Fixing a Washing Machine That Won't Drain

mediumHome Repair1-2 hours9 steps

Safety Warnings

Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet before beginning any repairs to avoid electric shock.
Be prepared for a large volume of water to spill when opening the drain or removing the drum; have towels and buckets ready.

Screwdriver — Phillips #2

Wrench — 1/2-inch

Towels — Absorbent cotton(3-5)

Shallow Basin/Bucket — Plastic(1)

Disconnect the machine from its power source and turn off the water supply valves.

Tip: Ensure the machine is completely powered down before accessing internal components.

Place towels and a shallow basin on the floor beneath the drain area to catch escaping water.

Tip: Water may gush out quickly once a seal is broken.

Locate and open the drain pump filter access door (usually located at the bottom front of the machine).

Tip: Check your owner's manual for the exact location of the filter door.

Slowly unscrew the drain pump filter and remove any debris, lint, or foreign objects blocking the flow.

Tip: Coins or hairpins often lodge here and prevent the pump from draining.

Inspect the flexible bellows assembly and the gap between the inner and outer drums for trapped clothing items.

Tip: Small items like socks can slip through the bellows and plug the drain.

If a blockage is found between the drums, disassemble the front of the washer to pull out the inner wash drum and retrieve the item.

Tip: This is a more intensive process required only if the pump filter is clear but the machine still won't drain.

Reassemble the inner drum and front panel securely.

Tip: Ensure all screws are tightened to prevent vibrations during the spin cycle.

Replace the drain pump filter and close the access door securely.

Tip: Make sure the filter is threaded correctly to avoid leaks.

Plug the machine back in and run a short rinse/spin cycle to verify the water drains correctly.

Tip: Watch the drain hose during the first cycle for any signs of leakage.

Prevent future clogs by using a mesh laundry bag for small items like socks.
Avoid extreme overloading, as this can push fabrics into the gap between the inner and outer drums, causing blockages.

Synthesized from 4 verified sources:

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)View →

Gutenberg: Simple Plumbing Repairs (FB 1460)View →

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)View →

USDA Farmers' Bulletin (Gutenberg)View →