washing machine not draining

The most common complaint I get when a customer calls is, “My washer is not draining”.

It doesn’t matter how old a washer is for this problem to occur. Most often the cause is a blocked water pump however the problem could be several other things. Washing machines consist of several key components such as; Timer, Gear Case, Motor, Water Pump, and Tub Assembly along with other basic parts that hold it all together.

Begin using the process of elimination. First you check for power to the machine. If the machine has power the next thing you do is advance the timer to the washing cycle and make sure it washes. If it washes then advance the timer to the draining cycle and listen to what is happening. Does it sound as if it is trying to drain but cant or is making loud rattling noises? If yes then the problem is a blockage in the water pump.

When a washer is overloaded past its recommended load requirement small items such as socks and underwear get swept over the inner tub assembly and end up jammed in the water pump located in the under-carriage. Other articles such as bra support wires, coins, screws, and kids toys may also jam the pump.

To solve the problem of a washer that won’t drain is a tricky task. You have to locate the water pump and remove the rubber hoses connected to it in order to clear whatever is blocking it up. The problem is if you remove the hoses you will let all the water out onto the floor and you definitely do not want to do that. Before you proceed there is a list of tools that you might need. They are; one or two small buckets, a multi screw driver, a large pliers, a needle nose pliers, and possibly a couple of nut drivers (1/4) and (5/16)

Before proceeding any further you must unplug the machine. Next, manually empty as much of the water that you can from inside the tub. Use the small buckets to scoop the water out. It could take awhile but it will save a disaster later on. Once you have sufficiently emptied as much of the water as possible you are ready to clear the pump. Most new brands of washers have a removable front panel. Look for two screws on either side of the bottom of the front panel. These screws are sometimes an unusual type such as a (torx) so the proper bits are requires. If the washer doesn’t have a removable front panel you will have to pull the washer away from the wall and tip it back against the wall enough to access the parts in the under-side.

Upon removing the washer’s front panel you should have ample access to the water pump. If you are not sure what it looks like it will be the small component with two rubber hoses attached to it. One hose comes from the bottom of the tub assembly and the other hose goes out to the drain. Different washer makes have different pump set ups. Whirlpool washers have no belt so the pump is connected directly to the front end of the motor by removable clips. In most other brands the pump sits independently to the side. In order to clear the pump in you do not necessarily have to physically remove it from where it is attached, you just have to remove the rubber hoses.

Some hoses are attached with large spring clamps while others have screw clamps. Remove the clamps slowly and expect some water to come out after you do as there is always some amount of water always sitting in the hoses. After the hoses are removed whatever is stuck inside the pump assembly should be accessible using the needle nose pliers. You should also remove the other end of the hose attached to the Tub Assembly to make sure nothing is stuck there.

When you are satisfied that you have cleared the blockage you can commence to put everything back together. Be most careful to properly connect and clamp the hoses back in place to avoid a flood. Once everything is back together do a test run to make sure your washer is working properly before you do a regular load of laundry.

I hope that I have assisted you on this task. I will be adding other hubs on other washer and dryer problems shortly. Feel free to post inquires and I will do my best to assist you.