Washing machine not draining? How to fix it yourself
A step-by-step guide to clearing a washing machine that won't drain, from the pump filter to the waste hose and sink trap.
Nine times out of ten it's a blocked pump filter. Switch off at the wall, drain the water through the small hose behind the bottom kick panel, then unscrew and clean the filter.
A washing machine that stops mid-cycle with a drum full of water is alarming, but it's usually one of the easiest faults to fix at home. You'll need a shallow tray or baking dish, a few old towels, and about half an hour.
1. Switch off and unplug
Turn the machine off and pull the plug out of the wall. Don't rely on the on/off button alone.
2. Drain the water out
On most front loaders there's a small flap or kick panel at the bottom front corner. Behind it you'll find the pump filter (a large round cap) and often a thin rubber emergency drain hose.
Lay towels down and put your tray under the hose. Pull the hose out, remove its bung and let the water run out. Expect to empty the tray several times.
If there's no emergency hose, you can slowly unscrew the filter a little at a time to let the water out in a controlled way.
3. Clean the pump filter
Once the water has stopped, unscrew the filter anticlockwise and pull it out. You'll often find coins, hair grips, buttons, fluff and the odd sock. Rinse the filter under the tap and look inside the opening with a torch. Check that the small impeller behind it spins freely by turning it with a finger.
Screw the filter back firmly, refit the bung on the drain hose, and close the flap.
4. Check the drain hose
Pull the machine out carefully and follow the grey ribbed hose from the back. Look for kinks, especially where the machine has been pushed back against the wall. If you can, take it off and run water through it to check it's clear.
5. Clear the sink trap or standpipe
If the hose goes into the sink waste, the trap under the sink may be blocked. Unscrew it over a bucket and clean it out. If the machine drains into a standpipe, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down it to shift any soap build-up.
6. Test it
Plug the machine back in and run a rinse and spin cycle with no clothes. Watch for leaks around the filter.
Still not draining?
If you can hear the machine trying to drain but the water doesn't move, and the filter and hoses are clear, the drain pump has probably failed. Pumps are cheap and fitting one is a moderate DIY job, but it's also a quick job for a local appliance engineer.
Common questions
Why is there still water in my washing machine?
Usually a blocked pump filter, a kinked drain hose or a blocked sink trap. Less often the drain pump itself has failed.
How often should I clean the pump filter?
Every two to three months, or straight away if you notice the machine draining slowly.
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