How to Fix a Washing Machine Not Draining

Overview

A washing machine that won't drain leaves water in the drum. This guide covers diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Before you do anything else, for your safety, immediately switch off and unplug your washing machine from the mains electricity supply. Confirm the machine is completely off and there's no power reaching it, as you'll be working with water and internal components.
2. Locate the drain pump filter, which is typically found behind a small access panel at the very bottom front of your washing machine. Gently open this panel, usually by pressing a catch or pulling a tab, to reveal the filter cap.
3. Place a shallow basin or several old towels directly underneath the filter access point on the floor to catch any water that will inevitably drain out. Ensure you have enough absorbent material to deal with potentially several litres of residual water from the drum.
4. Carefully unscrew the filter cap anti-clockwise, allowing the water to drain into your prepared towels or basin. Once the water flow stops, fully remove the filter and meticulously clear away any trapped debris such as coins, lint, or hair, checking that the filter is completely clean before moving on.
5. Pull the washing machine slightly away from the wall to access the back and locate the large corrugated drain hose, which typically runs from the machine to your household drain pipe. Visually inspect the entire length of this hose for any obvious kinks, bends, or blockages, and straighten it out completely if necessary.
6. With the drain filter removed, look inside the opening where it screws in to access the drain pump impeller – this is usually a small propeller-like component. Carefully reach in with your fingers (wearing gloves if preferred) to check for and remove any further debris that might be obstructing the impeller's movement, ensuring it can spin freely.
7. Once you've cleared all blockages, screw the drain filter cap back on tightly, making sure it's secure to prevent leaks, and close the access panel. Push the washing machine back into its original position, plug it back into the mains, and run a short drain or rinse cycle to check if the issue is resolved.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostic Resolutions

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions