What is actually happening
Near the end of a wash the machine runs its drain pump to empty the drum before it spins. If the water level sensor still reads full after that pump has run for its allotted time, the machine stops rather than attempting to spin a drum full of water. Almost always the pump is running but nothing is moving — which is why people often say they can hear it trying.
The usual causes
- A blocked pump filter — coins, hair grips, buttons and screws collect there and it is by far the most common cause
- A sock or similar pulled through the drum and jammed in the pump impeller
- A kinked or blocked drain hose, or a blocked standpipe / sink trap where the hose empties
- A failed drain pump — it hums but the impeller does not turn
- A blocked pressure chamber hose, so the machine wrongly believes the drum is still full
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Switch the machine off at the wall before touching anything
- Open the small hatch at the bottom front, have a towel and a shallow tray ready, and unscrew the filter — expect a lot of water
- Clear whatever is in the filter, and turn the impeller behind it with a finger to check it spins freely
- Check the drain hose behind the machine for kinks, and pour a jug of water down the standpipe or sink trap to confirm it runs away
Still not draining?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not draining?
The cycle has stopped with water still sitting in the drum, because the machine cannot get the water out. Near the end of a wash the machine runs its drain pump to empty the drum before it spins. If the water level sensor still reads full after that pump has run for its allotted time, the machine stops rather than attempting to spin a drum full of water. Almost always the pump is running but nothing is moving — which is why people often say they can hear it trying.
Can I fix a washing machine not draining myself?
Switch the machine off at the wall before touching anything. Open the small hatch at the bottom front, have a towel and a shallow tray ready, and unscrew the filter — expect a lot of water. Clear whatever is in the filter, and turn the impeller behind it with a finger to check it spins freely. Check the drain hose behind the machine for kinks, and pour a jug of water down the standpipe or sink trap to confirm it runs away. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine not draining?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics
- washing machine not filling with water