When a washing machine becomes unbalanced, it may start to vibrate excessively. The vibrations can quickly cause collateral damage, so it's a problem that needs immediate attention. You can often fix the problem by redistributing the load - often a single heavy item in a light load can unbalance the drum. FAQ for Samsung Washing Machines. Find more about 'Samsung Top Loader Washer: How to clean a washing drum in automatic mode' with Samsung Support.
Laundry is a chore that most of us don’t enjoy because it takes a lot of time. The last thing you need is your washer backing up!
Why is my washing machine not draining? There are several reasons why your washing machine might back up. But is it the washer itself, or is it an issue in the plumbing? You should be able to narrow it down by considering the following scenarios.
1. Water is not draining out of the washer at all
There shouldn’t be any water in the drum when the washing machine cycle is finished. If there is, the chances are high that your washing machine is malfunctioning. You will need to call an authorized repair company to come fix it. If it turns out that this isn’t the problem, you will need to consider the next scenario.
2. Water is draining out of the washer but is backing up at the pipes on the wall or the floor
Thewashing machine drain box is where the lines and hoses from your washingmachine connect to your home’s plumbing. If the water is backing up there, it’sa sign that the problem is in the plumbing. Below are some of the most commoncauses of a washing machine back up.
Thekitchen and washing machine share the same drain
In many homes, kitchen appliances andthe washer drain through the same pipe. Grease and food often build up in thatpipe, slowing the water flow. If it gets bad enough, it might stop altogether.This not only backs up kitchen appliances but can also back up your washingmachine as well.
Sometimes, water might back up in thekitchen sink while you’re doing a load of laundry, or your bathtub will fillwith water. Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need tocall a professional to clear thedrainfor you.
Luckily, you can avoid major clogs bynot putting food and grease down your kitchen drain. There are also enzymes availablethat can help keep pipes clear and remove minor blockages. Enzymes won’t fix aserious clog. You will need to get your drainscleanedprofessionally for that.
Thewashing machine uses too much water for the drain
The pipe that drains your washermight be too small for the water capacity of the machine. Imagine trying topour a gallon of water through a small funnel all at once. The water can’t exitthe funnel fast enough, so it overflows.
This is similar to what can happen ifyour washing machine dumps too much water into the drain. If that’s the case,you end up with a backed-up washer, similar to the overflowing funnel, thoughwe hope that it doesn’t come to that. Often, older homes have 1½-inch washingmachine drain lines. Modern washers are designed for 2-inch drain lines.
If you think this might be theproblem, talk to your plumber aboutgetting it checked out.
House has cast-iron pipes
A Empty Slot Washing Machine Drum Machines
Some older homes have cast-ironpipes. The problem is that cast-iron pipes have a habit of building up sludgeand rust if not used enough or if the home sits empty for a while. Cast ironpipes need a flow of water to keep everything clear. If enough sludge buildsup, you may need to get the pipes cleaned or replaced.
Thep-trap is clogged
The p-trap is a section of pipe inthe shape of a U and is behind the wall. It serves a few purposes, but rightnow we’re concerned with its ability to catch debris. As water flows throughit, sand, lint and other things sink to the bottom of the U. This helps preventclogs further down the line. If the p-trap gets too full and clogs, it can makeyour washer back up.
This is likely to be the problem ifyou see water at the wall, but you don’t see any of the other symptoms wementioned above. You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to clear the p-trap.
Thegood newsis that all of these problems can be fixed. Proper drain maintenance and beingcareful with what you put down the drain can help to keep these problems fromhappening. If you’re already having problems with a backed-up washer, ourprofessional plumbers are available 24 hours. Ask us a question or schedule service today! Youcan also reach our team at 505-761-9644.
If your washing machine won’t drain the water out this article gives advice on how to fix it. Has the washing machine only just been plumbed in and it won’t empty? Then you might not even need to drain or pull the washer out – so read this first won’t drain after being moved or plumbed in.
If your washing machine is stuck full of water because it’s gone dead, just make sure that it isn’t something simple like the fuse or a problem with the wall socket. This could save a lot of messing about trying to drain the washing machine.
Otherwise you need to drain out as much of the water as possible before doing anything else. Read this article how to manually drain out the water that’s stuck inside washing machine and return here when you have drained out the water.
What are the main causes of not draining?
Once you’ve drained out as much water as you can it’s time to investigate further. If the washer appears to be functioning normally, but won’t pump away the water, these are the most common causes
- A blockage somewhere
- Something jammed in the pump
- Pump failure
- An electrical fault
There are 2 variations of this fault. One is when the washing machine is left completely full of water and not one drop has been pumped away. The other is when only some of the water gets pumped away. The latter can be caused by an intermittent fault, or more commonly by a partial blockage somewhere. However, bear in mind that if another fault prevents the washing machine doing a fast spin, that might account for some of the water left in the drum if it’s not too much.
Is the water pump running – or not?
It’s important to establish whether the pump is running or not. If the pump is running, but not draining out water then we suspect a blockage somewhere. But if the pump is not running, then it could be a fault on the pump, something jamming the pump, or an electrical fault.
Note that some washing machines like Hotpoint Whirlpool and maybe Indesit turn off the pump when there’s no water inside so if you are only testing it without water that could be why it isn’t running.
If the pump isn’t running
The most common reason a pump isn’t running is because an obstruction is physically jammed inside it. Check that the impeller turns and it’s not jammed (or broken and loose on the shaft). It may have a little magnetic resistance at one point but it should be at the same point on each revolution.
The impeller should turn fairly easily. It might be possible to hear a gentle hum in place of the normal pump sound when it’s trying to drain, although not necessarily. A hum would indicate the pump is electrically OK and is trying to run but is jammed.
With water drained out of the washing machine remove the pump filter and check for obstructions. If no pump filter is fitted the pump may need removing to check. Some pump filters are hidden behind the kickplate, how do I clean my pump filter – where is the pump filter?If you can’t see anything it might be wiser to book an appliance repair
Pump isn’t jammed
If the pump is not running but not blocked or jammed then it needs testing with a continuity test meter for open circuit resistance across the pump’s terminals. An open circuit pump is clearly faulty and needs replacing. The windings on a standard washing machine pump would normally have a resistance of around 165 Ohms. If it isn’t open circuit or jammed you’d need to investigate if it is getting power and has a neutral return. These are things an engineer should be doing – Find white goods appliance repairs
Buy a new pump
Washing Machine Drum Replacement
If you need to buy a new pump try Ransom Spares – Washing machine pumps
Is the pump making a loud grinding noise?
If the pump is making a loud grinding noise, either constantly or intermittently, there is likely to be something inside being tossed around by the impeller. It’s possible for a pump to have bearing failure, but in most cases it will be an obstruction (such as a coin, hair band, hair grip, bra wire etc.) stuck inside the pump. With the water drained out and pump filter removed it should be possible to see into the pump (where the impeller is) to check for obstructions.
Checking for blockages
Is the drain hose connected to the u-bend under the sink? If so try checking the spigot for blockages. Note that if you cannot hear the pump running don’t bother. A blockage here would not stop the pump running, nor would it make the pump stop making its normal noise.
This is a simple fix, and can be done without moving the washing machine. The drain hose is connected to the u-bend by a plastic spigot pushed into the end of the drain hose. Unscrew the spigot to inspect inside. Also check inside the u-bend where the spigot screws on. A small button, or accumulated bits of stringy threads and lint from laundry can get stuck here. It takes surprisingly little to stop the water being pumped away at this point.
Check for a blocked pump filter
Next you need to check for blockages in the main pump filter if your washing machine has one. Most do. You will need to have drained out as much water as possible before removing the filter. Also, put down large bath towels before removing the pump filter to soak up the water that will inevitably come out.
Taking the filter out
It should be easy to pull the filter out. If unsure check your instruction manual or the pump filter link above. If the filter appears jammed and won’t come out read the advice in the pump filter article. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that anything found in the filter will account for the fault. The pump filter would need to be physically blocked by something like a sock, or a buildup of lint to stop the washing machine from pumping out.
If all you find is a few buttons and coins this will not be the reason your washing machine isn’t pumping the water. Only an object actually jamming the pump impeller or a substantial blockage of the filter would account for not draining.
More pump troubleshooting
Appliance Repairs?
Choose from my list of white goods appliance repairers.
If you can’t find a blockage
If there are no blockages substantial enough to account for the problem there could still be a blockage – but in less accessible places. It’s probably better to consider finding an appliance engineer. A more obscure blockage could be inside the drum, the sump hose, the pump chamber, or even inside the drain hose. This type of blockage would normally also stop water being drained out manually. So if water drained out easily through the drain hose or filter hose it implies there is no physical blockage.
Remember you should only be looking for a blockage if you can hear that the pump is running. If the pump is not running we aren’t suspecting a blockage. If it’s running, not emptying, and there’s no blockage in the pump, filter or u-bend read here – Can’t Find a Blockage But Washing Machine Still Not Draining
Be Safe: Don’t risk it
If you aren’t experienced and trained for working on electrical and mechanical appliances you should probably book an appliance engineer.
Even if experienced, please take a moment to check out my DIY repair safety advice, which not only covers electrical safety but has tips and advice that you may be less aware of too. Don’t be complacent.
Don’t get carried away
Over the years, even experienced appliance repairmen have been seriously injured or killed repairing appliances.