Washing Machine Not Draining? How to Fix It
Short answerA washing machine that won't drain usually has a kinked or clogged drain hose, a clogged pump filter, a blocked drainpipe, too many suds, or a lid that is not latched. Unplug it, straighten the hose, and clean the pump filter if your model has one. If the tub stays full and hums, schedule service.
Safety first
- Unplug the washer before you touch the filter or the hose. If the outlet is wet, turn off the breaker first.
- Expect water. Drain it into a pan or bucket and have towels ready, and dry the floor within 24 to 48 hours.
- If the water is hot from the last cycle, let it cool before opening the filter.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Normal pause or skipped pump-out | It sits quietly for a few minutes, or someone moved the dial during a pause. | Wait. Pauses of up to 3 minutes are normal, so do not advance the dial. |
| Lid, load or cycle | The lid or door is not latched, the load is uneven or too big, or you used a gentle cycle. | Close it firmly, rearrange the load, and use a faster spin for what the care label allows. |
| Kinked or clogged drain hose | The hose behind the washer is pinched, or water backs up. | Straighten it and clear the clog. |
| Clogged pump filter | Common on front-load models. Coins, lint or small items are in the filter. | Clean the filter. |
| Blocked house drain or wrong drain height | The standpipe overflows, or it does not take a quart of water poured in. | Call a plumber. Keep the standpipe within the limits for your machine. |
| Too much detergent | Lots of suds in the tub. | Use less detergent, and the right type for your washer. |
| Failed pump | The tub stays full and you only hear a hum. | Schedule service. |
What you need
- Towels and a shallow pan
- Bucket
- Flashlight
- Pliers
- Screwdriver, for filter covers on some models
How to fix it
- Give it a few minutes. Wait through any pause. Do not move the dial. Check that the lid or door is fully closed, and even out the load.
- Unplug it and check the hose. Unplug the washer and pull it out with care. Look for a kink or a crushed spot in the drain hose and straighten it. Lower the hose end into a bucket to see if water flows out.
- Test the drainpipe. Take the hose out of the standpipe and pour a quart of water into the pipe. If it does not drain, the clog is in the house plumbing, so call a plumber.
- Check the drain height. Whirlpool lists a standpipe height between 30 and 96 inches. GE lists a maximum of 8 feet from the floor for full-size washers. Check your own manual, and keep the hose in a U-shape, secured as the instructions show.
- Clean the pump filter. If your washer has a front access door, set a pan and towels below it. Open the filter slowly, let the water drain out, remove the debris, then close it firmly.
- Test. Plug it back in and run a drain and spin cycle. Check under the washer and at the filter for leaks. Use less detergent next time if you saw heavy suds.
When to call a professional
- The tub stays full and you only hear a hum, which suggests a failed pump.
- The drain test shows the standpipe is blocked. Call a plumber for that.
- You feel a tingle when you touch the washer. Stop using it, and call an electrician.
What it costs to have fixed
Appliance Repair is estimated at $90 to $460 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not draining or spinning?
The washer will not spin until the water is out. Check the lid and the load first, then the hose, the drainpipe and the pump filter. Too many suds can also stop pumping.
How do I get water out of a washer that won't drain?
Unplug it, lower the end of the drain hose into a bucket on the floor, and raise the hose again to stop the flow before the bucket fills. A full tub takes several buckets. On front-load models you can also drain it through the pump filter, slowly, into a pan.
How high should a washer drain pipe be?
Whirlpool's guide gives 30 inches minimum and 96 inches maximum. GE lists 8 feet maximum from the floor for full-size washers and 5 feet for compact or portable models.
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- Whirlpool: Washer Not Draining or Spinning Troubleshooting Guide — Lid or door latch, load balance, low-spin cycles, too much detergent, the hose, standpipe height of 30 to 96 inches, and the pump filter
- GE Appliances: Front Load Washer Will Not Drain or Drains Slowly — Pauses of up to 3 minutes being normal, not advancing the dial, the 1 quart standpipe test, cleaning the pump filter, and humming meaning service
- CDC: About Mold — Drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours
- NFPA: Electrical Safety Checklist — A tingle when touching an appliance means call a qualified electrician
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.