Washing Machine Won’t Drain? We’ve got your back

A common washing machine fault that many homeowners encounter is when the washing machine won’t drain. This issue can be quite frustrating, leaving your clothes soaking wet and potentially leading to other problems such as leaks and damage to the machine itself. In this post, we’ll guide you through a detailed, step-by-step process to diagnose and fix a washing machine that won’t drain.

Understanding Why Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

When your washing machine won’t drain, it’s usually because something is obstructing the water from flowing out. This obstruction could be a small item like a coin or a sock, a build-up of lint or detergent, or even an issue with the pump itself. The pump plays a crucial role in moving the water from the drum and out of the drain hose. If it’s not functioning correctly, the water won’t be able to exit the machine, causing your washing machine not to drain.

Step 1: Safety First When Dealing with a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain

Before you start, it’s essential to disconnect your washing machine from the power source. This step is crucial to prevent any accidents while you’re working on the machine. Also, if your machine is full of water, be prepared for potential water spillage when you open certain parts of the machine. It’s a good idea to have a bucket, mop, and some towels handy. At Yorkshire Appliances, we use a collapsible bucket when draining a washing machine, which you can find on Amazon here.

Step 2: Inspect the Drain Hose When Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

The drain hose is the conduit that carries the water from the washing machine to the drain. If it’s kinked or blocked, the water won’t be able to flow out. Inspect the hose for any kinks and straighten them out. If the hose is blocked, you may need to remove it and clean it out. Be prepared for some water to come out when you remove the hose – it’s a good idea to have a bucket or towels ready to catch it.

Step 3: Examine the Pump and Filter When Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

The pump and filter are typically located at the bottom of the machine, behind a small door. The filter is designed to catch small items before they reach the pump. If it’s clogged, it can prevent the water from draining. To clean the filter, simply remove it, rinse it under running water, and then put it back in place. If the filter is very dirty or damaged, you might need to replace it.

Step 4: Check the Sump Hose When Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

The sump hose connects the tub to the pump. If it’s blocked, it can prevent the water from draining. Check the hose for any blockages and remove them if necessary. To check the sump hose, you’ll need to access the bottom of the machine. This usually involves removing a panel on the front or back of the machine. Once you’ve accessed the bottom of the machine, you can see the sump hose.

Step 5: Inspect the Control Board When Your Washing Machine Won’t Drain

The control board is the “brain” of the washing machine. It controls all the functions of the machine, including the drain cycle. If the control board is damaged, it may not be sending the signal to the pump to drain the water. Checking the control board is a bit more complex than the other steps. You’ll need to access the control panel of the machine, which is usually located on the top or front of the machine. This usually involves removing some screws and lifting or opening the panel.

Step 6: Test the Machine After Fixing the Washing Machine Drainage Issue

Once you’ve checked the drain hose, cleaned the pump and filter, checked the sump hose, and checked the control board, plug the machine back in and run a short cycle without any clothes. If the machine drains correctly, then you’ve solved the problem. If not, you may need to revisit the previous steps to identify what might have been missed.

Conclusion: Fixing a Washing Machine That Won’t Drain

Fixing a washing machine that won’t drain can be a complex task, but with patience and the right tools, it’s something that you can do on your own. Remember to always disconnect the power before you start working on the machine, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Regular maintenance can prevent many common washing machine problems. By regularly checking and cleaning the drain hose, pump, filter, and sump hose, you can keep your machine running smoothly and avoid the frustration of a machine that won’t drain.

If you’re not comfortable doing these repairs yourself, or if you’ve tried these steps and the machine still won’t drain, don’t hesitate to contact us at Yorkshire Appliances. We’re a family-run business with years of experience in appliance repair, and we’re always here to help. You can reach us through our contact page.

For more tips and advice on maintaining your appliances, check out our other blog posts. Become a DIY hero with Yorkshire Appliances!

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Washing Machine Won’t Drain