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True Trade Path

Diagnostic guide

Washer Won't Drain

A washing machine full of water that will not drain — check these causes before paying for a repair visit.

System
Plumbing
Causes covered
7
You can check
4 without a technician

Stop and read this first

  • Unplug the washer before accessing the drain pump filter — water and electricity do not mix.
  • A washer full of water is heavy — do not tilt it without help.
  • If water overflows the standpipe, shut off the washer and address the drain clog before running another cycle.

Work through these in order

Ordered from most to least likely. Working top down means you rule out the cheap, common causes before paying anyone to look at the expensive, rare ones.

  1. Clogged drain pump filter

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Front-load washer has a small access panel near the bottom front. Filter is clogged with coins, lint, or debris.
    The fix
    Open the filter access, place a shallow pan underneath, and unscrew the filter. Clean and reinstall. Run a drain cycle.

  2. Kinked or clogged drain hose

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Hose behind the washer is pinched against the wall or has a sharp bend.
    The fix
    Pull the washer out slightly and straighten the hose. Ensure the hose end is inserted no more than 6 inches into the standpipe.

  3. Clogged standpipe or drain

    CommonYou can check
    How to check
    Water backs up into the standpipe when the washer drains. Other nearby drains are slow.
    The fix
    Snake the standpipe ($50 to $150). If multiple fixtures are slow, the main line may need clearing ($200 to $800).

  4. Failed drain pump

    PossibleNeeds a pro
    How to check
    You hear the pump attempt to run but water does not leave. Filter is clean and hose is clear.
    The fix
    A technician replaces the drain pump ($200 to $400). On units over 8 years, compare repair cost against replacement.

  5. Lid switch failure (top-load)

    PossibleNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Top-load washer will not spin or drain. Lid switch does not click when the lid closes.
    The fix
    A technician replaces the lid switch ($150 to $250).

  6. Control board not advancing to drain cycle

    PossibleNeeds a pro
    How to check
    Washer completes wash but never enters drain/spin. Display shows an error code.
    The fix
    Check the manual for error codes. Control board replacement runs $250 to $500 — compare against a new washer.

  7. Siphon from improper standpipe height

    UncommonYou can check
    How to check
    Washer drains but refills partially. Drain hose is pushed too far into the standpipe.
    The fix
    Raise the drain hose so the end is 18 to 30 inches above the floor. Do not seal the hose into the standpipe.

Once you know what it is

Step one

Know what it should cost

Get the range before you call, so the first number you hear is not the only number you have.

Step two

Decide repair or replace

On equipment near end of life, the repair is usually the first of several.

Step three

Check the quote

Compare against the typical range and confirm the terms before you sign.

Sewer Line Repair & Replacement cost guideRepair or replace calculatorEstimate repair costAnalyze a quote

What the fix costs

Tools for this decision

Other symptoms