Washing machine not draining: causes and what to do
Short answer
A washing machine that won't drain is usually blocked: a coin, hair or lint in the pump filter, or a kinked drain hose. If the filter and hose are clear and you can hear the machine hum without draining, the drain pump has probably failed and needs replacing.
Check these first
Switch it off at the wall
Unplug the machine before you touch the filter or hose.
Check the drain hose
Make sure the grey hose at the back isn't kinked, squashed behind the machine or pushed too far down the drain pipe.
Clean the pump filter (front-load)
Behind the small flap at the bottom front is a round filter. Put a tray and towels down, open it slowly to let the water out, then remove coins, hair pins and lint.
Run a rinse and spin
Close the filter firmly, plug in and run a short rinse and spin to see if it drains.
Call a technician if
- The filter and hose are clear but it still won't drain
- You hear a hum or buzz but no water moves
- It shows a drain error code (5C/5E on Samsung, OE on LG, E18 on Bosch)
- Water is leaking from underneath
Call for washing machine repair in Kathmandu
981-383-6219- Open 7 days, Saturday included, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Talk to us in Nepali or English
Why washing machines stop draining
In Kathmandu homes, the most common cause is a blocked pump filter. Coins, hair clips, buttons and lint collect in it over months until water can't get past. Kathmandu's hard water adds limescale, which makes it worse.
If the filter is clean, the next suspects are a kinked or blocked drain hose, a failed drain pump, or (less often) a pressure sensor or control board that never tells the pump to run. A voltage spike can damage the pump or the board.
Top-load and semi-automatic machines
Top-load machines often have no filter flap at the front. Check the drain hose first. On semi-automatic machines, turn the drain knob fully to Drain and check that the hose is lowered below the tub.
Questions
Can I use the washing machine if it is not draining?
No. Running it again adds more water and can overflow or strain the pump. Empty it through the filter and call for a check.
How much does it cost to fix a washing machine that won't drain?
If it is only a blockage, the technician clears it during the visit. A new drain pump costs more, depending on the brand and model. The technician tells you the cost before replacing anything.