Why is my washing machine not draining?

How does a washing machine drain water?

There are several washing machine parts involved with draining water from the appliance, including the water pump (or drain pump) and drain pipe. A water pump pulls double duty, helping circulate water as well as draining it when the cycle is complete—although some washers have a separate drain pump to drain the water, depending on the model. The drain pipe carries the dirty water out of the tub.

It’s important for both your water pump and drain pipe to be properly installed and in good working order to help your washer sufficiently drain. If the hose is the wrong length, installed at the wrong height or has kinks in it, you may find yourself facing drainage issues.

You will also want to make sure your washer filter is clean. The filter helps to keep unwanted items like lint or forgotten pocket items out of the pump by straining them from the dirty water. If your filter is clogged with debris, your washer may not be able to drain properly.

Washer filter locations vary by model and not all of them are accessible. Furthermore, many modern models do not even have filters. Check your user manual for information about your specific model.

Troubleshooting a front load washing machine that won’t drain

There are several reasons you may have a front load washing machine that’s not draining. If you’ve already checked your laundry settings for any problems and confirmed the laundry was properly loaded, you can also check the filter and drain pipe.

• Check the washer filter: Before opening your filter, check to make sure the washer is off and check your appliance’s owner’s manual for information on your machine’s specific model and filter location. If you are able to access the filter, open it to let the water out before cleaning it. While some front load washers have a drain tube to help direct water, you may want to have a towel and shallow container ready to catch any overflow. Your owner’s manual may provide specific instructions on how to properly check the filter.

• Check the drain pipe: Look for kinks in the drain pipe that could be interfering with water supply. Also check the height of your drain pipe to see if it meets the requirements that allow it to pump water out of the washer. Check your user manual for more information.

Troubleshooting a top load washing machine that won’t drain

If you have a top load washer that’s not draining, first check the lid to make sure it was shut properly. If the lid is open during a cycle, the machine won’t run. If that doesn’t solve it, you may need to call in a professional for help, depending on the make and model of your washing machine. 

Some newer top load washers don’t require a washer filter, or in some cases, the filter may not be accessible. Additionally, the drain pipe may be tough to access. Check your model-specific owner’s manual for details on your specific washing machine.

How to address a washer that is not draining completely

Start by checking your settings. Sometimes a washer won’t drain if the laundry hasn’t been loaded properly or the machine is set to the incorrect cycle settings. Using a spin cycle that is too slow, excessive laundry detergent or even bulky items can potentially keep your washer from draining completely. 

If your washing machine is not draining water, check the following:

• Cycle selection: Gentler cycles like Delicate or Hand Wash sometimes have slower spin speeds, resulting in additional water retention. Low- or no-spin settings can also result in excessive water in the washing machine. With this in mind, you may need to adjust your washing machine settings depending on the fabric you are washing.  

• Load balance: Washing a single bulky item or unevenly distributing laundry may prompt your machine to lower the spin speed, leading to excess water. It can also cause the machine to shake. If this occurs, you may need to redistribute the load or add more items before selecting the Drain and Spin cycle and restarting the washer. 

• Detergent levels: Too much detergent can interfere with your washer’s ability to properly pump water and spin. Adjust your detergent levels to accommodate your washing machine and load size.

How do you unblock a washing machine drain?

The process of unblocking a washing machine drain can depend on whether you have a top load or front load washer. If you have a front load washer, you can start by checking the washer filter for debris and the drain pipe for kinks. Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. 

If you have a top load washer and want to access the filter, you may need to call in a professional for help, especially if the filter is inaccessible. There’s also a chance your top load washer doesn’t have a filter. Always refer to your owner’s manual.

How do you empty a washing machine full of water?

Emptying a washing machine full of water may be as simple as unclogging the filter or straightening out the drain pipe. You may need to run a Drain and Spin cycle if the water doesn't automatically drain. However, there are a few other options you can take if this solution doesn’t work:

• For a front load washer: Your washer may have a drain tube that you can use to drain water into a tray or bucket after removing the filter cover. If you don’t see a drain tube, have a shallow container ready to capture any overflow.

• For a top load washer: If you have a top load washer, you may need to call in a professional for help. Top load washers don’t typically have an accessible drain hose, which can make it more challenging to drain the water yourself. You can check your model-specific manual for guidance.

When to seek professional help to drain a washing machine?

If you’ve done as much troubleshooting as you are comfortable taking on, you’re unclear as to why your washer won’t drain, or you’re just not sure how to empty a washing machine full of water, you may want to call a professional. Contact the Whirlpool^® Owner’s Center for Whirlpool brand support.

Explore Whirlpool^® Washing Machines

Whirlpool brand offers a variety of washer options to accommodate your laundry needs and space requirements. Explore Whirlpool^® Top Load and Front Load options that are built to fit in tight spaces, handle large loads or even accommodate personalized cycles.