Washer Not Draining? 6 Checks to Do Before You Call

If your washer won't drain, clean the drain pump filter (on most front loaders behind a small panel at the bottom front), make sure the drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe, and use only HE detergent. If the pump hums or is silent and water stays in the drum, the drain pump or the lid/door lock that allows draining has usually failed.

6 checks you can do safely

1. Cancel and drain. Select Drain & Spin. If nothing happens, unplug the washer before working on it.
2. Clean the pump filter. Front loaders: put towels and a shallow pan down, open the bottom-front panel and slowly unscrew the filter. Coins, hair ties and lint are common.
3. Check the drain hose. Behind the washer, the hose shouldn't be kinked or crushed.
4. Check the standpipe. The hose should go only a few inches into the standpipe; a clogged house drain backs up into the washer.
5. Reduce suds. Too much or non-HE detergent creates foam that stops draining. Run a rinse with no detergent.
6. Rebalance the load. A heavy, lopsided load can stop the spin and leave clothes soaked.

When to call a technician

• The pump hums but no water moves, or there's no drain sound.
• A drain code returns (LG OE, Samsung 5C, Whirlpool F9E1).
• Water comes back up the standpipe — that's a house drain problem for a plumber.

Stay safe

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) before touching anything inside it, and never open a sealed refrigeration system, a gas valve or a microwave. If a code points to a part, the part has to be tested before it is replaced; we do that on the $75 diagnostic visit, credited toward the repair.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a washer drain pump cost to replace?

Typically $200–$350 in Las Vegas, parts and labor.

Can I leave clothes in a washer that won't drain?

Remove them soon to avoid odor and mold; drain the water through the pump filter first.

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