How to Troubleshoot Drainage Issues in a Washing Machine

Introduction

Use this guide for a front-loading washing machine that leaves clothes wet, stays full of water, or smells after a cycle. A clogged filter, coin catcher, pump impeller, drain hose, U-bend, or household drain can stop the washer from draining. Filter locations, small drain hoses, and pipework layouts vary by model.

What you need

Step 1 Make the washer safe and remove standing water

Switch off the washing machine at the power supply and unplug it.
Turn the cold water inlet tap 90 degrees to shut off the water supply.
Close the main stopcock if you can't find a tap on the washing machine inlet hose.
Only isolate the water in the street if it is safe, permitted, and won't shut off water to other homes.
Wear waterproof gloves when handling stagnant water, sludge, or sharp debris.
Remove wet clothes, open the door carefully, and use a sponge and towel to remove as much water from the drum as possible.

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Step 2 Locate the filter area

Find the filter or coin catcher access flap near the bottom of the washing machine.
Most filters are on the bottom right, but some models place them on the bottom left.
Place a towel on the floor and keep a shallow tray and sponge ready.
Some washers have a small drain hose beside the filter, and some drain only through the filter opening.

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Step 3 Drain water through the small hose

Pull out the small drain hose if the washer has one.
Place the hose end into a shallow tray or bucket.
Remove the hose cap or nozzle and let the water drain.
Empty the tray as needed until water stops flowing.
Stagnant washer water may smell bad, especially if it has been trapped for a while.
Refit the hose cap and clip the hose back into its holder.
Don't push the hose so far back that it disappears into the washing machine.

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Step 4 Loosen the filter slowly

Place the towel and shallow tray directly under the filter opening.
Turn the filter anti-clockwise only enough to let water drain into the tray.
Do not remove the filter completely while water is still pouring out.
Tighten the filter between tray empties if needed.
Repeat the drain-and-empty process three or four times, or until the flow slows.
Expect more water and stronger smells if the washer didn't have a small drain hose.

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Step 5 Remove a stuck filter

Remove the filter completely after the water has drained.
If the filter catches, tighten it slightly, then loosen it again to work the debris loose.
Use pliers gently on the filter cap only if it remains stuck.
The filter is plastic, so don't force it or crush the cap with the pliers.

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Step 6 Clear debris from the filter

Look inside the filter and remove anything blocking it.
Common blockages include broken hair clips, coins, hair bands, face masks, and colour catchers.
A blocked filter can stop water from draining out of the washing machine.

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Step 7 Wash the filter

Scrub the filter with an brush and hot, soapy water.
Remove long hair, dirt, debris, and mold from the filter.
Clean the filter until the openings are clear and the threads are free of grime.

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Step 8 Clean and test the impeller

Look into the opening behind the filter and find the pump impeller.
Clean the impeller area with the brush and hot, soapy water.
Make sure nothing is blocking the impeller and that no debris is sitting at the back.
Rotate the impeller gently to confirm it spins freely.
Remove hair bands, metal hair clips, or other items wrapped around the impeller.
Use pliers for sharp metal debris instead of pulling it with your fingers.

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Step 9 Refit the filter and cover

Line up the clean filter and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
The filter should thread in easily and tighten near the end.
Remove the filter and line it up again if it doesn't turn smoothly.
Don't force the plastic threads.
Refit the filter access cover flap.

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Step 10 Run a drum clean and test drainage

Plug the washing machine back in and switch it on.
Turn the cold water supply back on.
Open the main stopcock fully, then turn it back about 45 to 90 degrees to help prevent it from jamming.
Add washing machine cleaner directly to the empty drum.
Run a drum clean program or the hottest empty wash available, such as 90 °C.
Check whether the washer drains correctly at the end of the cycle.
No more drainage work is needed if the washer drains normally.

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Step 11 Identify the drain pipework type

Check the household drain pipework if the washing machine still doesn't drain correctly.
Look for a drain hose that goes into pipework behind the washer or into a connection under the sink.
Pull the washer out only far enough to reach the back if it uses wall pipework.
Don't pull the washer too far because the cold water feed and drain hose may still be attached.
Keep a towel, shallow tray, and bucket ready for dirty water.

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Step 12 Inspect a wall drain pipe connection

Gently pull the washer drain hose out of the wall drain pipe.
Put the hose end into a bucket and wipe grime from the hose.
Inspect the wall drain pipe for blockages.
Use a mobile phone with the light on to record inside the pipe, then review the footage.
Sludge and residue often collect in the U-bend, which catches debris and helps stop smells entering the kitchen.

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Step 13 Clean a wall drain U-bend

Undo the threaded fittings and remove the U-bend if the fittings aren't glued.
Use a towel or shallow tray to catch water from the pipework.
Check the U-bend for sludge, residue, and blockages.
Put sludge in the rubbish instead of pouring it down the sink.
Reinstall the U-bend and tighten the threaded fittings.
Push the washer drain hose back into the wall drain pipe.
Forgetting the hose can flood the floor during the next wash.
Call a plumber if the fittings are glued, damaged, or won't come apart safely.

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Step 14 Inspect an under-sink drain hose

Find the washing machine drain hose connection under the sink.
Remove any tape or metal clip holding the hose in place.
Hold the hose over a bucket or shallow tray to drain excess water.
Clean the hose end and the connection point until they are clear.
Refit the hose and secure it with the metal clip.

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Step 15 Clean an under-sink U-bend

Unscrew the two U-bend fittings under the sink and remove the U-bend.
Use a towel or shallow tray to catch water from the pipework.
Check the U-bend for sludge and blockages.
Clean the U-bend until it is clear.
Reinstall the U-bend and tighten the fittings.

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Step 16 Run a pipework test wash

Plug the washing machine back in and switch it on if it is still unplugged.
Turn the cold water supply back on.
Open the main stopcock fully, then turn it back about 45 to 90 degrees to help prevent it from jamming.
Add washing machine cleaner directly to the empty drum.
Run a drum clean program or the hottest empty wash available, such as 90 °C.
Confirm the washer drains properly at the end of the cycle.

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Step 17 Check external drainage and decide on help

Check the outside drainage if you can safely access it.
Leave the dispenser drawer and drum door slightly ajar after washes to improve ventilation and reduce smells and mold.
If the washer still won't drain, inspect manhole covers and external drainage only if it is safe and permitted.
Call a drainage company or plumber if you can't check the external drainage yourself.
If the household drains are clear, the washing machine pump may be faulty.
Call an appliance engineer, or consider replacing the washing machine if it is old and uneconomical to repair.

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Conclusion

If the washer drains normally after a filter, impeller, hose, or pipework clean, keep the door and dispenser drawer slightly open between washes to reduce smells and mould. If the problem returns or the pump is suspected, get help from a qualified appliance engineer, plumber, or drainage company. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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