Why Is My Washer Not Draining?

A washer that finishes its cycle with standing water still in the drum is almost always dealing with a blockage somewhere between the tub and the drain hose.

A clogged drain pump. Lint, coins, and small fabric pieces can build up in or around the pump, restricting or completely blocking water flow.

A kinked drain hose. If the washer has been moved recently, the flexible drain hose behind it can develop a kink that blocks drainage.

A small object lodged in the system. It's surprisingly common for a coin, button, or underwire to travel through the wash and get stuck in the pump.

A failed drain pump motor. If nothing is physically blocking the path, the pump itself may have failed and stopped moving water at all.

Checking the hose for kinks is a reasonable first step, but if the washer still won't drain, the pump likely needs to be inspected and possibly replaced by a technician.