If the washing machine does not drain the water, the reason is often a blockage in the drain system or a problem with the door close sensor. It is generally not difficult to repair this damage, but you will need to be prepared to work a little and dirty the bathroom to access the parts that need to be fixed. If you have difficulty following the instructions in this tutorial, at any point in the process, consult the instruction manual of your appliance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Repair the Door Sensor
Step 1. If you have a top-loading model, this is the method you need to follow
The instructions described here are valid only for washing machines with vertical loading; if you have one with a front window, then skip to the next section, which explains how to unblock the clogged pump.
Step 2. Lower the door sensor with a pen
Open the washing machine, you will notice a small gap with a sensor or switch along the edge of the door, where it fits on the washing machine. Press this element with a plastic pen, the handle of a toothbrush or similar object; in this way it "communicates" to the appliance that the door is closed, thus triggering the water drain program.
Step 3. Assess the problem
- If the machine does not show signs of wanting to drain the water, the sensor may be broken; to replace it, you must get the spare part from the manufacturer.
- If the washing machine drains the water successfully, then the sensor is working, but it may be bent or deformed. Try to gently bend it until the closed door can push it down. If necessary, change the sensor.
- If you hear a noise coming from the appliance, but the water is not draining, try to unblock the pump, as described in the next section.
Method 2 of 3: Unblock the Pump
Step 1. Turn off the washing machine
Unplug the power plug so you can work safely. Never try to repair the inside of an appliance if it is still connected to the electrical system, as you could be electrocuted or injured by moving parts.
Step 2. Have a large bucket close at hand
Choose one that you can easily lift even when it's full of water.
Step 3. Turn off the water tap (optional)
A washing machine with no power supply should not draw water from the system, but if you want to be particularly careful, find the water inlet hose located behind the appliance and disconnect it from the tap. Remember that this rubber tube is smooth and not knurled; to shut off the water supply, simply rotate the valve, so that it is perpendicular to the direction of the pipe, rather than parallel.
If your model only has access to cold water, the valve should be gray or blue. If, on the other hand, you have a washing machine that is also connected to the hot water system, then you will notice that this valve is red. Always check that they are smooth and not knurled tubes
Step 4. Detach the drain hose (optional)
This is gray and textured, much like the one on the vacuum cleaner. You can detach it from the exhaust system either by removing the metal clamp or by unscrewing the clamp, if present. Disassemble the tube carefully, as it could be well jammed; remember not to lower it or let it fall to the ground.
If the tube is very dirty, this could be the problem. Extend the hose, connect the washing machine to electricity again, open the water supply taps and run a spin cycle to see if the appliance is draining. If not, close the water tap again, unplug the electrical outlet and continue with the next step
Step 5. Insert the drain hose into the bucket
You will find that a lot of water will come out pretty quickly. When the bucket is almost full, lift the hose and connect it back to the drain system as you empty the bucket. Repeat this procedure several times until no more water comes out of the hose.
- If you empty the bucket in the same sink from which the washing machine draws water, try to do it slowly, to prevent some of the dirty water from rising up to the appliance's connecting pipes.
- When you notice that the water is slowly coming out of the drain hose, tilt the bucket to bring the hose as close to the floor as possible.
- If no water comes out, there is probably a blockage in the pipe. Replace the hose or clear the blockage to fix the problem.
Step 6. Arrange several towels all around the washing machine
With the next steps you will dirty the floor a little, so it is advisable to prepare yourself with some rags on the ground, well supported against the appliance. If possible try to slip them under the washing machine.
In some cases, the space between the floor and the base of the washing machine is sufficient to insert a thin baking sheet. If you are that lucky, use this method in addition to the towel method
Step 7. Remove the cover giving access to the pump for maintenance
Some models have a white plastic cover, others have a kind of "door". In front loading washing machines, you can find access to the pump at the front, near the base. If you have difficulty locating the pump door, consult your appliance manual or continue your search and remove the cover:
- Most crankcases are secured with plastic tabs. Know that they break very easily, so work methodically and carefully. Pry several times until each tab disconnects without using too much force.
- The square entrances that look like a hatch are sometimes connected with tabs, but are equipped with a convenient handle.
- The round caps have a fixing screw that you need to remove and keep in a safe place. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (you will need to apply some force). If the water begins to seep, wait for the flow to stop before removing the cap completely. If necessary, close the cap again while replacing wet towels.
Step 8. Clean the pump
Once you have disassembled the crankcase, you can see the pump. To reach it you can use a crochet hook, an iron wire with the tip bent into a hook or another similar object. Try to get rid of all lint and any items that get stuck in this area. Be very careful, as there may be several.
If you don't find any foreign items, grab a flashlight or turn on your cell phone light. Illuminate the inside of the pump, where the blades are. With a thin, long-handled spoon (or similar tool) try to spin the blades; if you can, the pump is probably not blocked
Step 9. Reassemble all parts
Follow the instructions described above in reverse and refit the pump casing, the safety screw (if present) and the tube. Connect the washing machine to electricity and water taps again.
Step 10. Check the machine
Open the door and fill the basket with enough water that you can see the level above the holes in the bottom. Close the door and start a spin cycle. If the water is drained, congratulations, you have solved the problem. If the washing machine still does not drain the water, then there may be electrical damage to the pump. In this case you must contact a qualified technician.
Method 3 of 3: Clean the Clogged Tubes
Step 1. Try this technique if the water comes out of the pipes
If the drain water fills the sink or the area where the hose is connected, then you must follow these instructions. Since the drain hose is connected directly to the open tank of the washing machine, you must block it before you can use the plunger suction cup.
Step 2. Turn off the water tap that feeds the washing machine (optional)
This step is not strictly necessary, since the machine should automatically block the water return. However, if you want to be extra cautious, follow the smooth pipe behind the appliance to where it connects to your home's plumbing system. If there is a valve, turn it so that it is perpendicular to the direction of the pipe, detach the pipe and close it with a well-rolled damp cloth.
Step 3. Close the overflow hole
If the drain water comes out of the sink, look for the hole that prevents it from escaping on the inside wall of the sink itself, near the top edge; when you have found it, close it. This way you should be able to fill the sink to ¼ of its capacity, so that you have plenty of force and pressure to push the obstruction down.
Step 4. Use the plunger
Push the suction cup with rapid and repetitive movements (as if you were hitting a drum) alternating with others with a slower and more constant rhythm (as if you were inflating the tire of a bicycle). This way you break the obstruction into small pieces (with the violent movements) and push them down the drain (with the slow movements). Continue this way until the water begins to drain.
Advice
- Some top-loading models have a pump driven by the motor and a drive belt. If you hear a very loud noise from an element spinning, then the belt may be broken. Access the pump as described in the specific section and replace the belt. Do not test the washing machine if you know for sure that the belt is broken, otherwise the motor could be irreparably damaged.
- In these situations, a wet vacuum cleaner is very useful for cleaning up water leaks.
- Always check all laundry before putting it in the washing machine to make sure there are no coins, paper clips, straps or other small items. Even if all pockets are empty, remember that children sometimes throw small items in the washing machine just for fun.
Warnings
- Some water will inevitably fall to the floor.
- Unplug your washing machine from the mains while repairing it to avoid electric shock or injury from moving parts.
