Washer won't drain? The common causes and what to check
Water sitting in the drum after a cycle is one of the most common washer problems. Before you book a repair, these checks can often find the cause.
Check the drain pump filter (front-load washers)
Most front-loaders have a small filter behind a panel at the bottom front of the machine. It catches coins, hair ties and lint. Put down towels and a shallow tray first, because water will come out when you open it. Clean the filter and screw it back in firmly.
Check the drain hose
Pull the machine out carefully and look for kinks or crushed sections in the hose behind it. Also check that the hose isn't pushed too far down into the standpipe, which can cause siphoning problems.
Too much detergent
High-efficiency washers need HE detergent in small amounts. Too many suds can stop the machine from draining and spinning properly. Run a rinse cycle with no detergent and see if it clears.
Door lock or lid switch
If the washer doesn't detect a closed door or lid, it may stop before the drain and spin. Look for an error code on the display and check your manual for what it means.
The drain pump itself
If the filter and hose are clear and you hear a humming noise but no water moves, the pump may be blocked internally or failing. This is a repair job.
If water is leaking onto the floor, you smell burning, or the machine trips your breaker, unplug it and don't run it again until it's been checked.