Washer Won’t Drain? Try This Before Calling for Repair

A washing machine that won’t drain isn’t just annoying it can flood your laundry room and damage your washer if not handled quickly. But before you call a technician, there are a few things you can check yourself.

At Elemental Appliance Repair, we see this issue all the time in homes around Summerville, Charleston, and Mt. Pleasant and here’s what we check first:

1. Check for a Clogged Drain Filter

Most front-load washers have a small access panel near the bottom front.

• Open it and look for a drain filter (usually a round twist cap)

• Place a towel and tray underneath it will leak

• Remove any lint, coins, socks, or hair stuck inside

Cleaning this every few months can prevent major clogs.

2. Inspect the Drain Hose

Pull the washer slightly forward and check the hose in the back:

• Is it kinked?

• Is it clogged where it enters the wall or standpipe?

• Remove the hose and flush it with water (use a garden hose outside)

If it’s clear but still won’t drain, the pump may be the issue.

3. Listen for the Drain Pump

When the washer should be draining, do you hear a hum or click?

• A silent pump could mean it’s burnt out

• A humming pump that doesn’t drain usually means it’s jammed

Drain pump replacements usually cost around $100–$150 — but ignoring it could fry your main board, leading to a $400+ repair.

4.Reset the Washer

Sometimes a power cycle can fix control glitches.

• Unplug the machine for 5–10 minutes

• Plug it back in and start a spin + drain cycle

If the issue keeps coming back, it’s time to check deeper.

5. Error Codes Can Help

Modern washers display codes like:

• OE / E1 – Drain issue

• ND – Not draining

• F21 / F02 – Long drain

Search your brand’s manual or call a pro for decoding. (We carry diagnostic tools for all major brands.)

❌ What Not to Do

• Don’t keep restarting the cycle it can flood your washer

• Don’t try to force open a locked door while full of water

• Don’t wait days water left sitting breeds mold and bacteria fast

👨‍🔧 When It’s Time to Call a Pro

If your washer:

• Still won’t drain after filter and hose checks

• Makes a grinding or burning smell

• Is locked with water inside…

Call Elemental Appliance Repair. We’ll check the pump, board, and sensors and get it draining safely.

🧰 Local Washer Repair in Summerville & Charleston

We service front-load, top-load, and high-efficiency washers from brands like Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, and Maytag.

📞 843-809-7538

🌐 elemental-appliance.com – Book online in minutes!