Washing machine not draining? Causes and solutions

What you can check yourself first (quick fix) 🛠️

Before you call in a professional, we recommend that you rule out these three culprits.

Note:Always unplug the machine from the socket first for safety!

1. A clogged lint filter (The absolute #1 cause)

If the filter is clogged with a stray sock, a hairpin, or a large lump of lint, the water simply cannot flow to the drain pump.

• The test & solution: Open the flap at the bottom right of your machine. Tip: Have a large towel ready and use a flat container (or the small emergency hose next to the filter) to let the water drain out safely. Unscrew the filter, clean it thoroughly, check with your finger in the hole if the impeller at the back can turn freely, and screw the filter back in tightly.

2. A kink in the drain hose

Gently slide the washing machine forward a bit. Check that the ribbed, grey drain hose at the back of the machine is not kinked or trapped. Water needs space to drain.

3. The drain in the wall is blocked

Sometimes your washing machine works perfectly, but the blockage is in the pipes of your house!

• The test: Remove the drain hose from the washing machine from the drain pipe in the wall. Carefully pour some water directly into the drain pipe with a bucket. Does the water not drain away or overflow? Then you need a plumber (or a bottle of drain cleaner), not a white goods technician. You can also hang the drain hose with the U-bend in a bucket. If your appliance then works smoothly and pumps the water out easily, the cause may also be further down in the drainage system of your home.

When do you need a We.repair technician? 🔧

Have you cleaned the filter, is the hose kink-free, and does the drain in the wall flow perfectly? Then the blockage or defect is unfortunately deeper in the machine.

• A faulty drain pump: Do you hear a soft humming sound as the machine tries to pump out, but nothing happens? Then the pump is blocked or the magnetic motor of the pump has burnt out.This is a typical job for our technicians.

• Blockage in the internal hoses: Between the wash drum and the drain pump is a thick, black rubber hose (the tub hose). Often, there is an 'eco-ball' inside that saves detergent. If a small item of clothing (like a baby sock) gets stuck in it, it blocks the entire drain.

• Faulty level sensor or control module: The machine incorrectly 'thinks' it is already empty and does not instruct the drain pump to start running at all.

Is your machine still full of water? Don't panic. Our We.repair experts have drainage pumps and hoses for most brands standard in their vans and often resolve this within an hour. Book a We.repair technician now

Behind the scenes: How does a drainage pump work? 💡

Did you know that all that water (sometimes 20 to 30 litres) is squeezed out by a tiny plastic fan?

The drainage pump of a washing machine is usually a 'magnet pump'. This means it operates based on a magnetic field that makes a small plastic paddle spin. The advantage? They are very reliable. The downside? Because they work on magnetism, they have relatively little 'starting power'. Even one small toothpick or a euro coin that happens to be resting against the paddle is enough to stop the entire pump. It may hum (it tries to turn), but it doesn't pump.

What does the error code on your display mean? (By brand) ⚠️

Een wasmachine merkt zelf heel snel dat het water niet daalt. Zodra de maximale afpomptijd is overschreden, stopt het programma en verschijnt er een foutcode:

Note: Error codes may vary by model and year. Always consult the manual for your specific washing machine for certainty. This overview is a guide to the most common codes.

Repair or replace? (Honest advice) 💰

Let's be very clear:a washing machine that doesn't drain almost never needs to be replaced!

A faulty drain pump may sound like a serious and expensive problem, but it is actually one of the cheapest and easiest parts to replace. Even if there is a blockage in an internal hose, a We.repair technician is often only busy with this for about an hour. Unless your machine is older than 10-12 years and shows other faults, a repair here isalwaysthe smartest investment.

Prevention is better than cure: 4 tips to avoid drainage problems 🛡️

Save yourself a faulty pump or a lot of mopping by following these simple rules:

1. Always use laundry bags for small items Baby socks and thongs are notorious. They are so small that they can slip through the gap between the spinning drum and the rubber door seal during washing. They then end up directly in the drain hose and block everything. Always wash small items in a laundry bag.

2. Check your pockets Coins, screws, nails, and hairpins can damage the plastic blades of the drain pump. Empty the pockets before putting the trousers in the wash.

3. Inspect the filter preventively Do not wait until the machine refuses to drain. Open the lint filter (at the bottom of the machine) every 3 to 4 months and rinse it clean under the tap.

4. Keep your drain pipe clean Pour a splash of boiling water with some soda directly into the drain pipe (in the wall) twice a year to dissolve soap residues. Note: only put the drain hose back in once the pipe has been flushed.