Is your washing machine leaving clothes soaking wet? A washer that won’t spin or drain is one of the most common laundry appliance problems, but the good news is that many causes are simple to diagnose and fix yourself. Here are the top 5 culprits and what you can do about them.
Quick Answer Guide
1. Clogged Drain Pump or Filter – Remove debris blocking water flow (coins, lint, small items)
2. Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose – Straighten hose and clear any blockages
3. Broken or Worn Drive Belt – Replace the belt that connects motor to drum
4. Faulty Lid Switch or Door Lock – Replace malfunctioning safety switch preventing spin cycle
5. Damaged Drain Pump – Replace pump that’s no longer moving water out
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
1. Clogged Drain Pump or Filter
The drain pump filter catches small objects before they damage your pump. Over time, it accumulates lint, coins, buttons, and other debris that block water drainage.
How to Fix:
- Unplug your washer and turn off water supply
- Locate the drain pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the front bottom of the machine)
- Place towels on the floor and have a shallow container ready
- Slowly unscrew the filter counterclockwise (water will drain out)
- Remove any debris, hair, or objects from the filter
- Check the pump impeller behind the filter for obstructions and spin it to ensure it moves freely
- Clean the filter with warm soapy water
- Reinstall the filter and test your washer
Prevention Tip: Check and clean your filter every 3-4 months to prevent buildup.
2. Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
The drain hose carries water from your washer to your home’s drain system. If it’s kinked, clogged, or positioned incorrectly, water can’t escape.
How to Fix:
- Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall
- Locate the drain hose (typically attached to the back of the machine)
- Inspect the entire length for kinks, twists, or damage
- Disconnect the hose from both the washer and drain (have a bucket ready for water)
- Look inside for clogs like lint buildup or foreign objects
- Run water through the hose into a bucket to clear blockages
- Ensure the hose isn’t inserted too far into the standpipe (no more than 8 inches)
- Reconnect everything, making sure the hose has gentle curves without sharp bends
Important: The drain hose should be elevated at least 30 inches above the floor to prevent backflow.
3. Broken or Worn Drive Belt
The drive belt connects your washer’s motor to the drum. When it breaks or becomes loose, the drum won’t spin even though the motor runs.
Signs of a Bad Belt:
- Burning rubber smell
- Washer makes noise but drum doesn’t turn
- Visible belt damage or looseness
How to Fix:
- Unplug the washer completely
- Access the belt by removing the washer’s back or front panel (consult your model’s manual)
- Inspect the belt for fraying, cracks, or if it’s fallen off the pulleys
- Take a photo of how the belt routes around the pulleys before removing
- Remove the old belt and clean the pulley areas
- Loop the new belt around the motor pulley first, then stretch it onto the drum pulley
- Rotate the drum manually to ensure proper belt alignment
- Reassemble the panels and test the washer
When to Call a Pro: If you’re uncomfortable disassembling your washer, this job is best left to a technician.
4. Faulty Lid Switch or Door Lock
Modern washers have safety switches that prevent spinning when the lid or door is open. A malfunctioning switch tricks the washer into thinking the door is open.
Testing the Switch:
- For top-loaders: Open the lid and locate the small plastic tab the lid presses down
- Use a pen or screwdriver to manually press the switch while listening for a click
- For front-loaders: Listen for the door lock clicking when you close it
- Check for error codes on your display that indicate lock problems
How to Fix:
- Unplug the washer for safety
- Access the switch by removing the top panel or door housing
- Disconnect the wire harness from the switch
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity when the switch is pressed
- If there’s no continuity, replace the switch with an OEM part
- Reconnect all wiring and test
Cost: Lid switches typically cost between $20-50 and are relatively easy to replace.
5. Damaged Drain Pump
If you’ve checked everything else and water still won’t drain, the pump itself may have failed. Pumps can burn out from age, debris damage, or electrical issues.
Signs Your Pump Is Bad:
- Humming sound but no water draining
- Complete silence when drain cycle should start
- Visible leaks around the pump
- Burning smell coming from the pump area
How to Fix:
- Unplug the washer and turn off water
- Drain any standing water using the emergency drain hose or by bailing it out
- Access the pump by removing the front panel or tipping the washer
- Disconnect the electrical connections and hose clamps
- Remove the old pump (note the orientation for installation)
- Install the new pump in the same position
- Reconnect all hoses with new clamps if needed
- Reconnect electrical wiring
- Test with a small load
Professional Help: Pump replacement can be challenging due to tight spaces and multiple connections. If you’re not confident, hiring a technician may save time and prevent water damage from incorrect installation.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
Check for Overloading: An overloaded washer can’t spin properly. Remove some items and try again.
Ensure Level Installation: A washer that’s not level may fail to drain or spin. Use a level tool and adjust the feet.
Run a Diagnostic Cycle: Many modern washers have built-in diagnostic modes. Check your manual for instructions.
Look for Error Codes: Digital displays often show codes that identify specific problems. Search your model number plus the error code for specific guidance.
When to Call a Professional
While many washer drainage and spinning issues are DIY-friendly, contact a professional appliance repair technician if:
- You’ve tried these fixes without success
- You smell burning or see smoke
- There’s significant water leaking during operation
- Your washer is still under warranty
- You’re uncomfortable working with electrical components
Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Future Problems
Keep your washer spinning and draining properly with regular maintenance:
- Clean the filter monthly
- Use the right amount of HE detergent
- Don’t overload the machine
- Leave the door open between washes to prevent mold
- Run a cleaning cycle monthly
- Check hoses and connections every six months
- Remove items from pockets before washing
A washer that won’t spin or drain doesn’t always mean an expensive repair bill. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself, saving both time and money. Start with the simplest solutions first and work your way through the list until you find the culprit.