Washing Machine Not Draining
Your washer finishes the cycle but clothes are still soaking wet, or water remains standing in the tub. This is usually a blockage or pump issue.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Try these fixes before calling a technician
Check the drain hose for kinks
Pull the washer out and inspect the drain hose. A kinked or pinched hose will prevent water from flowing out. Straighten any bends and make sure the hose isn't pushed too far into the standpipe (no more than 8 inches).
Clean the drain pump filter
Most front-load washers have an accessible drain pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front). Place towels down, open the filter, and remove coins, hair ties, socks, and debris that commonly clog it.
Check for a clogged standpipe
Remove the drain hose from the standpipe and run a small drain cycle. If water flows freely from the hose, the standpipe itself is clogged and needs to be cleared with a drain snake.
Listen for the drain pump
During the drain cycle, listen for the pump motor. If you hear humming but no water movement, the pump impeller may be jammed. If you hear nothing, the pump motor may have failed.
When to Call a Professional
If clearing the filter and hose doesn't fix the drainage, the drain pump itself likely needs replacement. Pump replacement involves accessing internal components and electrical connections — this should be done by a technician.
West Metro Appliance Repair has completed 3,530 washer repairs across 70+ Twin Cities communities. Our technicians see this exact problem regularly and can diagnose it quickly.
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