FixPlainly

Washer won’t drain

The drain hose, too many suds and a clogged pump filter are the first things Samsung, LG and Whirlpool all tell you to check. Start with the quick checks; the filter comes later because it means water on the floor.

5 checks, quickest firstAbout 44 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: washer won’t drain

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Anything beyond the quick checks: unplug the washer first.
  • Touching hoses: turn off both water valves behind the washer.
  • After a hot cycle, give the water time to cool. Samsung suggests about an hour.
  • Have towels and a shallow tray ready whenever a step may release water.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Make sure the cycle can drain

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    The washer only drains with the door or lid fully shut, and gentle cycles spin slowly, leaving more water behind.

    1. Look at the display. If it shows a code, look it up first; the code tells you exactly which part to check.
    2. Close the door or lid firmly. The switch won’t let the washer run if it isn’t fully shut.
    3. If you used a delicate or gentle cycle, that may be normal. Those cycles spin slowly and leave clothes wetter.

  2. Check for too many suds

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    Extra foam can stop the pump from pushing water out.

    1. Open the door or lid and look for thick foam.
    2. Use HE (high-efficiency) detergent and measure it. More detergent doesn’t clean better.
    3. If there’s a lot of foam, run a rinse and spin cycle with no detergent to clear it.

  3. Check the drain hose

    Safe to tryAbout 5 min

    A kinked, crushed or badly placed hose stops water getting out, and every maker lists it first.

    1. Pull the washer out a little and follow the drain hose from the back to the drain.
    2. Straighten any kinks. Make sure it isn’t crushed against the wall.
    3. Check the end sits loosely in the standpipe, not sealed airtight. Samsung recommends 6 to 8 inches into the pipe.
    4. Check the standpipe or sink it drains into isn’t blocked.
    5. Check the height. Makers give a range for the standpipe: Samsung 18 to 96 inches above the floor, Whirlpool 30 to 96 inches. Your manual has the figure for your model.

  4. Clean the pump filter

    Take careAbout 20 minFront-load only

    Front-load washers have a filter that catches coins, lint and hair before the pump. When it clogs, water stays put.

    1. If you ran a hot cycle, wait about an hour for the water to cool.
    2. Unplug the washer.
    3. Lay old towels down and put a shallow tray or baking dish under the small door at the bottom front.
    4. Open the door. If there’s a small drain hose next to the filter, pull it out, unplug its cap and let the water run into the tray. Empty the tray as often as you need to.
    5. Unscrew the filter slowly by turning it counterclockwise. More water will come out.
    6. Clear lint, hair and any objects from the filter and the opening. Rinse the filter under the tap.
    7. Screw it back in firmly so it doesn’t leak, then close the door.

  5. Run a drain test

    Safe to tryAbout 15 min

    This shows whether the pump runs once the blockages are cleared.

    1. Plug the washer back in.
    2. Run a spin-only or rinse and spin cycle with the drum empty.
    3. Listen and watch: you should hear the pump and see the water level drop within the first few minutes.

When to call a technician

  • The pump hums or buzzes but no water moves after you’ve cleaned the filter and checked the hose.
  • You hear grinding, or water appears under the washer.
  • The same drain code comes back.
  • Samsung only: the screw that holds the drain hose holder on the back is missing.

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Samsung 5CNot drainingLG OENot drainingLG E3Drain motor fault (top-load)Whirlpool F9 E1Draining too slowly (front-load)Whirlpool drnNot draining properly (top-load HE)

Questions

Do top-load washers have a drain filter?

Many don’t. Samsung, for example, says its top-load washers have no removable pump filter. Check your manual; if there’s no filter, focus on the hose, suds and the drain itself.

How high should my drain hose be?

It depends on the maker. Samsung gives 18 to 96 inches for a standpipe; Whirlpool gives 30 to 96 inches in its general guide and 39 to 96 inches for front-loaders showing F9 E1. Too high and the pump can struggle.

Why are my clothes soaking wet but the drum is empty?

Gentle and delicate cycles spin slowly. Whirlpool suggests choosing a cycle with a faster spin, if the care labels allow it.

Sources

  1. Samsung washing machine will not drain, Samsung US Support
  2. Washer Not Draining or Spinning? Troubleshooting Guide, Whirlpool Product Help
  3. LG Front Load Washer: Error Code List, LG USA Support
  4. LG Top Load Washer: Error Code List, LG USA Support
  5. Samsung washing machine is leaking, Samsung US Support
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