Why won't my washing machine drain?
Updated August 2026
A washer that ends its cycle with a tub full of standing water almost always has a clogged drain-pump filter, the small access trap at the front-bottom of most front-loaders that catches coins, hairpins, lint, and lost socks. Opening it and clearing the debris is free and fixes the majority of no-drain complaints. Lay towels down first, since a half-gallon or more can spill out. If the filter is clean, the ranked causes below take you the rest of the way.
Safety first: standing wash water plus a plugged-in appliance is a shock hazard, so unplug the washer before you open the pump filter or reach into the housing. Bail out as much water as you can with a cup and bucket first so the tub does not flood the floor when you crack the filter. The pump can also hold a sharp object like a bra wire, so feel around slowly rather than grabbing.
Causes, most likely first
| Cause | How likely | The fix | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clogged drain-pump filter or trap | Most common | Open the front access door, unthread the filter over a shallow pan, and pull out the coins and lint. Rinse it and reseat it. | Free |
| Kinked or clogged drain hose | Common | Straighten the hose behind the machine and flush the standpipe. A hose pushed too far down a standpipe can also siphon. | $0–20 |
| Object jammed in the pump impeller | Common | A bra wire or coin past the filter stops the impeller. Reach into the pump housing and clear it once power is off. | Free, or $150 pro |
| Failed drain pump | Occasional | A pump that hums but moves no water, or is silent, has failed. Replace the pump assembly. | $150–350 installed |
| Broken lid switch or door lock | Occasional | Many machines will not drain until the lid or door is confirmed shut. Replace the switch or lock. | $20–150 |
| Clogged house standpipe or drain | Rare | If the pump runs but water backs up, the building drain is blocked. Snake the standpipe. | $150–300 |
Check these first
- Unplug the machine, then bail the tub down with a cup and bucket so you are not fighting a full drum.
- Pull the washer out and check the drain hose for a kink, and confirm it is not shoved more than a few inches into the standpipe.
- Open the front drain-pump filter over a shallow pan and clear everything caught in it.
- Redistribute a lopsided load: some machines abort the spin-and-drain when they sense a heavy imbalance.
- Listen during the drain step. A humming pump with no water flow points at a jam or a dead pump; silence points at the lid switch or control.
Prevent it next time
The single habit that prevents most no-drain calls is clearing the drain-pump filter every few months, which stops coins and lint from ever reaching the impeller. Check pockets before washing, and wash small items in a mesh bag. Our washing machine maintenance checklist puts the filter clean on a schedule alongside the gasket and hose checks, and cleaning the door gasket on the same visit keeps debris and slime out of the drain path.
When to call a pro
Stop and call a technician when the filter and hose are clear but the tub still holds water, which usually means a failed pump or a control-board fault. A pump replacement runs $150–350 installed and a lid-switch or lock repair $20–150. If the machine is more than 8–10 years old and needs a pump plus another part, our washer lifespan guide and the cost calculator help you decide between the repair and a replacement that typically lasts 10–13 years.
Most of the causes above are maintenance problems wearing a disguise. OnOtto keeps the boring prevention on schedule so the 2 a.m. version doesn't happen.
Stop chasing symptoms, free for 30 daysFrequently asked questions
How do I drain a washer full of water manually?
Unplug the machine first. Lower the drain hose into a bucket below the water line to siphon the tub down, or bail it with a cup if the hose will not reach. On a front-loader, open the small access panel at the front-bottom, place a shallow pan under the drain-pump filter, and slowly unthread it to let the rest run out. Have several towels ready, because even after bailing there is usually a quart or two left in the pump.
Where is the drain-pump filter on a front-load washer?
It sits behind a small hinged or pop-off panel at the front-bottom corner, usually the lower right. Behind it you will find a round threaded cap, sometimes with a short drain hose tucked beside it. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it. Expect coins, hair, lint, and the occasional sock. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this trap every one to three months, and a clogged filter is the number-one reason a front-loader stops draining.
Why does my washer drain but not fully empty?
A partial drain usually means a partial blockage: a filter that is dirty but not fully packed, a hose with a mild kink, or a pump impeller dragging on debris. It can also be a standpipe that drains slowly and backs a little water into the tub. Clear the filter and straighten the hose first. If a small pool keeps returning after every cycle, the pump is likely weakening and getting close to a full failure.
How often should I clean the drain-pump filter?
Every one to three months for most homes, and monthly if you wash a lot of pet bedding, shed-prone fabrics, or forget to empty pockets. It is a five-minute job that prevents the slow buildup that eventually stalls the pump. Skipping it for a year is how coins and lint pack the trap until a cycle finishes with the drum still full. Put it on a recurring reminder so it never becomes an emergency.