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Front Load & Top Load Washer Won't Drain — Washing Machine Troubleshooting
Common Solutions
Washing Machine Drain Pump
Sometimes, small objects or articles of clothing can get caught in the drain pump. To determine if anything is blocking the drain pump, remove the drain pump and check the pump for obstructions. If the drain pump is clear of obstructions, but is still noisy during the drain cycle, replace the drain pump.
Washing Machine Control Board
Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.
Washing Machine Timer
On some washing machine models, a timer is used to determine when voltage is to be sent to the washer's electrical components. A faulty timer may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the timer for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the timer is defective and will need to be replaced.
Drain hose is clogged or kinked
Check to see if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If your washer "dances" during cycles, it may have moved and kinked the hose. The drain hose could be clogged with lint or hair. You can use a thin, long-handled brush to clean the hose.
Washing Machine Lid/lock Switch Assembly
The lid/lock switch assembly prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not drain. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test each of the lid switches for continuity. If a lid switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Washing Machine Coin Trap
Some washers are equipped with a coin trap to trap any foreign objects that enter the drain. The coin trap should be checked and cleaned periodically. If debris continues to accumulate in the coin trap, the coin trap will become clogged, and the washer will not drain properly. If the washer won’t drain or is not draining properly, and the washer has a coin trap, remove the coin trap and clean it thoroughly.
Washing Machine Door Lock
Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Washing Machine Parts
Related Linksjeff sr.
Front Load & Top Load Washer Won't Drain — Washing Machine Troubleshooting
Common Solutions
Washing Machine Drain Pump
Sometimes, small objects or articles of clothing can get caught in the drain pump. To determine if anything is blocking the drain pump, remove the drain pump and check the pump for obstructions. If the drain pump is clear of obstructions, but is still noisy during the drain cycle, replace the drain pump.
Washing Machine Control Board
Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.
Washing Machine Timer
On some washing machine models, a timer is used to determine when voltage is to be sent to the washer's electrical components. A faulty timer may not be sending power to the drain pump during the drain cycle. You can inspect the timer for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the drain pump after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the drain cycle, it's likely the timer is defective and will need to be replaced.
Drain hose is clogged or kinked
Check to see if the drain hose is kinked or crushed. If your washer "dances" during cycles, it may have moved and kinked the hose. The drain hose could be clogged with lint or hair. You can use a thin, long-handled brush to clean the hose.
Washing Machine Lid/lock Switch Assembly
The lid/lock switch assembly prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not drain. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test each of the lid switches for continuity. If a lid switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Washing Machine Coin Trap
Some washers are equipped with a coin trap to trap any foreign objects that enter the drain. The coin trap should be checked and cleaned periodically. If debris continues to accumulate in the coin trap, the coin trap will become clogged, and the washer will not drain properly. If the washer won’t drain or is not draining properly, and the washer has a coin trap, remove the coin trap and clean it thoroughly.
Washing Machine Door Lock
Inspect the door strike assembly for damage. If the door strike is broken, replace it. The door strike is not repairable—if it is broken, you must replace it.
Washing Machine Parts
Related Linksjeff sr.