Washer Won’t Drain
If your washing machine isn’t draining properly, several problems could be the cause. A clogged drain line can block water from exiting the machine. A broken drain pump may also prevent proper drainage, leaving water inside the drum. If the door lock is faulty, the machine might not complete the cycle for safety reasons. A very dirty filter can obstruct water flow, while a malfunctioning water pressure switch might not detect water levels correctly, causing the washer to stop or overflow. A technician can fix these issues by cleaning or replacing the necessary components and ensuring everything is functioning smoothly. Learn more about our washer repair services:
Main Issues When Washer Won’t Drain
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Drain Line Is Clogged
A clogged drain line is something I often see with my clients. After inspecting their washing machines, I usually find that a sock or small piece of clothing gets stuck in the drain system, blocking the hose. Everything else might work fine, but the water won’t drain. Sometimes that sock even gets tangled up in the drain pump, causing it to jam. In washing machines from brands like Samsung, LG, Kenmore, and some models from Whirlpool, Bosch, Electrolux, and Maytag, there’s usually a filter that can be unscrewed and cleaned. In most cases, this filter is located at the front of the machine, near the bottom left. We recommend cleaning the filter every 2-3 months, depending on how often you use the machine. To fix this issue, we often need to take apart the washer and check the entire drain system for blockages. You don’t always need to replace the drain pump—if the technician checks it and finds it’s working fine, making no noise, and draining the water properly, just cleaning the system should solve the problem. However, if the pump has been blocked for a while and has been working slowly, it’s probably best to replace it with a new one.
Drain Pump Doesn’t Work
The drain pump is essentially a motor with a propeller at the end, and when it spins, it pumps out the water. Often, the guide or the propeller itself can get loose or deformed, which leads to issues with the drainage system. The control board allows a set amount of time for the water to drain, and if it detects that water is still present after that time, it shuts down the entire process. In modern washing machines, you’ll see an error code on the display, while older machines might not show anything. Replacing the drain pump and cleaning out the drain system typically solves this issue. In all brands of washers, the drain pump often needs replacing—it’s like brake pads on a car. Small objects like coins, pins, or earrings can damage it over time, and eventually, it won’t be able to pump water as efficiently as a new one.
Door Lock Doesn’t Work
In most washing machine models, the drain pump only starts after detecting that the door lock is properly closed. This also applies before the spin cycle—if the door lock isn’t engaged, the pump won’t activate. This is a safety feature since the drum spins at high speeds during the spin cycle, and a child could potentially open the door. A common symptom of this issue is the door lock clicking, as if it’s trying to engage but can’t, and this may repeat several times. You’ll also notice a door lock icon on the display; when the door is securely locked, the icon lights up. If it’s not illuminated, the problem is likely with the door lock. To fix this, the door lock needs to be replaced. However, everything should be thoroughly checked first, as there are cases where the door lock is functioning, but the control board isn’t recognizing it. On average, replacing the door lock takes 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the brand and model of the washing machine. Our technicians carry a variety of common door locks for most brands and models, so in most cases, we can replace it the same day.
The Filter Is Very Dirty
A dirty filter is a common issue. Even if the drain pump is working properly, when too much debris accumulates in the filter, it blocks water from flowing to the pump, or only allows a small amount to pass through. As a result, the pump can’t drain water quickly. In washing machines from brands like Samsung, LG, Kenmore, and some models from Whirlpool, Bosch, Electrolux, and Maytag, there is a filter that can be unscrewed and cleaned. In most cases, the filter is located at the front, near the bottom left. We recommend cleaning the filter every 2-3 months, depending on how frequently the machine is used. Often, cleaning the filter and drain system resolves the issue. However, it’s still important to check the drain pump. If the filter has been clogged for a long time, it can damage the pump, causing it to malfunction. In that case, the pump will need to be replaced.
Water Pressure Switch Doesn’t Work
The water pressure switch controls the amount of water in your washing machine. It fills the machine based on the cycle you select or the load size. It also signals the control board when all the water has been drained. If the water pressure switch fails, even if all the water has been drained, the switch may not detect it, causing the machine to display error codes related to the drain system. The switch is connected to a hose that runs to the bottom of the drum to measure water levels. A common issue is that this hose can become clogged, sending incorrect data to the control board. If the water pressure switch is faulty, it needs to be replaced.
Repair Cost
| Drain system cleaning or drain pump replacing | $220 — $320 |
| Drain pump replacing and drain system cleaning | $235 — $320 |
| Door lock replacing | $220 — $280 |
| Filter cleaning or replacing | $230 — $350 |
| Water pressure switch cleaning or replacing | $180 — $280 |
The cost of repairing a washer depends on factors such as the brand, model, and how complicated the problem is.
Contact Us For Any Washer Repair Service
We’re here to handle all your washer concerns, whether it’s cycle issues or total failures. If you’d rather not call, simply fill out the brief form below to get in touch with us. Book your washer repair appointment with one of our experts today!
Call us today: (863) 594-1784
or fill out the form and we will contact you ourselves.
Teodor Appliance Repair delivers exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we handle a broad spectrum of appliance maintenance. Our technicians are adept at diagnosing and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient location access, check us out on Google Maps using these links: