Washing Machine Won't Drain Water: 8 Causes and Complete Fix Guide
Is your washing machine refusing to drain the water after a cycle? This is a common problem that can cause your laundry to stay wet and create standing water in the tub. The good news is that most drainage issues can be fixed at home without calling a technician.
In this guide, we'll show you the 8 most common reasons why your washing machine won't drain and provide detailed step-by-step solutions for each one. Many of these fixes take less than 30 minutes and cost under $20.
📋 Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Safety Check Before You Start
Always unplug your washing machine before attempting any repairs. If there's standing water in the tub, you may need to drain it manually using the emergency drain valve (usually located at the bottom front of the machine).
1. Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
What It Is:
The drain hose is a rubber or plastic tube that carries water out of the machine to your home's plumbing system. If the hose is bent, kinked, or blocked by lint and debris, water can't flow out properly.
Signs of a Problem Drain Hose:
- Water drains very slowly or not at all
- Visible kink or bend in the hose
- Water backing up into the machine
- Unpleasant smell coming from the drain area
- Gurgling sounds during the drain cycle
How to Fix It:
- Unplug the machine and locate the drain hose at the back
- Disconnect the hose from both the machine connection and the standpipe (the wall pipe where water drains)
- Straighten any kinks or bends in the hose carefully—don't crack it
- Hold the hose up to a light and look through it to see if there's a blockage
- If blocked, use a plumbing snake or straightened wire coat hanger to push the clog out
- For stubborn clogs, disconnect the hose and run hot water through it to flush out lint
- Reconnect the hose securely (use hose clamps if needed) and plug in the machine
✓ Pro Tip: Make sure the drain hose outlet is positioned at a height no higher than 60 inches (about 1.5 meters) from the ground. If it's too high, gravity won't help water drain properly.
Related Article: If your machine is leaking water, it could be a problem with the drain hose connection.
2. Drain Pump Blockage or Failure
What It Is:
The drain pump is a motorized component that actively pumps water out of the machine. Lint, coins, buttons, and other debris can clog the pump, or the pump motor can fail completely.
Signs of a Failing Drain Pump:
- Humming sound when the drain cycle starts, but water doesn't drain
- Burning smell coming from the pump area
- No sound at all when the drain cycle runs
- Leaking water around the pump area
How to Fix It:
- Check the drain filter first (see section 3 below) as this often solves the problem
- Access the pump (location varies—check your manual for specific instructions)
- Remove any visible debris from the pump inlet
- Use a small flashlight to look inside for coins, bobby pins, or other objects
- If the pump is clogged but still works, manual cleaning may solve the issue
- If the pump makes a grinding noise or doesn't work after cleaning, the motor has failed and needs replacement (typically $150-$300)
⚠️ Warning: If you're not mechanically inclined, pump replacement is best left to professionals. The pump is deep inside the machine and requires disassembly of multiple components.
3. Clogged Drain Filter
What It Is:
Many modern washing machines have a drain filter (or pump filter) that catches lint, hair, buttons, and coins before they reach the pump. When this filter clogs, water can't drain.
Signs of a Clogged Filter:
- Water won't drain from the tub
- Drain cycle runs but produces no results
- Lint and hair visible in standing water
- Foul odor from inside the machine
How to Fix It (Most Common Fix!):
- Locate the drain filter—usually at the bottom front of the machine behind a removable panel
- Place towels on the floor first—there may be standing water
- Open the access panel by unscrewing or unlatching it (check your manual for exact method)
- Slowly turn the filter cap counterclockwise to release it
- Remove the filter and pull out all visible lint, hair, coins, and debris
- Rinse the filter under hot running water to clear any remaining buildup
- Reinstall the filter by screwing it back in clockwise until snug (don't over-tighten)
- Close the access panel and try running the drain cycle again
✓ This is the #1 cause of washing machine drainage problems! Most machines that won't drain just need a filter cleaning. This 5-minute fix costs nothing and solves the problem 70% of the time.
Affected Brands: Samsung, LG, Bosch, Siemens, AEG, Miele, Electrolux
Fix Time: 5-10 minutes
Cost: Free (if only cleaning needed)
4. Broken Pump Belt
What It Is:
The pump belt (or drive belt) connects the motor to the drain pump. If this belt breaks, tears, or slips, the pump won't turn and water won't drain.
Signs of a Broken Pump Belt:
- No sound or humming during the drain cycle
- Burning rubber smell
- Machine works for wash cycle but won't drain
- Visible fraying or cracks on the belt (if you can see it)
How to Fix It:
- Unplug the machine and locate the pump belt (usually behind the tub or accessible from the front)
- Check if the belt is visibly damaged, frayed, or broken
- If the belt is just loose, you may be able to tighten it by adjusting the motor mounting bolts
- If the belt is broken, it needs replacement (usually $30-$80 for the part)
- Belt replacement requires removing panels and accessing the motor area—this is moderately difficult DIY or easy for a technician
Related Article: If your machine is making unusual noises, it could also be a belt issue.