Washer will not drain: what to check and what to buy
Most washers that will not drain have something blocking the water on its way out: a kinked hose, a sock in the pump filter, or a clog in the house drain.
Before you start: Unplug the washer first. Have towels and a shallow pan ready, because there will be water in the drum and the hose.
What to check first
The drain hose
Pull the washer out and make sure the hose is not kinked or crushed. Disconnect it and check it for a clog.
The pump filter
Many front-load washers have a filter behind a small panel at the bottom front. Drain it slowly into a pan and clear out lint, coins and socks.
The house drain
If water backs up out of the standpipe or laundry sink when the washer drains, the clog is in the house drain, not the washer.
The lid switch or door lock
Most washers will not drain or spin if they think the lid or door is open. A broken lid switch or door lock stops the cycle.
The drain pump
If the pump hums but no water moves after the filter is clear, or it makes no sound at all, the pump may need replacing.
Get the list for your store
Ask Danny turns this job into a one-trip parts list for Home Depot and Lowe's, with aisle numbers and price estimates. Free, and no account needed.
Build my parts listParts you may need
- Washer drain hoseMatch the length and the fitting at each end.
- Hose clampIf the old one is rusted or loose.
- Washer drain pumpOrder by the model number on the tag inside the lid or door frame.
- Lid switch or door lockAlso by model number.
Tools
- Towels and a shallow pan
- Pliers
- Flat screwdriver
- Bucket
Call a licensed pro if
- Water leaks from under the washer while it runs
- Error codes remain after the filter and hose are clear
- The house drain is backing up, which is a job for a plumber
General guidance, not professional advice. Parts differ by brand and model, so check yours before buying. Aisle numbers and prices in the app are estimates. How Ask Danny uses AI. Updated September 16, 2026.