Speed Queen washer not draining

Why is my Speed Queen washer not draining water?

A washer that won’t drain is sometimes caused by simple user errors, such as incorrect cycle settings, an unbalanced load, or a lid/door that isn’t fully closed. Check and resolve these issues first if they exist.

Next, check the house drain for the washer. Use a plumbers snake or call a plumber to clear that drain if it’s clogged. Then you can test the washer and see if it drains properly. If it does, you can skip reading the rest of this article.

If a clogged house drain isn’t causing your washer drain system failure, follow these steps to find and fix the problem.

Step 1: Manually Drain the Washer

If your machine still won’t drain, you’ll need to remove the water yourself.

Follow these steps:

Gather Supplies

You’ll need a shallow pan, towels, and a bucket.

Locate the Drain Hose

Unplug the washer and move it away from the wall. Find the drain hose at the back of the machine. Place the shallow pan underneath it.

Let Gravity Do the Work

Lower the end of the drain hose into the bucket. Gravity should allow water to flow out. Raise the drain hose back up and empty the shallow pan into the bucket as the pan fills up. Empty the bucket if that container gets full before draining ends.

If the water doesn’t drain, the hose may be clogged, which brings us to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect and Clear the Drain Hose

A blocked drain hose is a common cause of water not draining.

Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck the clog out of the drain hose and remove the water from the washer.

Note: You can also use this method to drain the washer from the beginning instead of using the gravity drain procedure described above.

Not everyone has a wet/dry shop vacuum handy.

Here’s how to clear a drain hose clog without using a wet/dry shop vacuum (or if the shop vac wasn’t able to remove the clog):

Disconnect the Drain Hose from the Washer

Use a pair of pliers to release the hose clamp where the hose connects to the washer. Pull the hose free.

Check for Obstructions and Clear the Clog

Shine a flashlight into the hose to check for a clog.

If you don’t find a clog in the drain hose, skip down to the next troubleshooting step.

If the hose is clogged, remove any lint, debris, or small items using one of these methods:

1. Take the hose outside and run water through the drain hose using a garden hose. This will clear out most washer drain hose clogs.
2. Use a plumber’s snake or similar item to the clog out of the drain hose.
3. If you have an air compressor, use compressed air to push the clog out of the drain hose (outdoors of course).

Run water through the drain hose to clear out any residue and ensure it’s completely clear (unless you already used water to clear out the clog).

Reattach the Drain Hose

Once the hose is clean, secure it back onto the washer.

Step 3: Clean the Pump Filter

Many front-load washers have a pump filter designed to catch lint, coins, or other debris that might block water flow.

If that drain pump filter gets too full, water won’t drain from the washer and you’ll need to clear debris from that filter.

If you have a top-load washer skip down to the next troubleshooting step below.

Here’s how to clean a front-load washer drain pump filter:

Locate the Pump Filter

The drain pump filter is often behind a small access panel near the bottom front of the machine. Open that access door to find the drain pump filter.

Drain Excess Water

Some filters include a small drain tube. Use it to empty remaining water into a shallow pan as shown in the image above. (This may take a while if the washer tub is still full because the drain hose wasn’t clogged.)

Remove and Clean the Drain Pump Filter

• Place towels under the drain pump filter housing to catch water as you remove the filter.
• Twist the drain pump filter cap counterclockwise to release the filter and remove it from the housing.
• Clear debris out of the filter and wash the filter under running water.
• Clear away any debris and lint inside the housing.

If mold or mildew has developed in the filter and housing, don some protective gloves and use a liquid chlorine bleach and water solution to clean the filter and housing.

Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter

• Screw the filter back in place.
• Reinstall the cap on the small drain tube and clip it back in place.
• Close the drain pump filter access panel.

If your washer doesn’t have a small access panel for the drain pump filter, you may be able to access the drain pump filter by remove the bottom part of the front washer panel as shown in this video:

Step 4: Check the Drain Pump

If clearing the hose and filter doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem might lie with the drain pump itself.

Inspect the Drain Pump for Damage

Unplug the washer before accessing the drain pump.

Schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician perform this step if you aren’t completely confident in your DIY repair abilities to access and check the drain pump yourself.

To access the drain pump on a front-load washer, you’ll typically need to remove the front panel as shown in this video:

Here’s a video that shows how to access the drain pump on a common top-load washer:

Disconnect the pump and look for visible cracks or broken components. Also, check if the pump’s impeller (the spinning part) is stuck, clogged or broken.

Clean the pump if it’s clogged and replace the pump if you know that it’s broken.

If you’re unsure whether the drain pump is causing the problem, it’s likely time to schedule washer repair service and have a technician take over and fix the washer.

What to expect when you experience a Speed Queen washer not draining issue

How is the not draining problem fixed?

Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the motor, electronic control board or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not draining

When the washer is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Speed Queen washer repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer not draining diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Troubleshooting Speed Queen Washer Not Draining

Common Causes of Speed Queen Washer Not Draining

If your Speed Queen washer is not draining, it may be due to several issues not related to the motor, electronic control board, or door lock assembly. One frequent cause is a clogged drain hose. Over time, debris such as lint, hair, and small articles of clothing can accumulate, leading to a blockage. Inspect the drain hose for any obstructions and clean it thoroughly to ensure proper water flow.

Another potential cause is a faulty drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for expelling water from the washer during the drain cycle. If the pump is malfunctioning, it can prevent the washer from draining properly. Listen for unusual noises from the pump area, which may indicate a problem. Replacing a faulty drain pump can resolve the drainage issue.

Many washers also have a coin trap designed to catch small objects that might otherwise clog the drain hose. If this trap becomes full or blocked, it can impede drainage. Regularly check and clean the coin trap to avoid drainage problems.

Diagnosing Speed Queen Washer Won't Drain Issues

Diagnosing a Speed Queen washer that won’t drain requires a systematic approach. Begin by checking the drain hose to ensure it is not kinked or blocked and remove any debris causing a clog. Next, inspect the drain pump for signs of wear or damage, and test the pump to see if it is functioning correctly. Examine the coin trap and clear out any debris that has accumulated. Many washers display error codes when there is a problem, so refer to the user manual to interpret these codes if one is present.

Preventing Speed Queen Washer Drainage Problems

To prevent future drainage issues with your Speed Queen washer, regular maintenance is key. Periodically remove and clean the drain hose and coin trap to prevent blockages. Running maintenance cycles using a washer cleaner once a month can help keep the internal components clean. It is also important not to overload the washer, as this can strain the drain system and lead to blockages.

When to Call a Professional

While some drainage issues can be resolved with DIY methods, professional assistance is sometimes necessary. If your Speed Queen washer is still not draining after troubleshooting, it’s best to contact a qualified technician. They can provide a thorough diagnosis and repair any complex issues.
A Speed Queen washer that leaves water in the drum typically faces a clogged hose or dead pump. Damp, heavy clothes can quickly develop odors. Instead of repeated cycles, try washer repair service near me. Quick drainage fixes keep your laundry day flowing.