Washer won't drain?

Usually it's a clogged pump filter or a kinked or blocked drain hose, and both are quick to check before you think about the pump.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your washer and we’ll narrow it down.

Is the water gone, but the drum still won't spin?

That's a spin problem rather than a drain problem. Washer won't spin

Likely causes

  1. Clogged pump filter or coin trap

    Most commonEasy DIY

    Standing water after the cycle; coins, lint, or socks caught in the filter or coin trap.

  2. Kinked or clogged drain hose, or hose pushed too far into the standpipe

    CommonEasy DIY

    A crushed bend behind the machine, slow draining, or a hose that sits deep in the standpipe and backs up.

    Part: $15–40 (hose)

  3. Failed drain pump

    CommonModerate DIY

    Hums or grinds during the drain step but no water moves, and the filter and hose are clear.

    Part: $40–150

  4. Lid switch or door lock on top-loaders

    Less commonModerate DIY

    The washer never reaches the drain step, or the lid-lock light flashes.

    Part: $25–90

  5. House drain or standpipe clog

    Less commonCall a pro

    Water backs up out of the standpipe, or other drains in the house are slow too. This is a plumbing problem, not the washer.

Quick checks

Unplug the washer before opening the filter door. Put towels and a shallow pan down first; expect several gallons, and the water may be hot if the cycle stopped mid-wash.

  1. Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks or a crushed bend.
  2. On a front-loader, open the pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front) and clear it. Have a towel and shallow pan ready.
  3. See whether water backs up at the standpipe, which points to the house drain.
  4. Note any error code or flashing light. It narrows things down fast.
Sharpen the read

Diagnose your washer in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

  • the whole washer, or its display or control panel if it shows an error code
  • the model label, if you can reach it (inside the lid or on the back)

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

The pump hums but doesn't move water, there's a burning smell, or an error code returns after you've cleared the filter and hose. For lifespan and upkeep, see the washer guide.

Typical cost: $150–350 including the service call. A diagnostic visit runs $60–120, often waived if you go ahead.

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.

Related problems

  • Washer won't spin?

    Washer

    The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.

  • Washer won't start?

    Washer

    Nothing happens when you press start: usually the lid or door latch, a control lock, power, or the water supply.

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.