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Washer won't drain?
Water sitting in the drum after a cycle usually points to a blockage or a failed drain pump. Start with the simple checks.
What you can check first
- Look for kinks or a crushed section in the drain hose behind the washer.
- Make sure the drain hose isn't pushed too far into the standpipe. It needs an air gap.
- Front-load washers: open the small pump filter door at the bottom front. Put down towels and a shallow pan first, as water will come out.
- Run a drain or spin-only cycle and listen. A hum with no water moving often means something is stuck in the pump.
The usual causes
Clogged pump filter
Coins, hair ties, socks and lint collect in the filter on front-load washers.
Object in the drain pump
Something small has jammed the impeller, so the pump hums but can't move water.
Failed drain pump motor
The pump is silent during the drain part of the cycle.
Lid switch or door lock
The washer won't drain or spin if it doesn't detect a closed, locked door.
Clogged drain line
If the house drain backs up, water may come back out of the standpipe.
When to call a technician
If the simple checks don't solve it, the part usually needs testing with a meter and replacing. We come to your home in Brooklyn or Nassau County, find the failed part and give you the price before any work starts.
Have the brand and model number ready when you call. It helps us bring the right part on the first visit. Learn more about our washer repair.
Other troubleshooting guides
Appliance down? We'll come to you.
Calling is the fastest way to get on the schedule. Tell us the appliance, the brand and what it's doing.