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Washing Machine Won't Drain Water
Last updated on November 7th, 2017
If your washing machine won't drain water out this article gives advice on how to fix it. If the washing machine has only just been plumbed in and it won't empty then check this article first - you might not need to drain or pull the washier out -
won't drain after being moved or plumbed in. Otherwise, before trying to repair it you need to
manually drain out the water that's stuck inside.
If your washing machine is stuck full of water because it's gone dead, or won't drain after being connected to a different u-bend you need to read the appropriate paragraphs in the how to drain washing machine link above before doing anything else.
What are the main causes of not draining?
If the washer appears to be functioning normally but simply won't pump away the water these are the most common causes -
- A blockage somewhere
- Something jammed in the pump
- Pump failure
- An electrical fault
Is the water pump running - or not?
On the spin cycle, is the pump running but water isn't being pumped out? If yes read on. There are two places to check for blockages. If the pump isn't running then jump to - If the pump isn't running.
Is the pump making a loud grinding noise?
If the pump is making a loud grinding noise, either constantly or intermittently, there is likely to be something inside being tossed around by the impeller. It's possible for a pump to have bearing failure but in most cases it will be an obstruction (such as a coin) stuck inside the pump. With the water drained out and pump filter removed it should be possible to see into the pump (where the impeller is) to check for obstructions.
Checking for blockages
Is the drain hose connected to the u-bend under the sink? If so try checking the spigot for blockages. Note that if you cannot hear the pump running don't bother. A blockage here would not stop the pump running, nor would it make the pump stop making its normal noise.
This is a simple fix, and can be done without moving the washing machine. The drain hose is connected to the u-bend by a plastic spigot pushed into the end of the drain hose. Unscrew the spigot to inspect inside. Also check inside the u-bend where the spigot screws on. A small button, or accumulated bits of stringy threads and lint from laundry can get stuck here. It takes surprisingly little to stop the water being pumped away at this point.
Check for a blocked pump filter
Next you need to check for blockages in the main
pump filter if your washing machine has one. Most do. You will need to have drained out as much water as possible before removing the filter. Also, put down large bath towels before removing the pump filter to soak up the water that will inevitably come out.
Taking the filter out
It should be easy to pull the filter out. If unsure check your instruction manual or the pump filter link above. If the filter appears jammed and won't come out read the advice in the
pump filter article. Don't make the mistake of assuming that
anything found in the filter will account for the fault. The pump filter would need to be physically blocked by something like a sock, or a buildup of lint to stop the washing machine from pumping out.
If all you find is a few buttons and coins this will not be the reason your washing machine isn't pumping the water. Only an object actually jamming the pump impeller or a substantial blockage of the filter would account for not draining.
If the pump isn't running
The most common reason a pump isn't running is because an obstruction is physically jammed inside it. Check that the impeller turns and it's not jammed (or broken and loose on the shaft). It may have a little magnetic resistance at one point but it should be at the same point on each revolution.
The impeller should turn fairly easily. It might be possible to hear a gentle hum in place of the normal pump sound although not necessarily. A hum would indicate the pump his electrically OK and is trying to run but is jammed. With water drained out of the washing machine remove the filter and check for obstructions. If no pump filter is fitted the pump may need removing to check.
Pump isn't jammed
If the pump is not jammed then it needs testing with a continuity test meter for open circuit resistance across the pump's terminals. An open circuit pump is clearly faulty and needs replacing.
if none of the above helps you out you might have to call an engineer out.
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