A washer that will not drain is usually clogged. Check the drain hose for kinks, clean the pump filter on a front-loader, and make sure nothing small is stuck in the drain. If the pump hums but no water moves, or the washer shows a drain code, the drain pump may need repair.
First, Get the Water Out Safely
6 Common Causes
1. A kinked or crushed drain hose
When a washer is pushed back against the wall, the drain hose can bend or get pinched. Pull the washer out a few inches and straighten the hose.
2. A clogged pump filter
Most front-load washers have a pump filter that catches coins, hair ties, buttons, and lint. When it fills up, the washer drains slowly or not at all.
3. Something stuck in the pump
Small socks and bra wires can slip past the drum and jam the drain pump. You may hear a hum or a grinding sound when it tries to drain.
4. A clogged house drain
If water backs up out of the standpipe behind the washer, or your laundry sink drains slowly, the clog may be in the house drain, not the washer. That is a job for a plumber.
5. Too many suds
Using regular soap in a high-efficiency washer makes too many suds. The washer may stop draining to protect itself. Use HE detergent, and use less of it.
6. A failed part
On many top-loaders, a worn lid switch stops the washer from draining and spinning. A worn drain pump or a control problem can also be the cause.
What Drain Error Codes Mean
Many washers show a code when they cannot drain. Here are a few common ones. Codes can differ by model, so check your manual too.
| Brand | Code | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | F9 E1 | Long drain. Water is draining too slowly. |
| Samsung | 5C or 5E | The washer cannot drain. |
| LG | OE | Drain error. Water is not draining out. |
How to Clean a Front-Loader Pump Filter
- Unplug the washer and put a pan and towels under the small door at the bottom front.
- Open the door and pull out the short drain tube, if your washer has one. Let the water drain into the pan.
- Slowly turn the filter cap to the left. More water will come out, so go slowly.
- Pull out the filter and remove lint, coins, and anything else caught in it.
- Rinse the filter, screw it back in tightly, and close the door.
Top-Load vs. Front-Load: Where Clogs Happen
Front-load washers usually have a pump filter you can reach from the front. That makes small clogs easy to clear yourself. They also have a rubber door gasket where hair and lint can collect.
Many top-load washers do not have a filter you can reach. Clogs often happen in the pump or the drain hose, and a worn lid switch is a common reason they stop draining. That usually means a technician needs to take a look.
How to Prevent Drain Problems
- Check pockets for coins, keys, tissues, and hair ties before every wash.
- Wash socks, baby clothes, and other small items in a mesh bag.
- Use HE detergent in HE washers, and measure it.
- Clean the front-loader pump filter every few months.
- Do not overload the drum. Clothes need room to move and drain.
- Leave a few inches behind the washer so the hose does not get crushed.
If your washer drains but leaves clothes very wet, the spin may be weak. Wet clothes also make your dryer work much harder. See our guide on a dryer that takes too long.
When to Call for Repair
Call a technician if the washer still will not drain after these checks, if the pump hums or grinds, or if the washer is leaking. We handle washer repair for top-load and front-load models, plus stacked laundry units.
We repair washers from all major brands, including LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Speed Queen. Our technicians come to homes in East Brunswick and nearby towns like New Brunswick, Sayreville, Edison, Piscataway, Highland Park, and Cranbury. See all service areas or how to reach us. For more tips, browse all our appliance repair guides.