How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Drain

The only time you learn that your washing machine won't drain is also the worst time -- in the middle of a load.

A Clogged Drain Line Stops Some Machines

There are three possible locations where a non-draining washer might be hung up. First is the drain line leading away from the machine. In most homes, this is a plumbing pipe, often PVC, that runs vertically behind the machine. The rubbery drain tube from the machine drops down inside the drain line.

If there's water on the floor around the machine or water around the drain pipe, you probably have a clog inside the drain. As water tries to drain from the machine, it will spill over if it can't flow freely through the line. If you can locate the P trap in the drain line behind the washer, that's a likely location for a clog. You might be amazed by what makes its way through a drain hose and pipe. All of those missing socks have to go somewhere. Disconnect the trap and clear the line, and your machine should work like it should. If you can't, a plumber can do it for you.

A Blocked Drain Tube Has the Same Effect

As with a clog in the washing machine drain line, a clog in the drain tube can also prevent the washer from draining properly. Foreign objects such as tiny toys, socks and even a buildup of pet hair can block the hose and stop the water from running through.

You can test the hose by disconnecting it from the back of the washing machine and running water through it at a sink or bathtub, but use caution. If a clog is in the hose, disconnecting it could let water from the machine tub flow out into the laundry room. It's smart to bail out the water from the machine first, just to be safe, and spread out plenty of absorbent towels. If water doesn't flow through when you test the hose at the sink, you've got a blockage that needs to be fished or rinsed out. If it does flow through, the problem is elsewhere.

If you can't resolve the problem on your own, a great technician can get the situation sorted out.

A Broken Pump Needs a Repair Person

So there's no blockage at the drain line or inside the drain tube. Now what? The problem is probably inside the machine, and likely at the water pump. The pump switches on at specific points in the wash cycle. Its job is to force water out of the machine, through the hose and into the drain line.

Water pump replacement is no small job. Depending on the machine, it might require removing the entire machine housing or turning the machine around to gain access through a rear panel. If you're confident that the problem is at the machine, then it's likely the pump. And if it's the pump, you likely need a repair person.

There's another possible reason for a washer that won't drain, and it's a simple one called a suds lock. A suds lock happens when too much foam is produced by the detergent and agitation inside the machine. If it looks like a bubble bath inside, the chances are good that you've got a suds lock. Too much detergent and using traditional detergent in a high-efficiency machine are common causes. Turning off the machine and waiting for the suds to break up should resolve the problem.

Washing machines never stop working at a convenient time. By nature, it always happens in the middle of a load. Fortunately, blocked drains are common enough to be simple fixes for a licensed plumber. In many cases, the situation will be fixed and you'll be ready to continue your wash in short order.

If your water isn't draining from a washing machine or anyplace else, you probably need the good plumbers at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more.