When you have a washer that will not drain or spin, it really is worthless. You need to get those items working if you want to wash clothing.
The most common reason why a washer won’t spin or drain is because of a faulty water level valve. You can access the water level valve on the control panel by removing the plastic tube. The tube should be cleaned and the valve free of damage or corrosion.
When a washing machine won’t drain, the water control valve is the most common reason. It doesn’t mean that it is the only reason and you may need to do a little more digging before you come to the proper solution.
Hopefully, a simple fix, such as cleaning the tube or replacing the valve is all that is necessary. Otherwise, you can look at some of the other potential fixes that will help to resolve this type of problem with most washers.
I would suggest starting at the top of the list and working your way down. You will be more likely to find the problem that needs to be fixed.
Washer Not Draining
If your washing machine isn’t draining, it may be a simple solution. There are a few things that can lead to this problem but we will start with the most common.
A common reason why a washing machine won’t drain is if the lid switch is damaged. Most people tend to slam the lid shut and the lid switch is not typically a heavy-duty item. It can break and when it does, the washer will no longer spin or drain because it thinks the lid is open.
The lid switch is a relatively simple item but you would be surprised with how often it is the culprit. If the lid switch detects that the lid is not closed properly, it will not allow the water to drain or the machine to spin.
The reason why it does this is for safety reasons. If the machine would continue to spin when you lifted the lid, you could easily get your arm entangled and it could be quite harmful.
That is why when you lift the lid and your washing machine is working properly, it will stop the spinning action almost immediately.
Fortunately, it is easy to replace the lid switch. If it is broken, you simply remove the old switch by removing a couple of screws and the wire clip. You can then insert the new switch and everything should be back up and running again.
Now that you’ve replaced the lid switch, you’ve also learned a valuable lesson. You can make the new lid switch last a lot longer by gently lowering the lid to the washing machine rather than letting it drop from a height.
Something is also similarly seen in washing machines that are frontloaded. They also have a switch that keeps the machine from running when the door is not closed. If the lid switch is not operating, it will think the door is open.
Check the Drain Hose
It may also be possible that the drain hose to the washing machine has become clogged or is pinched. A visual inspection will often determine if it needs to be repaired or cleaned.
Typically, the drain hose to a washing machine is heavy-duty and it is not very easy to pinch or crush it. It can happen over time, however, especially if an unbalanced load causes the machine to shift and put its full weight against drain hose.
The drain hose can also become clogged with debris over time and this can keep it from draining properly as well. If you suspect that the drain hose is the problem, remove the drain hose and run a snake through it. That will help to remove any clog.
Check beyond the Drain Hose
The drain hose may not be pinched or clogged but you may have a problem in the drain line that runs from the drain hose to the sewer. The easiest way to make this determination is to pour water down that tube to see if it backs up.
If you do have a problem with a clog, you may be able to fix the problem by running a long drain snake down the drain line. Depending upon how far the clog is from the opening, you may have to adjust the length of the snake or perhaps choose another option.
Unfortunately, there may be times in which you cannot use a snake to clean up the line. At times, you may have a semi-permanent obstruction, such as the drain line collapsing under the floor or perhaps a tree root growing into the line.
If you aren’t able to snake the line clean, you may need to choose an alternate drain route to a sink. Another option is to call a plumber and have them come out to clean the line thoroughly.
Be cautious with running the drain line into a 5-gallon bucket. They fill up quickly and you will need to monitor the bucket during the time that the washing machine is running. It is not recommended.
Check the Pump
If the drain line is clean, then you may need to check the pump to make sure it is still operating properly. This can be done using a multi-meter, but you will need to disconnect the pump from the machine.
Typically, a pump does not simply fail without giving any warning first. More than likely, you may have heard an unusual squealing or grinding when the pump was running. That is the sign that it is about to give out.
Check the Belts
There are belts inside of the washing machine that are used to make the drum spin. That is what forces the water out of the clothing and through the drain line.
Sometimes, the machine is not draining because the belts are not working. They have either become stretched over time or they are broken.
You can remove the panel to access the belts and make sure they are still in position. They should be taught or else the drum will not spin.
If the washing machine is running and the pump is running but the machine is not draining at all, it may be due to one of the belts being damaged or broken. It will need to be replaced.
These are the most common reasons why your washing machine is not draining. They are not the only reasons, and it may be necessary to call a professional if it is beyond your DIY capabilities.
In the meantime, you will need to manually remove the water from the washing machine using a bucket. Get as much water out as you can, remove the clothing and wring it out at the sink before putting it in the dryer.
Be aware that it is going to take longer to dry the clothing because it will have extra water in it. Don’t make a habit of doing it this way because it can be hard on your dryer.
Washer Not Draining Completely
Is your washing machine draining but do you still have water left when the cycle is finished? This is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Typically, a washing machine does not drain fully because the drain hose or line is either clogged or pinched. It will drain, but it drains slowly so the cycle will end before all of the water is gone. Otherwise, it may be a sign that your pump is starting to go bad.
When a washing machine is working properly, it will force a lot of water out of the machine in a short amount of time. That is why the drain hose is usually heavy-duty and rigid because it needs to stay in position and accept a lot of water.
At times, the washing machine may shift position. This typically happens when you run loads that are unbalanced and the machine is shaking.
The movement of the machine can force it back against the wall or pinch the hose under the machine. It takes a lot of force to do so, but the weight of the machine, coupled with the water that is in it, could have that effect.
The first step is to pull the machine away from the wall but try to look behind it first to see if the drain hose is pinched or crushed. If it is, you may have solved the issue by simply moving the washing machine out and un-pinching the line.
You might also want to consider buying a new drain line at this point. Although the drain lines are rigid, they can become damaged and if they are crushed or pinched, that may always be a weak spot.
Make sure that you check the drain line beyond the hose as well. You can do this by slowly pouring water into the line. If there is an obstruction, the water will back up in the line and it may drain slowly.
If there is an obstruction, either in the drain hose or in the line beyond it, you may be able to use a drain snake to clean it out. If at all possible, try to pull the obstruction back through the line and out into the room. Pushing it further down the line may only make it more difficult to fix later.
One other option is the possibility that it is the drain pump. The drain pump will likely make some noise if it is going bad, such as a grinding or squealing noise.
It may still be working to drain some of the water but it may not be operating at full capacity. That is why you may still be left with some water in the tub or extremely wet clothing after the cycle is complete.
One other thing to keep in mind is that it is not always necessary to have standing water in the tub for your washer not to be draining properly. Sometimes, it is just a matter of having additional moisture in the clothing after the spin cycle.
This may not seem like a big issue, but it is. If your clothes are not coming out of the washing machine at the appropriate dryness, it is going to make your dryer work double-time to get them dry.
Washer Will Not Spin
If your washing machine is not spinning, your clothes will not dry properly. Read on to find the simple solutions that can get your machine up and running again.
The most common reason why a washing machine is not spinning is because the lid switch is broken. The lid switch is a safety feature that stops the machine from spinning if the lid is open. It is also somewhat delicate, so slamming or dropping the lid will easily break it.
You can test the lid switch with a multimeter. You are checking for continuity and if it isn’t testing properly, the lid switch can be replaced. It is an easy DIY job.
Although the lid switch is the most common reason why you may be having this problem, it is by no means the only reason. Here are a few more to consider:
Unbalanced Loads in Washer
If you are not balancing out your loads properly, it may not spin properly. You might have some spinning action but the machine will recognize that it is not balanced and will not spin properly.
Washing Machine That is not Level
Make sure that the machine is level. This may need adjusted from time to time because the machine does shift as it is operating. An unleveled machine will not spin as it should.
Insufficient Power to the Washer
The washer is one of the more power-hungry appliances you have in your home. It should be plugged directly into the wall using the heavy duty cord attached to the appliance.
Never operate your washer using an extension cord. You should also ensure that there is not a problem with either the receptacle or the circuit breakers that power the unit.
If the washer is not getting enough power, it will not power the pump to the extent necessary. This may cause a variety of problems, including overheating and your machine not spinning properly.
Washer Not Draining Softener
Are you having problems draining fabric softener from your washing machine? We have the solution for you.
The common reason why a fabric softener is not draining from the washing machine is because you do not have enough water pressure. This can either be because of low pressure at your home in general or because the valves are partially or fully closed.
Something else you may want to consider is the possibility that a filter has become clogged. Some washing machines filter the water before going into the machine so that it pulls out any large particles.
If the filter is clogged, you will not have enough water pressure to wash the clothing properly or to drain the fabric softener from the machine.
Washer Not Draining During Spin Cycle
When your washer is not draining during the spin cycle, it can make it very difficult to get your clothes cleaned and dried. Fortunately, the solution is not typically out of reach.
Generally speaking, a washer will not drain during the spin cycle because the drain hose or line is clogged. Pull the machine away from the wall to relieve any pressure that may be pushing on the drain hose. Take it off and run water from a garden hose through it. Check the drain line beyond the drain hose for any clogs.
If the washing machine is spinning but you are still not draining properly, it will cause your clothing to be too wet after the cycle is finished. This can be difficult because it can make your dryer work overtime.
One other possibility is that a belt has become loose or broken. If a belt that operates the spin cycle becomes loose, it may not be spinning to the point where the water is fully draining.
Washer Will Not Drain After Wash Cycle
If your washing machine is going through the wash cycle but will not drain, it is not usually difficult to fix. It’s just a matter of knowing what to do.
A broken lid switch is the most common reason why water isn’t draining after the wash cycle. The lid switch keeps the machine from entering into the spin cycle if the lid is open. It may go through the wash cycle, which can be done with the lid open but if the lid switch is broken, it will engage safety precautions that keep the machine from spinning and potentially hurting the user.
This is a relatively common issue. The lid switch is a very delicate piece of equipment on your washing machine. That is not typically a problem, except most people tend to slam the door of a front loading machine or let the lid drop in a top loading machine.
In either case, you are putting excessive strain on the lid switch. It won’t be long before it breaks, causing the machine to think that the lid is open, even when it is closed.
You can test the lid switch for continuity. If necessary, it can be replaced easily.
Washer Won’t Drain Or Spin Just Hums
Is your washing machine humming but not working? Your pump may be to blame.
The most common reason why a washing machine hums but won’t spin or drain is because the pump has gone bad. That humming sound comes from the pump and can sometimes be accompanied by a squealing or grinding sound. Remove the pump and check it for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the pump if necessary.
It is also important to ensure that you are getting enough power from the wall to the machine. Most washers operate on a heavy duty pigtail that must be plugged directly into the wall.
Using an extension cord will not typically provide you with the power necessary to operate such a large appliance. In addition, if the circuit breaker is going bad, it can cause problems as well.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 19, 2022.
Ensure that you are giving full power to the machine. Otherwise, it will cause the motor to overheat and stop running.
Washer Won’t Drain Or Turn On
If your washer is not turning on, there is a solution you should consider.
The most common reason why a washer is not turning on is because it is not getting any power. Check the breaker box and ensure that no breakers have tripped. Most washers will be on a dedicated breaker. Otherwise, you can check the power cord for damage or the receptacle.
Sometimes, you may be running your washing machine on a GFI receptacle. The receptacle itself may therefore have a breaker, and you may need to reset the receptacle. Be aware that not all GFI receptacles have a reset button on them.
One other possibility is that the control panel has gone bad. You can’t test the control board but you can look at it visually using a magnifying glass.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 19, 2022.
If you see any burnt or damaged areas in the circuitry, it is likely that the control board has gone bad. It can be replaced easily.
Washer Spins But Won’t Drain Water
Is your washer spinning but not draining? Most homeowners are able to fix this problem easily.
A problem with a washing machine that spins but will not drain is often due to a clogged or pinched drain line. Gently pull the washing machine away from the wall and inspect the line to ensure that it is not pinched or crushed. You can then use a drain snake to either clear out the line or the drain line beyond it.
Sometimes, the water is draining but it is not draining enough to get your clothes drive. This can be a problem because it means you are putting wet clothes into the dryer and it will take longer to finish the load.
If that is the case, make sure that you have enough power going to the washer. Never run a washer on a extension cord. The heavy-duty cord should be plugged directly into the wall.
It may also be a problem with the pump. If the pump is failing or overheating, it may not be fully spinning the washer and forcing the water out.
If you have a problem with your washer not draining or spinning, always check the drain hose first. The drain hose is a rigid line that takes water from the washer and dumps it directly into a line that leads out to the sewer. Remove the drain hose and force water through it with a garden hose. Use a drain snake to remove the obstruction if it is in the drain line.
Related Articles
Top Washing Machine Problems and How To Fix Them
Washer Stuck on a Step: Troubleshooting & How to Fix
Washer Not Working/Washer Problems
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 19, 2022.