Sometimes, you may observe that the drum is full of water even after completing the wash cycle. This can be a result of an improperly working draining function or a clogged drainpipe.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons contributing to this and how to troubleshoot it. Whether it is a top-load or front-load washer, we will learn how to drain a washing machine.
We will also learn about some tips to follow whenever you encounter such a situation.
Let us dive into the discussion right away.
Why Won’t My Washing Machine Drain Water?
There can be various reasons as to why the washing machine might not be able to drain. The primary ones would be a broken pump or the clogging of water.
A broken belt or lid switch can also contribute to the problem. Other possible triggers could be the clogging in the drain hose due to a piece of cloth or the accumulation of dust or dirt. Whatever might be the reasons, you need to drain the water out before any diagnosis or start troubleshooting the problem.
What Does the Drain Function of the Washing Machine Do?
The drain function of the washing machine is just as the name suggests. The job of the drainage function is to drain the water during the spin cycle of the washer. The pump washer allows the water to come out from the drain hose located at the bottom of the appliance.
The drain hose collects water at the top of the machine and drains it at the bottom. It enables the tub of the washing machine to fill. The water then goes out of the drain when it reaches the bend of the hose.
How to Drain Water Out of My Washing Machine?
This function works differently for the different loads of machines. Be it top load or front load – we have listed the solution for both the washers.
Draining Water out of Top Load Washer
Below are the steps you need to follow for draining the water in the top load washing machine:
Step 1: Turn off the Machine and Disconnect the Power Supply to it.
You will have to disconnect the power supply to the machine. You have to do this by unplugging the washing machine from the power source. Then, to avoid any splashing of the water in the plug, you can tape it to the top of the washer.
Step 2: Check the Water Supply Hose and Drain Hose.
The next step after disconnecting the power supply to the washer is to check the water supply hose and also the drain hose. The drain hose may not be accessible to you. Hence, you have to move the washing machine to locate the drain hose. Generally, most washers have it at their back. You will also notice two water supply hoses here, one is for hot water and the other for cold water. The water supply provides the water required for the washing, and the drain hose drains the water after washing out of the appliance. The drain pipe is usually grey-coloured. Whereas, the hot and cold water supply is red and blue, respectively. We recommend turning off the water supply from both pipes by rotating it in the counter-clockwise direction.
Step 3: Drain all the Water out of the Washer Manually.
The drain hose of the machine might drain the water to a drain pipe in the wall, a utility sink, or a standpipe. When doing it manually, we suggest using a large bucket. After disconnecting the hose from the pipe, put it in the bucket. Before that, hold the pipe in the upward direction. Now, lower it slowly to the ground level so that the water can flow out easily. After the bucket gets filled to half, remove the hose and hold it upwards again. Empty the water in the bucket and then refill it again by repeating the same process. You will have to do it until all water in the tub is drained and empty.
Step 4: Remove the Clog in the Drain Hose.
Sometimes, when you lower the hose to the ground level to allow the water to flow out easily, you may notice that no or little water comes out of it. It can be majorly due to a blockage in the drain hose that is hindering the flow. All you can do is to use a plumber snake to release it. Allow the coil inside the hose until you can feel the blocking. Simultaneously, keep turning the handles manually turn the handles till you get through the blockage. Beware that the water starts to flow once you get rid of the clogging.
Step 5: Get rid of the Pump Clog.
If your drain hose seems to work fine, the problem might be in the drain pipe. Inspect the drain pipe to clear the blockage. Before that, you need to locate where the pipe is. While some washing machines have it in the front or back, others may have it at the bottom. You can refer to the user manual to locate it. Once you have found the pump, you need to undo the spring clamps of the appliance with the help of the pliers. The formation of clogs can be because of lint or hair. Use needle-nosed pliers to remove the clog and then put the hoses back in their places.
Draining Water out of Front-load Washer
Below is the step-by-step process you need to follow for draining the water in the front load washing machine:
Step 1: Turn off the Machine and Disconnect the Power Supply to it.
You will have to disconnect the power supply to the machine. You have to do this by unplugging the washing machine from the power source. Then, to avoid any splashing of the water in the plug, you can tape it to the top of the washer.
Step 2: Locate the Drain Tube or Drain Pump Filter.
You can find two types of drainage systems in the front load machines. You will either locate a drain hose or drain pump, or you can find one drain pump filter. Usually, you will find this filter on the bottom of the front of any machine behind the access panel. According to the type of your machine, you need to unclip, unscrew or flip the access panel if you want to access the drain tube or drain pump filter.
Step 3: Empty the Water from the Tub Manually.
You can drain the water manually in two ways, depending on the drain pipe.
If the washer has a drain pump filter, you need to place a towel or a container just against the washing machine to collect all the water. Now, start removing the filter by turning the drain pump knob in counter-clockwise direction. The water will start flowing. Gradually, you can remove the filter. If the container fills before the water gets drained out, empty it and place the container repeatedly till the tub is empty.
Let us say your washer has both a drain tube and a filter. All you have to do is place a towel, as well as a low container underneath the drain hose. Then, you need to open the cap of the drain by simply unclipping the drain hose. It will release the water. After the water drains out, close the drain cap. Now, clip the hose back in its place.
Step 4: Clean the Filter Properly with your Hands.
After you have drained the machine, you need to clean the accumulation of any material on the filter with your hands. Then, you can gently clean it with the help of a soft brush and warm water. After cleaning, if you notice that the filters are still not working, you might need to replace them and even the access panel.
Step 5: Seek the Help of a Professional, if Required.
After trying everything, if you still cannot figure what the problem is and why your machine is not draining water properly, this is what you should do. It is advisable to seek professional help and get it sorted at the earliest.
What are the Tips to Follow When your Washing Machine Does Not Drain?
Sometimes, the problems we just mentioned above are not the actual issues for your washing machine not draining water. Below are some essential tips and hacks to follow when the washer won’t drain. Make sure you follow them diligently to get the best results:
Tip 1: Master Reset
You may have to reset the machine by unplugging it from the power socket and plugging it back in. Then, check for the proper closure of the washing machine lid by opening and closing it multiple times. Then, reset all the settings on your washer everything. This simple procedure might help in solving your issue.
Tip 2: Inspect and Ensure that all the Doors of the Washing Machine are Closed.
In several machines, the water gets drained only if you close all the lids and doors. Inspect the lid switch and ensure there is no problem with it. If there is a problem, you might have to replace it.
Tip 3: The Water Level Might be Faulty.
This might be one of the reasons for the machine to not drain. You need to inspect the water level valve for this issue. If you notice corrosion on the valve, you will have to replace it immediately.
Final Word:
I hope that this article answered all the questions regarding water drainage issues. You can always use this guide as a reference to troubleshoot the water draining problem in your washing machine. Please share this information with your friends, as well.
Write to us in the comments section below if you have any questions on washing machine water drainage issues or need more info on the same. We will try our best to answer all your queries at the earliest with relevant info.
Please feel free to share your feedback with us by letting us know about your inputs in the comments below. Do not hesitate to write to us if we missed out on any points. We welcome your suggestions and would love to hear more from you.
Stay healthy and stay safe!!!
