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Washing Machine Not Draining? 5 Free Checks, in the Right Order

Most washers that will not drain have a kinked hose, a clogged filter or a stuck lid switch. Work through five free checks, cheapest first.

By Jamilur Rahman Updated November 5, 2026 · 6 min read

Time
45 min
Cost
Under $20
Difficulty
Medium
A washing machine pulled away from the wall with its gray drain hose kinked sharply behind it
In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Free vs. permanent fix
  3. What you'll need
  4. Why it happens
  5. Try this first (free)
  6. When free fixes aren't enough
  7. Buy the fix
  8. Why is my front load washer not draining? Check the filter first
  9. How to fix a top load washer that won't drain
  10. What to skip
  11. FAQ
  12. Related problems

Quick answer

A washing machine not draining is usually blocked by a kinked or clogged drain hose or a clogged pump filter, not a broken pump. Unplug it, straighten the hose, clear the filter and flush the standpipe. A new reinforced drain hose helps when yours is cracked, crushed or stretched too tight. Always unplug the washer first and have towels ready for water.

Free fix vs. permanent fix

Free fix · 30 to 45 minutes

Five free checks, in order

  • Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset it
  • Straighten the drain hose and check its height
  • Clear the pump filter on a front loader
  • Flush the hose and the standpipe

How long it lasts: Permanent if the cause was a clog or a kink. It returns if the hose is worn or small items keep reaching the pump.

Most readers choose Permanent fix
Reinforced washing machine drain hose (illustration)
Illustration

A new reinforced washer drain hose

The pump pushes water up and out through the drain hose. A cracked, soft or crushed hose, or one stretched too tight, slows the flow or blocks it. Replace the hose only if yours is damaged. A fresh one fixes the cause.

What to get: Reinforced washing machine drain hose

How long it lasts: Years. A firm, kink-resistant hose of the right length will not pinch behind the machine.

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What you'll need

  • Shallow baking pan and towels

    Catch the water when you open the filter

    You have it

  • Flashlight

    To see the hose and filter

    You have it
  • Our pick
    Reinforced washer drain hose (illustration)
    Illustration

    Reinforced washer drain hose

    Only if your hose is cracked, flattened or too short

    Check price
  • Mesh wash bags (illustration)
    Illustration

    Mesh wash bags

    Keep socks, bra wires and coins from reaching the pump

    Check price

Why it happens

1

A kinked or crushed drain hose

A washer pushed against the wall can pinch the hose flat. Water has nowhere to go.

2

A clogged pump filter

Front loaders have a small filter that catches coins, lint and socks. When it fills, water cannot pass.

3

A clogged hose or standpipe

Lint and soap scum build up inside the hose and the wall pipe, and slow the flow until it stops.

4

A lid switch, door lock or stuck cycle

If the machine thinks the lid is open, it will not drain or spin. Some models show an error code.

5

A failed pump

A pump that hums without moving water, or makes no sound at all, may be jammed or dead.

Try this first (free)

Do these in order, starting with the simplest.

  1. 1. Unplug it and look for a code

    Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it in, close the lid or door fully and try Drain and Spin. Note any error code, and look it up in your manual.

  2. 2. Check the drain hose

    Tool used: Flashlight

    Pull the washer out from the wall and shine a light behind it. Straighten any kinks. Many manuals say the top of the hose must be at least 30 inches above the floor, so check yours.

  3. 3. Clear the pump filter

    Tool used: Shallow baking pan and towels

    On a front loader, open the small panel at the bottom front. Set the pan and towels down, open the little drain tube if there is one, then unscrew the filter slowly. Pull out coins, lint and socks. Most top loaders have no filter.

  4. 4. Clear the hose and standpipe

    Unplug the machine and put towels down. Pull the hose from the standpipe or the washer, rinse it out and look through it. Clean the standpipe opening too.

  5. 5. Test the drain

    Reconnect everything and run Drain and Spin. If the water leaves, you are done. If the pump hums and water stays, or the pump is silent, call for repair.

When free fixes aren't enough

If the hose is cracked, flattened or too short, a new hose is a cheap fix that ends the problem. If the pump hums or stays silent, a pump or lid switch has failed. That repair costs more, so compare the part to the age of the machine. If water backs up in the standpipe, or the sink and tub gurgle, the house drain is blocked, so call a plumber. Unplug the washer before any check and never work in standing water.

Buy the fix

Still stuck after the free fixes? These are the products we would look at.

Best pick
Reinforced washing machine drain hose (illustration)
Illustration

Reinforced washing machine drain hose

Fixes: a cracked, crushed or kinked drain hose

Look for: Fits your machine's hose connection; Long enough to reach the standpipe without stretching; A reinforced, kink-resistant wall; A curved end that hangs over the standpipe.

Who it's for
Anyone whose hose is damaged, flattened or stretched too tight.
Honest downside
The hose looks fine and the clog was in the filter. A new hose will not help.
Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We don't show prices because they change, so use the button to see today's price.

How we picked: How we picked: this page is based on washer manuals and service guides, drain hose product instructions, and the problems and fixes people report in owner reviews. We do not test products by hand.

Why is my front load washer not draining? Check the filter first

A front load washer not draining water, or not draining completely, is usually blocked at the pump filter behind the small panel at the bottom front. Open the little drain tube first, then unscrew the filter slowly. Expect a quart or two of water, so keep the pan and towels ready.

How to fix a top load washer that won't drain

Most top loaders have no filter to clear, so start with the hose and standpipe. Then check that the lid switch clicks when you close the lid. If the tub fills but will not drain or spin, the pump or the lid switch is the next suspect.

What to skip

Chemical drain openers

They are not made for washers, can damage hoses and seals, and leave harsh water in the machine you are about to open. The clog is lint and socks, which need to be pulled out by hand.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my washing machine not draining water?
The usual causes, in order, are a kinked hose, a clogged filter or hose, a lid switch that is not closing, and a failed pump. Start with the free checks above.
Washing machine not draining all the way: what does it mean?
A partial clog slows the flow, so a few inches of water stay in the drum. Check the pump filter, then the hose and standpipe. A hose that rises higher than the manual allows, or sags into a loop, can also hold water in.
Washing machine not draining or spinning: what is wrong?
The machine will not spin until it drains. Treat it as a drain problem. Check the lid or door, then the hose and filter. An unbalanced load or a lid switch can also stop it.
How do I fix laundry not draining, with wet clothes stuck inside?
Unplug the washer. Bail water out with a cup or open the filter drain tube into a pan. Then wring out the clothes and run through the steps above.
When should I call a repair person?
Call if the pump hums and nothing drains, the washer is silent, or water backs up into the standpipe. Call a plumber if other drains are slow too.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure

Reinforced washing machine drain hose (illustration)
Illustration

Our pick: Reinforced washing machine drain hose

Check price