Washers are among the essential home appliances designed to make life more bearable by making it easy for us to take care of our laundry.
Though they are prone to all manner of breakdowns, poor drainage is one of the leading malfunctions that most homeowners report, and for which they regularly rely on washer repair services. This may seem like a common problem, but if you don’t understand its causes and how to deal with them, it can be a great source of frustration.
Below is a brief look at some of the reasons why your washer may not be draining so that you have a clue every time you notice that the proper flow of water has been hindered.
The drain hose is clogged
The drain hose can get clogged with dirt and other debris following many months of continuous use. With all the dirt, grime, and debris inside the hose, it can be partially clogged, making it difficult for the washer to drain effectively. Also, the washer may get twisted or coiled, hence, stopping the free flow of water through it. Therefore, the next time you notice your washer not draining properly, check the drain hose for potential blockages.
Poor drain height
The rate at which your washer drains is directly related to the height of the drainpipe. For example, if the washer is placed too high from the floor, you may notice the washer to be draining very slowly because the machine is unable to effectively pump water with such a height.
Blocked pump filter
The work of the pump filter is to stop items from going down the drain hose and finally into the home’s plumbing works. It is possible for the pump filters to get blocked, especially by objects such as coins and buttons.
This will not only hinder the free flow of water through to the drain hose but also may disrupt the loading cycles, which will in turn affect proper drainage. If you can safely access the blocked filter, then you can easily clear it of such blockages. However, if you can’t, then it may be a good idea to call a washer repair technician to come and check it out for you.
Poor distribution of the load
If there is a load imbalance in the washer, one of the problems you are likely to encounter is poor spinning as well as poor drainage. With uneven load, the machine is likely to vibrate too much, leading to these two problems, in addition to causing damage to internal parts which may result in very expensive repairs.
The above are the common causes of drainage problems in a washer. If you have checked and you still can’t tell why your washer is not draining properly, feel free to contact a washer repair technician for an in-depth diagnosis.
The drain pump is malfunctioning
It is the duty of the drainage pump to remove water from the device. In case of any failure, it will result in improper draining of water.
The drain hose is kinked or damaged
To avoid drainage problems, make sure the drain hose is undamaged and without any kinks that could limit water flow. Straightening out the hose may be necessary for optimal performance.
The coin trap is blocked or not working properly
Drainage issues may arise if the coin trap in certain washing machines, designed to catch small items lost from pockets, becomes obstructed or malfunctions.
The Door Lock is causing problems
To enable the draining process, it is essential to ensure that front-loading washers have a firmly secured door lock. As a safety measure, if the locking mechanism of the door malfunctions for any reason, then there may be hindrances in proper drainage from occurring within this machine.
Issue related to electricity
At times, electrical problems may be the root cause. A malfunctioning control board or faulty wiring can impede the washer’s drainage capability.
Improper installation can cause problems
Incorrect installation of your washing machine may result in drainage problems. To avoid such issues, it is vital to confirm that the washer is level and all fittings are firmly connected.
Guide for Troubleshooting in a Sequential Manner
Begin by inspecting the drain hose
Begin by inspecting the drain hoseCheck for Kinks or Damage: Take a careful look at the entire drain hose to see if there are any kinks or damage. If you find any kinks, straighten them out, and replace the hose completely if it’s been damaged.
Eliminate Obstructions
Detach the hose and utilize a long, pliable brush to eliminate any blockages.
Inspecting the Pump Filter
The Filter can be found behind a small access panel usually located at the bottom front of the washer.
To keep the filter clean: First, take out the filter and eliminate any litter or fluff. Give it a good rinse before reattaching to ensure full purification.
Inspect the Drain Pump
To detect Sounds: Initiate a cycle and remain attentive for the sound produced by the pump. In case you do not perceive it, there is a possibility of malfunction in the pump.
Inspect for Obstructions: Detach the washer, take out the pump, and inspect it thoroughly to ensure there are no clogs or barriers.
Involves testing the Coin Trap
Find the Coin Trap: Consult your washer’s manual to determine where the coin trap is situated.
Ensure the Trap is Clear: Eliminate any tiny objects or waste that may have gathered.
Confirm the Security of the Door Lock
Check the Lock: Verify that the door is effectively locked while in use.
Examine for Any Harm: Scrutinize the lock mechanism thoroughly and promptly replace it if there are any visible indications of damage.
Evaluate the electrical components
Examine the Control Board: Search for any apparent indications of harm or consumed parts.
Examine the Wiring: Confirm that all cables and links are firmly fixed and unharmed.
Make sure the installation has been done correctly
To ensure perfect horizontality of the washer, employ a level.
To ensure tight securing, double-check all hoses and connections for secure connections
Determining when to enlist the help of a professional
Although some common washer drainage problems can be fixed by simple troubleshooting, there are certain issues that necessitate the help of a professional. If you’ve exhausted all possible solutions to no avail, it’s probably wise to enlist the aid of an experienced technician who can both diagnose and repair more intricate matters such as malfunctioning motors or severe obstructions in your machine’s plumbing system.
Measures for Prevention
To prevent upcoming drainage issues, contemplate these maintenance suggestions:
Cleaning should be done regularly. Make it a point to periodically clean the pump filter, drain hose, and coin trap.
To capture debris, fasten a lint trap to the end of your drainage hose.
Be cautious of the load: prevent excessive amount when using your washing machine, as it causes additional strain on its components.
Final remarks
Having to deal with a non-draining washer can be bothersome, but familiarizing yourself with the frequent reasons and remedies can simplify the situation. With our guideline for problem-solving, you have the capability to detect and fix most draining complications on your own. Nevertheless, if necessary, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from an expert technician.
Be sure to check out our blog frequently for additional home maintenance advice and solutions. Don’t forget to share this guide with friends and family members who could use its insights as well. May your laundry room operate like a charm!
