It can be frustrating when you finish a load of laundry only to open the washing machine and find standing water that has failed to properly drain out. However, in most cases, draining issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting and minor repairs.
Checking the Drain Hose
The first thing to check is whether there is a clog or kink in the drain hose. The drain hose transports water from the washing machine tub to your home’s drainage system. Over time, build up from lint and debris can obstruct the hose. Also, if the hose becomes kinked or bent, this can prevent proper water flow.
Inspect along the entire length of the drain hose and straighten out any kinks. Also, disconnect the hose from the machine as well as from the drainage system to check for clogs. Try blowing through the hose to dislodge any debris. If there are no visible clogs, reconnect the drain hose, ensuring the connections are tight.
Examining the Drain Pump Filter
Washing machines have a filter along the drain pump to collect small objects like coins, buttons, and dirt that mistakenly get loaded in with the laundry. If this filter becomes clogged, it can cause drainage failure.
To access this filter, begin by removing any access panels on the front of the machine near the bottom. Locate the drain pump and filter housing. It will likely appear as a small door that you can unlatch. Inside you should find the filter which may need to be unscrewed. Thoroughly clean out any debris before reinstalling the filter and access panels.
Testing the Drain Pump Motor
The drain pump uses an electric motor to activate and pump water through the drain system. If this motor fails, this can result in drainage issues. Begin troubleshooting by ensuring the pump is getting power. Use a multimeter to test for electric current. If powered, check for any objects obstructing the pump impeller blades that macerate larger debris.
You can also test the pump motor by pouring a couple liters of water directly into the tub while the power is disconnected. Reconnect power and without agitating, manually activate the drain cycle. If the water fails to pump out, the drain pump likely needs replaced. Moters lose torque over time and are considered wear parts. New pumps are readily available either online or from appliance part retailers.
Adjusting the Drain Cycle
Some washing machines with computerized controls have options you can select to extend the drain and spin cycle. If your model has this setting, try increasing the drain time which will run the drain pump longer to empty all water.
Also, verify any automatic load balancing features are enabled if available. Load balancing uses sensors to detect heavy laundry loads. When activated, it will increase the drain cycle automatically to compensate. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific details on your washing machine model.
Ensuring Proper Installation
Another cause of poor drainage occurs when washing machines are improperly installed. Washing machines require a dedicated laundry drain line separate from other household plumbing fixtures. Also this drain line should slope downward to efficiently evacuate water by gravity.
Use a level to verify your machine is appropriately leveled side-to-side and front-to-back. The rear legs are usually adjustable to achieve a proper slope. Improper leveling or drain lines can impede drainage resulting in standing water left after the final spin.
I hope this overview gives you a helpful starting point in troubleshooting why your washing machine fails to adequately drain. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
References
Appliance Technician Network. “Top 6 Reasons Why Your Washing Machine Is Not Draining.” ATN, 31 Aug 2022, https://www.appliancetechnician.network/2022/08/top-6-reasons-why-your-washing-machine.html.
Casico, Michael. “How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain.” The Spruce, 8 Nov 2022, https://www.thespruce.com/washing-machine-that-wont-drain-4166251.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.