Top-Load Washer Won’t Drain — Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Washing machine not draining? This video provides information on how to troubleshoot a top-load washer that won’t drain and the most likely defective parts associated with this problem.

Commonly replaced washer parts:

Drain pump
Drain hose
Lid switch

Washer part testing video playlist:

Find replacement washer parts:

Visit our Washing Machine Repair Help for more troubleshooting information and repair videos:

The information provided in this dryer troubleshooting video is applicable to all electric dryer brands: Admiral, Amana, ARDO, Asko, Bosch, Crosley, Danby, E-Wave, Electrolux, Estate, Eurotech, Frigidaire, Gaggenau, GE, Gibson, Haier, Hotpoint, Inglis, JC Penney, Jenn Air, Kelvinator, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Magic Chef, Maytag, Montgomery Ward. Norge. RCA. Roper. Samsung. Speed Queen. Tappan, Universal, Westinghouse, Whirlpool

RepairClinic has millions of replacement parts for appliances, lawn equipment, power tools, and heating & cooling equipment including washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lawn mowers, snowblowers, furnaces, and air conditioners. Our customer care team is available to help by phone or live chat, seven days a week: 1-800-269-2609. We guarantee the fastest shipping possible—all in-stock parts ship the same business day. Return any part for any reason with our generous 365-day return policy.

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[LEPERCOLONY]

Well, can't thank you enough. In less time than it took to watch this video, my washer is draining again!  It was the lid\switch. The plastic nubbin that forces the switch down was fine, but the switch was loose, so it didn't depress it far enough. You saved me $$$ AND big headache. I passed it on, donating $100 to a student fundraiser. Figure you saved me at least that much.

[ivmurk]

Tried 10 different things before coming here. Turns out all I needed to do was slam the absolute sh** out of the lid 😂

[ronaldoliver]

Just helped save my sister in law some money! Figured out how to get to the drain pump and found a Bobby pin stuck inside preventing the drain motor from spinning. Took it out and did a test rinse felt the water in the drain hose almost immediately!

[damu]

Yes!!! You guys are AWESOME!!! My wife would beg to differ though, thought she was getting a new washer😂🤣. No sir, easy easy back on Pump was clogged.

[nsw]

Thank you! My lid switch mount broke and stopped it from working, a very quick fix! I will be ordering from you all from now on!

[arunthomas]

This was awesome video! For me, it was the lid switch assembly. The plastic lid switch assembly broke off its mounting position. The screws are still attached to the body of the washer but the mounting holes on the switch assembly was cracked and dislodged. Since the switch was never engaged, the washer would not move on to drain mode. I think the lid switch assembly broke of its mounting due to time (15 yrs of use) and occasional slamming of the lid during that time period.

[svenj]

Guys, more detail needs to be noted regarding the spring clips holding on the front panel. Be sure people put their putty knife "below" the clips....I spent 45 minutes trying to figure this out.

[kumarbhatia]

Thank you very much for your video...again. Thought for sure that we had a defective timer fault in our old Whirlpool washer that was not draining nor spinning near the end. Was considering to buy another unit and then saw this video. The true root cause was the lid switch I had removed to gain access to the internals of the washer for a drum alignment. The rinse / drain cycle demands that the lid be closed or the switch bypassed. Short answer - pressed harder on the top lid and it all works again. Will remove and re-install the position of the lid switch so it closes properly. Many thanks for your advice and videos.

[nautidog]

I keep washing machines for a long time and repair them until it just gets too expensive. I have had the problem where it wont drain several times. Most of the times it was the lid switch. This is the easiest thing to check first. One time it was a bad pump. This is a lot more diffecult to repair than the lid switch. Check the safety switch first. You dont have to take any panels off on most models. Unplug the washer before removing the switch since you will have a live wire exposed when the switch is removed.

[Urezme]

Hi I just ordered a drain pump from you guys hooked it up & it seems to be draining now but there is water sitting in the barrel. I can hear it draining but for some reason it's a few inches left over in the barrel. All hoses are clear from any obstructions & like I said I just ordered a new drain pump from you guys. Also, it seems to be getting stuck when it's suppose to drain & do the spin cycles. I think it's the timer...

[JordanJC]

I had a lot of clothes in the machine, so I just moved my clothes around and some bubbles came to the surface of the water. I sort of slammed the lid down and it continued the cycle. Thanks a lot!

[Ban_Usury_Worldwide]

Female portion of trigger apparatus on my lid came loose on the inside of the top, reached in and used some duct tape to secure it and it works again, thanks!

[melissalan]

Well thank you so much!!! I watch the video almost all and then went try the slammed the door....and it work!!! Its spinning and draining again!

[roxxor]

I was able to figure out I had a faulty lid switch… kept me from having to buy a new washer. Thank you!

[stephenlewis]

Thank you Jesus for the goodness of this company. You just saved me at least $800. It was the lid switch. Took the switch out, spliced the wires together to test… and tada!

[sickofrm]

Repair clinic makes fixing things easy🌚

[theAlphatron]

This was immensely helpful! Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[edgar]

Excellent video. Saved me money!! There was a sock in the drain pump. DIY.Thank you!!

[annjoiner]

Hot damn 1 min fix after watching countless videos. Thank God for you.

[rajeshmo]

A Great help. My problem sorted out in minutes