Why Is the Washing Machine Not Draining? 

A washing machine is one of the most useful appliances in the house. It can help you wash your clothes just by pressing a few buttons.

It can roll, spin, drain, and dry to mention a few functions, but it does not just stop draining without reason. Cleaning of the washing machine and its maintenance is one big part that most of us ignore.

This article talks about the possible reasons why a washing machine may refuse to drain.

There are not very many reasons why your washing machine won’t drain, and half of those reasons are things you can resolve yourself.

Blocked Filter

One of the most common reasons why a washing machine isn’t draining is because of a blocked filter.

A washing machine comes with a filter for the sole purpose of trapping anything from dirt to hair strands in the washing machine.

Because of the nature of this filter, dirt and particles accumulate on it. Failure to clean it at regular intervals can lead to a blockage of your drainage system.

If your filter is the problem, the best way to be sure is to first unplug the washing machine from the socket or power outlet.

The next is to find the filter and pull it out to remove any obstructions that might have gathered on it. Lastly, check to see if the pump impeller is moving freely.

Remember to check and clean your filter regularly to prevent any future incidence.

Drain Pump

If your washing machine is not draining, the reason maybe because of the drain pump.

A drain pump is the component of the washing machine which is responsible for pumping water away from the washing machine through the hose.

In most washing machines, it is usually located at the bottom for easy access, repair, or replacement as the need arises. 

Signs that your drain pump is probably faulty include: 

• No sound at all when the pump is draining water from the washing machine
• A low humming sound when the spin cycle is on without the water showing any sign of draining
• Water in the washing machine is drained, but there’s nothing wrong with the spin cycle.

Hose

A drain hose is usually attached to a drain pump. It is what lets out all the water in the washing machine after the washing is done.

If the hose is twisted or blocked by an errant piece of clothing, draining water from your washing machine will be impossible.

If the hose is clogged, gently remove the hose from the pump and remove what’s clogging it. 

Coin Trap

Some washing machines use coin traps as filters to catch debris and filter out dirt. If the coin trap is clogged with debris, the water from the washing machine either won’t drain at all or properly.

If your washing machine comes with a coin trap, it is possible that’s the reason why it’s not draining.

Clean your washer’s coin trap regularly to avoid the accumulation of dirt on it.

Lid Switch Assembly

If you are using a top loader, you must have noticed that the moment you open the door of your washing machine when it’s working, it stops. This is because of the lid switch assembly.

If your lid switch assembly is faulty, it is possible that the drainage function in your washing machine will not work as it’s supposed to.

The best way to determine if your lid switch is faulty is to use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, it’s time to replace your kid switch assembly.

Door Lock Motor

The door lock motor prevents the washing machine’s door from opening during use. The washer can only begin its usual operation after the washer door has been closed.

If the door is not firmly shut, the door switch will not allow the washer to operate as it’s supposed to. If there is a problem with the door lock, the washer will refuse to spin, start, or drain.

A door lock can either fail electrically or mechanically. To check whether your door lock is faulty, use a multimeter to test for continuity.

If there is no continuity, it’s time to replace the door faulty door lock.

If, after reading this article, you’re still not sure about what’s wrong with your washing machine, it might be time to seek professional help.

If you don’t know what you are doing, you’re likely to cause more damage to your washing machine.