What to do when the washing machine won't drain
Over time, household appliances wear out. This also applies to washing machines, where minor or more serious problems begin to appear. One of the failures is particularly unpleasant. It is about the inability of the washing machine to drain water.
In this case, the appliance remains full of water and the clothes will remain wet, even after the end of the cycle. There are several reasons that contribute to the occurrence of this problem.
Most often, the inability of the washing machine to drain water is due to a foreign object getting stuck in the drain pump (pennies, hairpins, bleach wipes, etc.). The problem may also be caused by a clogged filter. In this case, you should carefully inspect the inside of the washing machine. Check the filter, which is important in capturing contaminants and small objects.
Try to eliminate the cause of the blockage yourself, if there is one. It is not uncommon for colored cloths to get inside the washing machine. Their accumulation leads to a blockage, which in turn prevents the water from draining from the appliance. The cause of the problem is quite trivial and may be due to a clogged drain if the washing machine is connected to a siphon under the sink.
A common cause is the kinking or blockage of the drain hose. It is through it that the water is drained from the washing machine. A blocked drain pump is also among the main “culprits” for the problem of pumping water. Over time, small objects get inside it. Gradually, the drain pump becomes clogged with stuck socks or coins, which interfere with its normal operation.
Among the possible reasons for the washing machine filling with water without it working is also indicated the incorrect closing of the electric valve. The valve is controlled by the relevant program of the appliance, but when it becomes dirty or worn out, it remains slightly open. In this case, the washing machine fills with water even when the appliance is NOT working. We recommend that you close the central water supply of the apartment when you are going to be away for more than 2 days.
To be sure what the cause is, first check the selected program. Most washing machines have options that allow you to select a spin cycle or to only drain. If you can hear the pump running, the problem is a blockage, but if you hear a slight humming or unusual noise in the pump, the problem is in the pump (it needs to be replaced). When cleaning the filter box, if objects have blocked the pump before, it will not work with the same noise as before, and it is even possible to give deviations in the flow rate or even not work at high degrees of the program.
To check the condition of the filter or pump, you need to disconnect the washing machine from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. The filter is located at the bottom of the appliance (on the left or right – sometimes there is a decorative plastic on the front and it is not visible). You can remove the cover and unscrew the cap counterclockwise. Remove any accumulated fibers or small objects. Clean it thoroughly and rinse its interior.
The pump of the appliance is also among the possible reasons for the inability to drain the water. Remove the accumulated deposits inside. Check if the impeller or wheel is blocked by small objects, such as coins, buttons, fibers, etc.
To make sure it is working properly, turn it. If it moves freely, then the problem is not in the wheel. When you are sure that you have cleaned the inside of the pump well, but the washing machine still does not drain water, the malfunction of the appliance may be due to another problem (clogging). In this case, you should contact a service center to replace and completely repair the washing machine.
