A washing machine that won't drain is a frustrating problem. You open the lid to find your clothes sitting in a tub full of water, the washer stuck mid-cycle, or water slowly draining but never completely emptying. The good news? Most washer drainage problems are caused by a few common issues that you can fix yourself in 30-60 minutes.
The drain pump removes water from the washer tub. Small items like coins, buttons, socks, or lint can clog the pump or its filter, preventing proper drainage.
If the drain pump motor burns out or the impeller breaks, the washer won't drain at all. You may hear humming, grinding noises, or complete silence when the washer should be draining.
The drain hose carries water from the pump to your home's drain. If it's kinked, crushed behind the washer, or clogged with lint and debris, water can't drain properly.
If your home's drain pipe is clogged, water backs up into the washer. This isn't a washer problem - it's a plumbing issue.
Some washers won't drain if the lid switch fails because they think the lid is open.
Some older washers use a belt to drive the drain pump. If the belt breaks or slips off, the pump won't run and the washer won't drain.
We stock Drain Pumps & Pump Motors, Drain Pump Filters & Assemblies, Drain Hoses & Clamps, Lid Switches & Door Locks, and Drain Pump Belts for all major brands.
Need a replacement instead of a repair?
Sometimes the repair cost isn’t worth it. XPart Supply carries Certified Pre-Owned washers and dryers that have been inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested — available for local pickup or in-town delivery in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and Hamilton.
View Certified Pre-Owned AppliancesDIY parts typically cost $30-$80. Drain pump $40-$80, drain hose $15-$25, lid switch $20-$35, pump filter $10-$20. Professional repair costs $150-$300+ including labor.
Yes. Front loaders usually have a drain hose behind the filter access panel - pull it out and drain into a shallow pan. Top loaders can be drained by disconnecting the drain hose and lowering it into a bucket.
Slow drainage is usually caused by a partially clogged pump filter, kinked drain hose, or clogged standpipe. It can also indicate a weak pump that's starting to fail.
Signs of a bad drain pump include: no sound when it should be draining, humming but no water movement, grinding or rattling noises, burning smell, or intermittent drainage problems.
Most modern washers have sensors that prevent filling if drainage failed on the previous cycle. You may see an error code or the washer may refuse to start until the water is drained.
Absolutely - if your washer is less than 10 years old and otherwise working well, replacing the drain pump or clearing a clog is far more cost-effective than buying a new washer ($600-$1,500+).
