Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
Repair
Home Warranty
Tune-Up & Maintain
MembershipShop Parts
Resources
Repair
Home Warranty
Tune-Up & Maintain
MembershipShop Parts
Resource Center
Glossary
Help
sears home advantageSears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair

Washer not draining

Common reasons your washer not draining

The most common reasons your washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.

  • 51%

    51% of the time it's the
    Motor

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 4%

    4% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Schedule your washer repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 25M washers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

    Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
    Text (240) 616-1772 to schedule now.

    Common washer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these washer parts may fix your problem.

    Motor Replacement

    When a washer motor is defective, the spin basket may experience erratic spinning or fail to spin altogether, leading to water not draining from the tub. Additionally, unusual sounds during the spin cycle, such as squealing or grinding, might be present. Over time, a faulty motor may overheat, resulting in a burning odor or visible signs of damage to the motor and surrounding areas.


    How to replace the motor in a washer

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When the washer is not draining, it may be due to a malfunctioning electronic control board. Responsible for managing the drain pump and other critical functions, a faulty control board can impede the draining process. Other problems may also be present with a faulty control board, such as error codes or a burning smell, or the washer may not start or fill.

    Door Lock Assembly Replacement

    If the door lock in a washer is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, preventing the washer from starting or completing a wash cycle. With a door lock problem, an error code might be displayed or the door lock indicator light may fail to illuminate. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. You might also notice water remaining in the drum after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.

    What to expect when you experience a washer not draining issue

    How to address a not draining problem

    While most not draining problems are resolved by replacing the motor, electronic control board or door lock assembly, there could be other potential failures. Thorough troubleshooting and an accurate diagnosis are key to understanding the cost of the repair and fixing the problem.

    Suggestions from Sears Home Services for a washer that is not draining

    If a washer isn't draining, there could be various reasons behind it. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling washer repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are skilled in diagnosing all kinds of washer problems.

    Things to watch for with a washer not draining diagnosis

    Appliances today are sophisticated, with intricate electronic parts that make troubleshooting difficult. Attempting to resolve the washer not draining problem through DIY repairs could result in blindly replacing unneeded parts. Proper diagnostic techniques gained through training and experience are usually required to resolve the problem.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Thanks

    Thanks for your expert analysis of the problem that caused the flooding of my home .I was scared the first few times I used the machine , but all is working great.


    Frank U, Coconut Creek, FL

    Excellent service.

    Pleasant person to work with. He explains things to you.


    Jacklyn J, Bessemer, AL

    Very Professional

    Very professional, thoughtful and knowledgeable I would highly recommend him.


    Marilyn W, Covington, LA

    Repair Washer Resources

    washer won't drain
    10 min readJan. 23

    From potential issues with unbalanced loads to problems with the drain hose, we delve into the most frequent causes when a washer won’t spin and provide straightforward solutions to get your washer back on track.

    Washer won't fill image
    8 min readJan. 23

    Troubleshooting tips for a washing machine not filling with water. Check the lid, water supply, hoses, and water inlet screens for potential issues.

    Man stands exasperated by washer that won’t start
    7 min readJan. 23

    Is your washing machine refusing to turn on? In this guide, we'll cover eight simple troubleshooting steps to get it running again, from checking the power cord to inspecting the control board.

    A husband and wife fold laundry together as they relax on their couch.
    7 min readJan. 21

    Struggling with GE washer lid lock problems? Trust Sears Home Services for expert solutions and reliable repairs.

    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

    A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

    Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

    Common washer symptoms to look out for

    • Washer won't turn off
    • Washer won't start cycle
    • Washer will not drain
    • Washer vibrates
    • Washer not working
    • Washer not washing
    • Washer not turning on
    • Washer not starting
    • Washer not spinning
    • Washer not filling
    • Washer not agitating
    • Washer noisy
    • Washer no water
    • Washer no power
    • Washer leaking water
    • Washer leaking from bottom
    • Washer display not working
    • Washer burning smell