WASHER TROUBLESHOOTING

Washing machine not draining? Start with these safe checks.

A washer that will not drain often has a simple blockage or hose issue. Do not force the door open or keep restarting the cycle while water remains in the drum.

1. Check the drain hose

Look behind the machine for a crushed, sharply bent, or loose hose. The hose should not be pushed so far into the standpipe that it creates an airtight seal. Correcting its position can restore normal draining.

2. Clean the drain-pump filter

Many front-load washers have a small access panel near the lower front. Water may come out when the filter is opened, so use towels and a shallow container. Remove lint and small objects only if the manual identifies the filter location and procedure for your model.

3. Check the load and restart once

A heavily unbalanced load can pause the spin and drain sequence. Spread the items evenly, remove a bulky item if needed, and try one drain-and-spin cycle. Repeated resets are not a fix.

4. When it is time to call a pro

Get professional help if the pump hums without moving water, the machine makes grinding noises, water leaks from underneath, or the filter and hose are clear but the problem returns. Those signs can point to a worn pump, internal blockage, or control issue.