the problem is not in the hose or pump, the issue may be inside the drainage pipes. Here begins the hard level. In this case, it’s better to contact technicians who have the proper tools and equipment.

But if you still want to try unblocking the pipe yourself, here is what you can do:

• Disconnect the siphon that connects the washer’s drain hose to the sewer pipe;
• Clean the siphons, sometimes it may be clogged with hair, lint or other debris;
• To clean the pipes, use special drain-cleaning chemicals according to their instructions and a plumbing cable.

Lid Switch / Door Lock Malfunction

Sometimes draining issues can be caused by something simple, like a faulty lid switch or door lock. Most washers have a safety switch that detects when the lid or door is properly closed. If this switch is damaged or stuck, the washer won’t drain water.

Try opening and closing the door or lid until you hear a clear click — this means the switch is engaging. You can also check the switch with a multimeter to make sure it’s working. If the switch is faulty, it must be replaced.

Faulty Water Level Sensor

The water level sensor is responsible for regulating and monitoring the water level in the drum. It is usually located at the top of the washing machine next to the drum and is connected to the tub by a thin pressure hose. If the sensor or hose is blocked or damaged, the electronic board will not receive the correct signal about the water level, which can prevent the washer from draining properly.

To check the sensor, inspect the pressure hose for blockages, kinks, or damage. Minor clogs can often be cleared by blowing through the hose. If the sensor is faulty, it’s best to call our technician for reliable washing machine repair in Stockton.

Unbalanced or Overloaded Drum

An unbalanced or overloaded drum can also prevent proper drainage. When the washer is too full or the clothes are unevenly distributed, the drum can’t reach the required spin speed. As a result, the machine tries to start spinning but stops after several attempts.

Open the washer, remove excess laundry, and redistribute the clothes evenly. Overstuffed items should be washed separately so they don’t block water flow.

If balancing the load doesn’t help, it may indicate a deeper mechanical issue. In that case, it’s best to schedule a professional washer repair in Stockton to diagnose the problem safely and quickly.

Software Glitch / Reset Needed

Sometimes the washing machine may experience a minor system error that affects draining. Don’t worry, this is often the easiest issue to fix. A simple restart resets the control board and clears temporary glitches.

Here’s a short guide to reset most washing machines:

• Unplug the washer for 1–5 minutes;
• Plug it back in;
• For top-load models, open and close the lid 6 times within 12 seconds.

Now you know how to safely handle simple issues like a clogged drain hose, a blocked pump filter, an overloaded drum, or how to reset your washer. 

However, in many cases — such as a faulty drain pump, a blocked drain pipe, a malfunctioning door lock, or a damaged water level sensor — it’s best to call a professional.

We service all brands of washing machines, including but not limited to Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool.

If your washer still isn’t draining, contact us today for high-quality same-day washer repair in Stockton.