Washing Machine Won't Drain
beginner⏱ 30 min
A washing machine that won't drain is usually caused by a clogged pump filter or kinked drain hose.
Step 1: Unplug the machine
Safety first — unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet before doing anything else.
Step 2: Locate the pump filter
On most front-loaders, the filter is behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine. On top-loaders, it may be inside the drum near the agitator.
Step 3: Clear the filter
Place a towel and a shallow pan under the filter cap. Slowly unscrew the cap — water will flow out. Remove any debris (coins, lint, small garments) from the filter.
Pro Tips
- Check the drain hose for kinks before opening the machine
- Run a short spin cycle after clearing the filter to confirm drainage
Safety
- Always unplug before servicing
- If the motor is making grinding noises, stop and call a technician