Quick Answer
If your washer won't drain, check for an unbalanced load, paused cycle, kinked drain hose, clogged standpipe, blocked pump filter, or lid lock issue first. If water stays after basic checks, the problem may be a failed pump, blocked pump housing, bad lid switch, pressure sensor issue, wiring fault, or control problem.
Symptoms at a Glance
Washer full of water after the cycle**
Likely cause: Drain pump failure, clogged filter, blocked hose, or control issue.
Homeowner action: Check the drain hose and cycle setting.
Washer hums but does not drain
Likely cause: Pump obstruction, failed motor, or seized impeller.
Homeowner action: Stop the cycle if the sound continues.
Water drains slowly
Likely cause: Kinked hose, clogged filter, blockage, or restricted standpipe.
Homeowner action: Inspect the visible hose path.
Washer stops before spin
Likely cause: Lid lock, load balance, drain error, or pressure sensor fault.
Homeowner action: Rebalance the load and note any code.
Drain water backs up onto the floor
Likely cause: Home drain restriction, standpipe issue, or drain hose placement problem.
Homeowner action: Stop the washer and protect the floor.
Washer shows a drain error code
Likely cause: Pump, filter, hose, pressure switch, or control issue.
Homeowner action: Photograph the code before resetting.
Repair Difficulty Meter
DIY difficulty: Low for checking settings, load balance, visible hose kinks, standpipe overflow, and accessible filters.
Estimated time: 15-40 minutes.
Tools needed: Towels, shallow pan, flashlight, owner's manual, and gloves.
Safety risk: Moderate because water, electricity, moving parts, and sharp edges may be involved.
When to call a professional: Call when the washer stays full, hums, leaks, has a locked door, repeats drain codes, or needs pump access.