Washing Machine Not Draining Water: Causes and Repair
Learn why it happens, what you can safely check and how our technicians repair it. Visit from ₹500.
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About: not draining in washing machines
When water stays in the drum after the wash, clothes come out soaking wet and the machine often refuses to move on to the spin stage. A washer that will not drain is one of the most common reasons people call us, and in most cases the cause is simple and repairable at home.
Modern fully automatic machines usually stop the cycle and show a drain error when the water level does not fall within a set time. On many LG machines this appears as OE, and on many Samsung machines as 5E or 5C. Our error code guide explains what these messages mean.
Common causes
Several different faults can cause the same symptom. These are the ones we see most often.
Blocked drain filter
Front-load machines have a small filter near the bottom front that traps lint, coins, hairpins and buttons. When it clogs, water cannot reach the pump.
Kinked or choked drain hose
A bent hose behind the machine, or a hose clogged with lint and detergent residue, slows or stops the outflow.
Faulty drain pump
If you hear a humming sound but water does not leave, or the pump is completely silent, the pump motor or its impeller needs attention.
Jammed pump impeller
Small items such as socks, coins and bra wires can lock the impeller and stop it from turning.
Faulty pressure sensor or wiring
The level sensor tells the control board how much water is in the tub. A loose or damaged sensor can confuse the drain cycle.
Wrong drain hose height or blocked standpipe
A hose fitted too high, or pushed too far into a blocked standpipe, can cause slow drainage or back-flow.
What you can safely check yourself
Try these simple checks before you call. If the problem remains, stop and book an inspection.
Check 1
Switch the machine off and unplug it before touching any part.
Check 2
Check the drain hose for kinks and make sure the end is not pushed deep into the standpipe.
Check 3
On a front-load machine, place a tray and towels under the small filter cover at the bottom front, open it and unscrew the filter slowly to release the water, then clean out lint and coins.
Check 4
Look into the drain hose end and standpipe for blockages.
Check 5
Run an empty rinse and spin cycle to test. If water still stays, stop and call a technician.
How we fix it
- Clear and clean the drain filter, hose and sump
- Replace a failed or jammed drain pump
- Test and replace the pressure sensor or repair its wiring
- Check the control board output to the pump
- Re-fit the drain hose at the correct height
The exact repair depends on your brand and model. You get a clear quote after inspection, and the work starts only after you approve it. Indicative prices are on the price list.
We repair this problem on all major brands
Frequently asked questions
Why is my washing machine full of water after the cycle ends?
The most common reasons are a clogged drain filter, a kinked drain hose or a weak drain pump. Switch the machine off, check the filter and hose, and call a technician if the water does not clear.
Is it safe to open the door when there is water inside?
No. Never force the door open while the drum holds water. Drain the water through the filter hose or call us so the machine can be emptied safely.
How much does drain pump replacement cost?
Cost depends on the machine model and the pump required. Our indicative range is shown on the price list, and the exact quote is given after inspection and before any work starts.
Can a blocked filter alone cause a drain error?
Yes. A clogged filter is the single most frequent cause of drain errors, and cleaning it often fixes the problem completely.
Related problems
Book a washing machine technician today
Call us any day from Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Visit charges start from ₹500. Booking is by phone only, so just call and tell us the brand and the problem.