A washer that will not drain is usually caused by a blockage or a failed drain-related component. The machine may fill and wash normally, but when it reaches the drain or spin portion of the cycle, water remains in the drum.

In many cases, the problem is simple and inexpensive to fix. The most common causes are clogged filters, blocked hoses, or debris caught in the drain pump area. Before calling a technician, check for physical blockages first.

Common Causes

1. Clogged Drain Pump Filter or Coin Trap

A clogged drain pump filter or coin trap is one of the most common reasons a washer will not drain.

Many washers have a filter or trap designed to catch debris before it reaches the drain pump. Over time, this area can collect coins, lint, hair, buttons, small socks, fabric pieces, dirt, and other objects left in pockets.

When the filter becomes blocked, water cannot leave the washer properly. The machine may stop mid-cycle, leave standing water in the drum, or refuse to spin because it still detects water inside.

This is often the easiest and cheapest issue to fix. In many cases, clearing the filter solves the problem without replacing any parts.

2. Kinked, Crushed, or Clogged Drain Hose

The drain hose carries water from the washer to the home's drain pipe, utility sink, or standpipe. If the hose is bent, crushed, or clogged, the washer may not be able to pump water out.

Common hose problems include:

• Washer pushed too close to the wall
• Hose kinked behind the machine
• Hose clogged with lint or debris
• Drain hose inserted too far into the standpipe
• Crushed hose restricting water flow

A blocked or restricted hose can cause slow draining or no draining at all. This issue is usually easy to inspect and may not require replacement unless the hose is damaged.

3. Faulty Lid Switch or Door Lock Assembly

Washers have safety switches that tell the machine whether the lid or door is closed. If the washer thinks the lid or door is open, it may not drain or spin.

This is common on both top-load and front-load washers. Top-load washers often use a lid switch, while front-load washers use a door lock assembly.

Signs of this issue include:

• Washer fills and washes but will not drain or spin
• Door lock error code
• Lid does not click or lock properly
• Machine stops when it reaches the drain or spin cycle

If the switch or lock assembly fails, the washer may not continue the cycle even if the drain system itself is clear.

4. Failed Drain Pump Motor

If the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump motor may have failed.

The drain pump pushes water out of the washer. If the motor burns out, jams, or stops receiving power, the washer will not drain properly.

Signs of a bad drain pump include:

• Humming sound but no draining
• No pump sound during the drain cycle
• Water stuck in the drum
• Burning smell near the pump area
• Drain-related error code
• Washer drains only sometimes

A failed drain pump usually requires replacement.

Typical Cost Breakdown

DIY / No-Cost Fix

If the issue is a clog in the drain hose, pump filter, or coin trap, the repair may cost nothing.

Common free fixes include:

• Removing debris from the pump filter
• Clearing the coin trap
• Straightening the drain hose
• Flushing out a clogged hose
• Repositioning the washer so the hose is not crushed

Professional Repair Cost

A professional washer drain repair typically costs:

$150-$350

The final cost depends on the washer brand, part availability, labor rates, and whether the pump, switch, lock, or hose needs replacement.

Parts Cost

A replacement drain pump usually costs:

$50-$100

Labor is usually the larger part of the final repair bill.

What to Check Before Calling a Technician

Step 1: Unplug the Washer

Always unplug the washer before inspecting the drain system. If there is standing water inside, have towels or a shallow pan ready.

Step 2: Check the Drain Pump Filter or Coin Trap

Look for a small access panel near the bottom front of the washer. Open it slowly because water may spill out. Remove debris, clean the filter, and reinstall it securely.

Step 3: Inspect the Drain Hose

Pull the washer away from the wall and inspect the drain hose for kinks, crushed sections, clogs, or improper placement.

Step 4: Check the Household Drain

If water backs up from the standpipe or utility sink, the washer may not be the problem. The home's drain line may be clogged.

Step 5: Listen for the Drain Pump

Run a drain or spin cycle and listen. If the pump hums but water does not move, there may be a blockage or jammed pump. If the pump makes no sound, the issue may be electrical, a bad lid switch, a faulty door lock, or a failed pump motor.

Bottom Line

The most common reason a washer will not drain is a clogged pump filter, coin trap, or drain hose. Start by unplugging the washer, clearing physical blockages, and checking the hose for kinks or clogs. If the washer still will not drain, the issue may be a faulty door lock, lid switch, or drain pump motor.