Nowadays, all the washing machines are automatic. This means you can expect everything to get done automatically with a single push of a button. However, no matter how expensive or how premium the brand of your automatic washing machine is, there are always some common problems you have to face.
There are going to be times when your automatic washing machine may stop draining water automatically. The problem may occur due to various reasons. So if you want to know more about those problems, then we have discussed them below along with its solution.
Why Won’t My Washing Machine Drain Water?
There are multiple possibilities why your automatic washing machine may stop draining water.
1. Blockage
It is the most common cause of stoppage in water draining. A blockage in the drain hose prevents the water from flowing to the drain. A blockage can build up in the hose over time due to the accumulation of dirt, soap, or even objects like coins.
2. Interruption
If the drain hose is not properly aligned and it is kinked, there can be an obstruction in the flow of water from the tub to the drain. Therefore, ensure that the hose is straight with no kink throughout.
3. Pump Not Working
Even though it is not common, but it is quite possible that the washer pump is not working. The washer pump is responsible for forcing the water from the tub to the drain hose. If it does not work properly, the water won’t drain. Even a broken vane can make it stop working.
Apart from these main causes, an automatic washing machine may not drain water when the lid switch is not working or malfunctioning. Besides, if there is any issue with the main belt or the pump belt of the machine, the draining can stop.
What is The Purpose of the Drain Option on a Washing Machine?
The drain function of a washing machine removes or drains away the water present near the bottom of the tub when the washing machine is in the spin cycle. The machine uses the washer pump to force water to go from the tub to the drain hose.
The hose has two ends. One end is connected to the upper part of the tube for refilling, and the other end is the outlet to the drain. As soon as the pump pushes water from the tub to the bend of the hose, the water gets removed and goes into the drain.
How to Fix Drain Issue For A Top Loading Washing Machine?
You will need a few tools and materials to fix the water drainage problem for a top-loading washing machine. Get a large bucket to collect dirty water from the hose, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a plumber’s snake, and a wet sponge or cloth.
1st Step – Power Off The Machine
Safety comes first, and for any troubleshooting, you need to turn off the machine and cut the power source. Press the power-off button on the dashboard or remote as per your model. Once the machine powers off, unplug the power cord from the power board. It is better to tie the power cord on upper side of the machine with a tape. This will prevent the cord from going below the machine as well as water splashing on it.
2nd Step – Find The Hoses
In a top-loading machine, you will find the hose on the rear side of the washer. Apart from the drain hose, there are two water supply hoses available for supplying cold and hot water. The drain hose carries the dirty water away while the other hoses bring clean water inside the tub.
In most of the washing machines, the drain hose is gray in colour, while the cold and hot water supplying hoses are blue and red in colour, respectively. You have to turn off the blue and red hoses for troubleshooting by turning off the blue and red knobs.
3rd Step – Drain Water Away
The drain hose may have different configurations for different models of automatic washing machines. The hose may be connected to a standpipe, or a drainpipe, or a sink. You have to disconnect the hose from whatever it is connected to the outlet.
Make sure you hold the open end in the up direction so that water does not flow out. Then you have to carefully put the outlet end to a large bucket. You should hold on to it until all water drains out of the machine. You have to take the end of hose and lower the end down to the ground to drain away the last layer of water from the machine.
4th Step – Remove Blockage From Drain hose
If you see that water is draining slowly when you put the outlet end in the bucket initially, there is a chance of the drain hose having a clog. To remove this blockage, you will need a plumber’s snake. Put the tip of the coil in the hose until it reaches the blockage. After that, you should turn the handles manually on the opposite end to go through the blockage. When this removes the clog, you should be ready to collect the water in the bucket again.
5th Step 5 – Remove Clog From Drain Pump
If the drain hose is clear, there can be a clog in the drain pump. You have to locate the pump from the manual. The pump can be present in the front or rear of the machine. The drain hose and the inlet hose are connected to the pump through spring clamps. Open up the spring clamps with the help of the pliers. Remove the clog with a wet sponge or wet cloth and reattach all the parts.
If these steps do not solve the problem, you have to get a professional to fix the issue.
How to Fix Drain Issue For A Front Loading Washing Machine?
You will need a shallow bucket or container, a screwdriver, a towel, warm water, and a wet sponge.
1st Step – Power Off The Machine
Turn off the machine by pressing the power off button from the remote or dashboard as per the availability. Take the power cord off the power source and tie it on the upper side of the machine. This will ensure so water splashing on it and prevent it from going under the washing while troubleshooting.
2nd Step – Find The Drain Pump
Most of the front-loading washing machine comes with a drain pump filter that filters dirt and drains away excess water. Some front-loading machines have a pump filter as well as a drain hose. The configuration is generally present being the access panel. It may differ, and you can check the manual for locating it easily. You have to unscrew the panel and unclip it.
3rd Step – Drain The Water
If you have a machine with only a pump filter, place a dry towel on floor and place a shallow container over it. This will catch the water flowing out of the pump filter. To make the water flow out, turn the switch or knob of the pump filter counter-clockwise. Slowly start pulling out the filter so that water flows out completely.
If you have a machine with both a pump filter and a drain hose, place a dry towel and container below the hose. You have to remove the hose and remove the cap to drain water away. Once the water drains out completely, you should place back the hose.
4th Step – Wash The Pump Filter
The filter is where clogging is common as it accumulates dirt and debris. After you detach the filter, you have to wash the filter with clean, warm water. You can also clean the filter with a wet sponge. Do the same for the drain hose. Put back the filter and hose and prepare to start the machine.
If these steps do not solve the problem, you have to get a professional to fix the issue.
Tips to do when your Washing Machine Does Not Drain Automatically?
Tip 1 – Check the drain hose and fix any kink by straightening out the hose so that water can flow smoothly.
Tip 2 – Turn on the machine on an empty cycle to check whether the drain pump is working correctly or not. You can hear the turning of the pump.
Tip 3 – Press the drain button and check whether you hear a click sound or not. Draining may stop due to malfunctioning of the drain button. If you don’t hear the clicking sound, you have to replace the button.
Conclusion
There could be times when your automatic washing machine may stop draining dirty and excess water. Instead of calling a professional up initially, you can follow the steps we have mentioned to fix the problem. Check the steps of top-loading and front-loading washing machine as per your model.
