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Washer won't drain? What to check before buying a part

Troubleshooting Β· November 1, 2026 Β· 4 min read

If your washer finishes a cycle with water still inside, don't rush to buy a new pump. A few simple checks can save you money.

Safety first: unplug the washer and turn off the water taps before you check anything. Have towels ready, as water will come out.

1. Check the drain hose

Make sure the hose behind the washer is not kinked or crushed, and that it is not pushed too far into the standpipe. A blocked hose looks exactly like a broken pump.

2. Clean the pump filter (front-load washers)

Many front-load washers have a small door at the bottom front. Behind it is a filter that catches coins, hair pins and socks. Drain the water with the small hose (if there is one), then unscrew and clean the filter.

3. Listen to the pump

Start a drain or spin cycle and listen. A humming sound with no water moving often means something is stuck in the pump. Silence can mean the pump motor has failed, or the control board is not sending power.

4. When to replace the drain pump

If the hose and filter are clear and the pump hums, buzzes loudly, or does nothing, the pump is the likely problem. Find the part number on the old pump and search for it.

5. Could it be the lid lock or the board?

On some washers, a faulty lid/door lock or control board stops the drain cycle. If a new pump does not fix it, these are the next things to check.

Not sure? Text us your washer model and what it's doing. We'll tell you what we have that may help.
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