Washing Machine Won't Drain
Standing water at the end of a cycle is almost always a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a small sock-sized item stuck in the pump. The fix is usually 30 minutes and zero parts.
Tools
- ✓
- ✓
- ✓
- ✓
Materials
- +Only needed if testing shows the pump motor is bad. $50–$120, generally DIY-replaceable.
Steps
-
1
Bail out standing water
Open the door (front loaders may need to wait for the door lock to release) or top. Using a small container, bail water out into a bucket until the tub is empty enough to safely open the pump filter.
-
2
Find the pump filter (front loaders)
A small access panel at the bottom front of the washer hides the pump filter. Pop it open. The filter has a small drain hose alongside — empty that into the pan first.
-
3
Unscrew and clean the filter
Twist the filter counterclockwise — water will pour out (have your pan ready). Pull it fully out. You'll likely find lint, hair, coins, and small items. Rinse under the tap and reinstall snugly.
-
4
Check the drain hose for kinks
Pull the washer out. Look at the drain hose at the back — it should rise up before entering the drain standpipe, not be pinched against the wall or have a tight bend.
-
5
Snake the standpipe if hose is clear
If the hose is clear but water still backs up, the home drain standpipe behind the washer may be clogged. Disconnect the washer hose, snake the standpipe with a drain auger.
-
6
Test by running a drain/spin cycle
Reconnect everything, plug in, and run a drain/spin only cycle (if your washer has one) or a quick rinse. Listen for the pump motor — a steady humming sound means the pump is trying to drain. Silence = pump may be dead.
-
7
Top loaders are similar but accessed differently
Top loaders rarely have a user-accessible pump filter. The pump is usually under the washer — accessed by tipping the unit and removing the bottom panel. The drain hose check and standpipe snake apply identically.
-
8
When to replace the pump
If the filter is clean, the hose is straight, and the pump just hums or makes no sound, the impeller may be broken or the motor seized. Pump replacement is a 1–2 hour DIY for most brands ($50–$120 part).