Washer won't drain?
Five checks that can fix the issue — no tools needed.
1. Run a Drain & Spin cycle.
An interrupted cycle — a power blip, a paused load, a delicate setting that skips the spin — can leave water sitting in the drum. Most washers have a Drain & Spin or Rinse & Spin option; run it once before anything else.
2. Check the drain hose for kinks.
The hose behind the machine can get pinched against the wall, especially if the washer has been nudged. A single tight bend is enough to stop the water.
3. Clean the drain pump filter.
On most front-loaders there's a small door at the bottom front corner. Lay down a towel, open it slowly — water will come out — and pull the filter. Coins, hair ties, and lost socks collect there and block the pump.
4. Make sure the lid or door locks.
A washer won't drain or spin if it thinks it's open. Close it firmly and listen for the click. If the latch doesn't catch, that's the whole problem.
5. Check the household drain.
If water rises back up the standpipe or the sink gurgles when the washer drains, the clog is in the home's plumbing — not the washer.
Still full of water? Stop there.
If none of that worked, the likely causes — drain pump, belt, control board — aren't do-it-yourself territory. Scoop or towel out standing water before the technician visit if you can.
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This guide is general reference, not repair instructions. Unplug any appliance before touching more than its controls. Repairs beyond these checks should be done by a qualified technician.