Home appliances troubleshooting

Washing machine is not draining

A blocked filter or hose, a jammed pump, an installation problem, or incorrect cycle behavior can leave water in a washing machine after the cycle ends.

Updated Jul 17, 20265 minute guideWashing machine
Guided check

Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.

0/3 checked

1. What best matches what you observe?

2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.

Stop before internal pump testingPump, wiring, and control-board checks require qualified service.Professional
3 user-level checks are available in this guide.Stop immediately if any warning condition applies.
Show stop conditions
  • Water reaches electrical parts
  • The pump smells burned or becomes unusually hot
  • Internal disassembly or live electrical testing is required

Likely causes

  • The drain hose is kinked, blocked, or installed too deeply
  • The user-accessible pump filter is blocked
  • The drain pump is jammed or has failed
  • The washer still detects water because of a level-sensing problem

Quick checks, in order

Run one drain or spin cycle

Listen for the pump and watch whether any water leaves through the drain hose.

safe

Inspect the drain hose

Straighten kinks and check the standpipe or sink connection for a blockage.

safe

Clean the user-accessible filter

Disconnect power first and prepare towels or a shallow container for retained water. Follow the model manual.

caution

Stop before internal pump testing

Pump, wiring, and control-board checks require qualified service.

Professional

What do you hear during the drain stage?

The pump hums but water does not move

A blockage, trapped object, or restricted hose is more likely than a control problem.

The pump is silent

The pump, wiring, lid or door interlock, or control may need diagnosis.

Water drains very slowly

Check the filter, hose routing, standpipe height, and household drain connection.

Stop and get qualified help when

Do not continue troubleshooting if any of these apply:
  • Water reaches electrical parts
  • The pump smells burned or becomes unusually hot
  • Internal disassembly or live electrical testing is required

Frequently asked questions

Why is there still water after a completed cycle?

A partial blockage can let some water out while leaving enough behind to prevent a normal finish.

Can I force the door open?

No. If the washer still detects water, use the emergency-drain procedure in the model manual rather than forcing the lock.

Keep diagnosing

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