Washer · Symptom guide

Washing machine not draining

The washing machine completes a cycle but leaves water in the drum or shows a drain-related error.

Severity: Medium · Typical repair cost: £0–£120 depending on whether the pump or hose needs replacement.

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Smart overview

This summary gives a quick feel for how serious this issue usually is and what to check before calling for help.

Appliance type Washer
Risk level Medium
Typical repair cost £0–£120 depending on whether the pump or hose needs replacement.

Checks you can try yourself

  1. Unplug the washer and check the drain filter at the front or bottom for coins, lint and debris.
  2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages and ensure it is not pushed too far into the standpipe.
  3. Check that the standpipe or sink drain can accept water flow without backing up.
  4. Run a short drain/spin cycle with the filter cleaned and hose correctly positioned.

Always unplug the appliance and switch off the power at the mains before accessing internal parts, and do not work on gas appliances yourself.

Advanced checks

  • Listen for the drain pump running. A humming sound with no water movement can indicate a jammed or failed pump.
  • On some models you can access the pump impeller behind the filter and check for obstructions.
  • If the pump is noisy, seized or leaking, it may need to be replaced.

How to prevent this problem

  • Clean the drain filter every few weeks, especially if you wash items that shed fluff or pet hair.
  • Empty pockets and avoid washing small loose items without a laundry bag.
  • Use the correct detergent dose to reduce sludge buildup in hoses and the pump.

When to call a professional

If the washer still refuses to drain after cleaning the filter and hose, or shows repeated drain errors, the drain pump may have failed or there may be a wiring or control issue. At that stage an engineer visit is recommended.

Helpful tools & parts

The link below searches for tools and replacement parts commonly used when fixing this type of problem. Always confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.

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FAQs

What is the most common cause of "Washing machine not draining"?

In most cases it comes down to a blockage, a worn component, or a sensor/setting issue. Start with the quick checks, then move to the step-by-step fixes in this guide.

Is it safe to keep using the washer with this symptom?

You can usually do basic checks safely, but stop if you notice leaks, burning smells, tripped electrics, or unusual grinding/banging noises.

What is the first thing I should check?

Check for the simplest causes first: filters, hoses/vents, door seals, obvious blockages, and any recent changes (new detergent, overloaded drum, wrong programme).

When should I call a professional?

If the washer still refuses to drain after cleaning the filter and hose, or shows repeated drain errors, the drain pump may have failed or there may be a wiring or control issue. At that stage an engineer visit is recommended.

About this guide

This guide was created by the CodeSolveAI Appliance Help Team. We use manufacturer information, typical engineer reports and safe DIY practice to keep these pages up to date and practical.

Last reviewed: March 2026.