Washer Not Draining: Common Causes and Quick Checks
A washer that will not drain leaves clothes soaked and the door locked. Many causes are simple blockages, so a few safe checks are worth doing before you book a repair.
In-shop diagnostic $50 + GST (credited toward the repair if you proceed). In-home service call $95 + GST. Mon to Fri 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Quick checks
- Unplug the washer for 15 minutes to reset it, then run a drain or spin cycle.
- Look inside the drum for loose items from pockets such as socks, coins or tissue.
- Check that the drain hose behind the washer is not kinked or crushed against the wall.
- If your washer has a pump filter access door at the bottom front, clean the filter. Keep a tray and towels handy, because water will come out.
Common causes
- A blocked pump filter or drain hose.
- A failed drain pump, which may hum or make no sound at all.
- A worn lid switch or door lock that stops the cycle from advancing.
- A control board or sensor fault, often shown as an error code on the display.
When to call a technician
- The filter and hose are clear but the washer still will not drain.
- You hear the pump running but no water leaves the drum.
- The display shows an error code. Write it down along with the model number.
- There is a leak, a burning smell or any sign of water near electrical parts.
A note on safety
- Never take apart your washing machine. Disconnect power before checking hoses or filters.
Need help?
If the checks above do not solve it, our technicians can diagnose the problem. See our washer repair page, request service online or call (403) 255-9647.
More guides
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Need a repair? Call (403) 255-9647
Tell us the make, model and what’s going wrong, and we will call you to book a time. Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.