Washing Machine Will Not Drain
If your washing machine will not drain, it's likely the cause of a hose kink, clog or related issue.
How to Check Your Washing Machine Hose
When your washing machine will not drain, the first component you want to check is the hose. Before you look inside the hose, make sure that both ends of the hose are properly connected. If there's a loose connection on either end, it can prevent your machine from draining properly. As you're looking at the connection, you will also want to see if there is a kink in the hose. If you notice one, untwisting it can solve your drainage problem. If you don't notice either of these issues, you will want to unhook the hose and check it for a clog.
The Lid May Be the Reason Your Washing Machine Will Not Drain
If you rule out the hose as the cause of your problem, the next component that may be causing the drainage issue is the lid. You will want to check the lid to see if it's actually closing all the way. The same goes for making sure that the lid switch is actually clicking into place. If you notice that the lid switch is not clicking when it's closed, it may just need tightened. This switch can easily jiggle loose after being subjected to the washer's vibrations for several years. If the lid switch still doesn't work, you will most likely need to replace it.
Other Reasons Your Washer Won't Drain
If you discover that there's nothing wrong with your washing machine hose or lid, a bad belt may be the reason your machine isn't draining properly. Because a belt that's broken or loose will prevent a washer from functioning in the right way, it can keep it from draining. Before you check this problem, you will want to grab a:
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
To check this problem, you will want to unplug the washer and then pull it out from the wall. You can then use the wrench and screwdriver to take off the back panel. Once the panel's off, you will be able to turn on the flashlight and look inside the back of the machine at the belts. You will be able to see if one is loose or completely broken. If you discover a belt that's in bad shape, you will either need to tighten or replace it.
The other reason your washing machine may not be draining properly is if there is a problem with the pump. Before you reattach your machine's back panel, you can go ahead and see if this is the problem. The simplest way to check the pump is to use a voltmeter. If you confirm that it's functioning properly, keep in mind that you may still need to clean the pump. It is actually possible for the pump to run but still cause water to not drain properly. After cleaning the pump, you should no longer have issues with the machine's spin or drain cycles.
