From our experience, some washer draining issues can be fixed by homeowners, such as cleaning the filter or checking the drain hose. However, more complex issues like pump or control board failures require professional repair. If your washer still isn’t draining, Houston Appliance Fix is here to help! We provide expert washer repair services in Houston, TX, ensuring your appliance runs smoothly again. Read more about our washer repair:
Reasons Why the Washer Won’t Drain
- Clogged Drain Pump Filter
- Blocked Drain Hose
- Faulty Drain Pump
- Clogged Household Drain System
- Malfunctioning Main Control Board
Clogged Drain Pump Filter – №1
If your washing machine isn’t draining, the first thing to check is the drain pump filter. Over time, lint, small objects, and detergent buildup can clog the filter, preventing the pump from pushing water out.
Diagnosis And Fix
- Locate the drain pump filter—usually at the bottom front panel of your washer
- Place a bowl or towel underneath to catch any excess water
- Open the small drain tube next to the filter to release trapped water
- Slowly unscrew the filter and remove any debris inside
- Reinstall the filter and run a drain cycle to check if the issue is resolved
Blocked Drain Hose – №2
Another common cause is a clogged or kinked drain hose. If your washer tries to drain but struggles, the hose might be blocked.
Diagnosis And Fix
- Visually inspect the drain hose at the back of the washer
- Check for kinks, twists, or physical obstructions
- Disconnect the hose and inspect the inside
- Use a vacuum or a strong stream of water to clear out any debris
- Reconnect the hose and test the machine
Faulty Drain Pump – №3
If you hear the pump running, but water isn’t draining, the pump itself may be faulty. From our experience, one of the most common failures is a broken impeller, which prevents the pump from pushing water out.
Diagnosis And Fix
- Listen for the pump—if it’s making a humming or clicking sound but not draining, it may be failing
- Remove the pump and inspect the impeller for any damage or obstruction
- If the pump is faulty, replace it with a new one
Repair cost: from $250
Clogged Household Drain System – №4
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your washing machine but with your home’s plumbing. If the drain pipe is clogged, the pump has nowhere to send the water.
Diagnosis And Fix
- Remove the washer’s drain hose from the wall drain pipe
- Place the hose in a bucket and run a drain cycle
- If water drains properly into the bucket, your washer is fine—the problem is in your home’s drain system
- Use a plumbing snake or drain cleaner to clear any blockages in your household drain
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $220
Malfunctioning Main Control Board – №5
If your drain pump isn’t running at all, the issue could be with the main control board. The board sends power to the drain pump, and if it’s faulty, the pump won’t activate.
Diagnosis And Fix
- Try running a drain/spin cycle and listen for the pump
- If the pump makes no sound at all, the board may not be sending power to it
- Since electrical repairs can be dangerous, contact a professional technician to inspect and replace the board if necessaryCheck the drain hose for blockages. If it’s clogged, clear it out
Repair cost: from $250
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I’m an appliance repair technician based in Houston, Texas. Here, I share my hands-on experience and insights. Hope you find my articles helpful! Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d be happy to chat!
4 Comments
Hi! My issue matches the clogged drain pump filter section in your article. I have followed all the steps, but my washing machine still won’t drain water. I would like to use your services—how much would the repair approximately cost?
It’s not possible to give an estimated price upfront, as the cost can vary significantly. A technician needs to perform a diagnosis first, after which a repair estimate can be provided. The issue could be with the wiring to the drain pump, the drain pump itself, or the control board. In some washing machines, both the board and drain pump may need to be replaced together.The price may range from $270 to $500 if both the main control board and drain pump have failed.
My washer won’t drain, and I don’t hear any noise from the pump. Does that mean the pump is dead, or could it be something else? How can I tell if the control board is the real issue and not the pump itself?
It could be the pump, but also a control board, wiring issue, or pressure switch. Check if the pump gets power first.