HOW TO DRAIN A WASHING MACHINE

POSSIBLE REASONS WHY A WASHER WON’T DRAIN

There can be various reasons why your washer tub won’t drain, ranging from simple to more complex issues. For an easier solution, such as resetting your washer or cleaning a dirty filter, refer to your owner's manual for instructions. If this doesn't resolve the problem, it may involve a more significant issue like a faulty washer part, which could require professional assistance. 

The following possible reasons may help you find a solution to why your washer won’t drain. For other washer issues, check out this guide on how to repair a washing machine.

CLOGGED OR KINKED DRAIN HOSE

A clogged or kinked drain hose can prevent your washer from draining. First, disconnect your water. Then, check for any bends in the hose or blockages from items like lint, clothing fibers or debris that may be stopping the water flow. Simply straighten any kinks or detach the hose and flush it out to clear the debris.

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF DRAIN HOSE

If the drain hose is installed too high or too low, it can interfere with proper draining. The drainpipe on most Maytag^® washers should be installed at a maximum height of 96" and a minimum of 39" from the bottom of the machine. Check your washer's manual for the recommended height and adjust the hose accordingly. For a Maytag^® washer, you can watch this video on proper drain hose installation.

INCORRECT CYCLE SPIN SPEED

Your washer setting may not be able to drain water because it’s set to a slow or no spin speed such as a Gentle, Delicate or Hand Wash cycle. Check your settings and switch to a higher spin speed.

POWER FAILURE

A power failure during the spin cycle may have stopped your washer from reaching a full spin speed. To remove any remaining water, restart the washer on a spin cycle or a drain and spin cycle.

UNBALANCED LAUNDRY LOAD

If your laundry load is too tightly packed or includes bulky items like a comforter, it may cause an imbalance in the washer tub, which can result in a reduced spin speed. Simply redistribute items evenly to balance the load. When loading laundry into your washer, make sure to add items loosely and evenly around the tub with room to move.

UNLEVEL WASHER

Check that your washer is level. An unlevel washer may become unbalanced and not spin properly. Learn how to level a top load washer or front load washing machine.

BLOCKED OR DIRTY WASHER FILTER

The washer filter catches debris to prevent lint buildup and other obstructions to help ensure proper drainage. Depending on your model, it’s usually recommended that filters be cleaned at least once a month. If your washer isn’t draining properly, clean the washer filter to see if this resolves the issue.

FAULTY WATER PUMP

A malfunctioning drain pump may be the reason your washer isn’t draining. The drain pump removes water during various points throughout the wash cycle. If you suspect this is the problem, you may want to call a professional for assistance.

HOW TO MANUALLY DRAIN WATER FROM A FRONT LOAD WASHER

In general, the following steps may help you drain the water from a front load washer. Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

1. LOCATE THE WASHER FILTER

Unplug your washer from the electrical outlet and look for the washer filter. It’s typically located on the bottom front corner of the appliance.

2. OPEN THE WASHER FILTER

Some front load washers may have a drain tube that you can direct into a bucket while others may not, so you’ll want to place a shallow container that fits under the washer filter to catch the water. Gently open the washer filter to let the water flow out.

3. DRAIN THE WATER

As the water drains, clean the filter to remove any debris or lint that could be clogging it. Use towels to clean up any water spills.

HOW TO MANUALLY DRAIN WATER FROM A TOP LOAD WASHER

Unlike many front load washers, top load washers typically don't have easy access to the drain hose so you may not be able to manually drain the water. Often, it’s an issue that may require a service call to a professional. Check your model-specific owner’s manual for details.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL

It’s important to know what you can do yourself and when to call for service. After troubleshooting the issue, if you’re still not sure why your washer won’t drain, consider calling a professional. For help with a Maytag^® washer, you can schedule service online or call 1-800-344-1274.

WASHER WON’T DRAIN: TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Make sure to refer to your washer owner's manual before attempting any repairs. If you see an error code on the console of a Maytag^® washer, you can research the issue using this top load washer or front load washer error code guide. Keep in mind that properly cleaning and maintaining your washer and dryer can help sustain the quality of performance.