7 Reasons for Sitting Water
There are seven main reasons you may have sitting water in your washer. They are:
1. A Roadblock
The double tub in the washer may operate adequately, but the sitting water could be present due to a clogged drain hose. When the host is blocked, the water cannot drain from the outer tub and becomes trapped. A common cause is an item that has slipped out of the innertube to create an obstruction or clog. Look for any signs of obstruction; if they are removed, the water should drain properly again.
2. The Slow Drain
If the water drains from the washer very slowly and then reappears, this is a sign that you’re probably dealing with a slow drain problem. This happens when the drain has become partially clogged, or the drain hose is too far in the tub. In both scenarios, the water cannot leave the washer's prosperity, and a pool of water is formed.
3. The Drain Hose has Failed
If the drain hose is bad or poorly installed, it can prevent water from draining from your washer. This could be a broken or split drain hose or too many sharp twists and turns along the hose's length. Take a quick look at the drain hose. Does it look twisted and messy, or is it straight? If you take a little time to straighten the drain hose, you can remove the kinks and normal draining is restored. If the drain hose has gone wrong, it must be replaced with a fresh hose. Ensure the drain hose is the correct length and install it with minimal twists and turns.
4. The Drain Filter is Clogged
Many washers have drain filters designed to capture lint, hair, debris, and loose pieces of fabric. This is especially true in older models; most manufacturers recommend regular cleaning to keep these filters clean.
The best cleaning interval is every three months, and the location of this filter will vary depending on the make and model. Some washers have a small access panel or hatch on the front of the appliance. This may be removable with a pull or twist, or there could be screws to remove. There are models with a filter installed at the end of the drain hose, which can be in or behind the washer. Some top-loading appliances have drainage filters at the uppermost drum rim or under the central agitator unit.
If unsure, check the owner’s manual for your machine or contact the manufacturer for help. A very dirty drainage filter may degrade its efficiency and lead to slow drainage issues.
5. A Faulty Drain Pump
If water drains freely from the drain hose when you disconnect it from the wall, it’s more likely that the drain pump is faulty. The drain hose is placed in an elevated position above the washer, and the drain pump is needed to force the expelled water through the hose. Drain pumps are also susceptible to clogs, and like any hard-working mechanical component, they can fail.
There are two other signs to look for to determine if a faulty drain pump is the cause of the sitting water in the washer. First, you may have noticed that the washing machine leaks water regularly. Second, a strange grinding noise could be caused by debris trapped in the unit.
To check the drain pump, unplug the appliance, move it away from the wall, and look for a rear access panel. Check the owner’s manual for instructions on removing it, and check the pump for obstructions. These are often dirt, dust, fabric pieces, lint, or even small foreign objects such as coins or Legos.
This is why it’s essential to check all pockets of clothing items before you start a wash cycle. If there is no obstruction, the pump could be faulty, and you will need to replace it with an identical part. You could check your local hardware store or look for the new drainage pump online. If you’re not confident about the task, contact an appliance repair specialist who can fix the problem.
6. The Switch or Lid Sensor Has Failed
Top-loading washers have a sensor that detects when the lid is closed. If this sensor has failed, the washer will work on the premise that the lid is open. So, it will not perform a wash or spin cycle because that could release water into the laundry room. This is easy to check; open the lid and start a wash cycle. Then, depress the lid switch manually with your finger, and the washer should attempt to start the wash cycle. If this doesn’t happen, it’s a good sign that the sensor is faulty and needs replacing. A new part should be easy to source, and it may be easy to install. Follow the owner’s manual instructions or look for some advice online.
7. Overloading the Washer
If the washer is filled, a load imbalance can hinder or interrupt the spin cycle, causing standing water and damaging the washer. To prevent these issues, distribute the load evenly throughout the drum to mitigate the risk of an imbalance. Switching to smaller loads and sorting laundry loads by density are also great ways to make the wash cycles shorter and better balanced.
How to Troubleshoot the Problem
The priority is to deal with the sitting water and the laundry load in the washer. Then, it’s essential to identify and fix the cause to prevent a recurrence later. If the underlying cause isn’t dealt with, there’s a good chance that future cycles could be at risk. There are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem quickly. They are:
- Remove the Clothes: Carefully remove the clothing items, wring them with your hands over a sink, and set them aside somewhere to dry naturally.
- Run a Spin Cycle: This may seem strange, but sometimes, a random and temporary malfunction can cause this problem. The best way to determine if this is an isolated problem is to run another spin cycle to see if the water drains away.
- Switch off the Power and Water Supply: If a second spin cycle doesn’t fix the problem, switch off the power and water supply. This will prevent flooding and reduce the risk of an electrical shock. It will also be important if you’re searching for clogs in the drainage hose and/or drain pump unit.
- Check for Clogs: Check the drain filter, hose, and pump for any clogs preventing efficient draining. When you do this, work carefully to prevent losing covers, screws, or other items that you will need to replace later. Keep the owner’s manual on hand for easy reference. Keep a bucket handy to catch any stagnant water that may rush out when you detach the drainage hose.
- Snaking Clogs: In many cases, removing the clogs will restore standard functionality and reduce the risk of future blockages.
- Cleaning Drain Filters: Remember to check and clean the drain filters every three months. This process will vary depending on your specific appliance, but it will be detailed in the owner’s manual. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, look for a free PDF for your washer online and keep it on your phone.
The Manufacturer’s Warranty
It’s important to understand that attempting a DIY repair is not a good idea if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers your washer. Certain warranties may be voided if a repair is attempted by the owner or an improperly trained technician. If you purchased an extended warranty with the appliance, it may still be valid long after you’ve forgotten about it. A manufacturer’s warranty represents many hidden values regarding repairs and replacements.
In Conclusion
If you are sure your washer is not under a manufacturer’s warranty and have the owner’s manual, it may be possible to identify and fix the problem yourself. But, for those lacking DIY skills or the confidence to attempt such a repair, it’s better to contact an appliance repair specialist. They can fix the problem quickly; in many cases, they may have the exact part required on hand, or they can get it fast. This will reduce the downtime and get your washer back up and running in time for that next load.