If your clothes are still soaked after the cycle finishes and you see water pooling inside the drum, your washing machine isn't draining properly. This is one of the most common problems, and in most cases, it can be fixed without needing a technician or buying any replacement parts. We'll review the causes, from the most frequent to the rarest.
Cause 1: Blocked pump filter
This is by far the most common cause. Coins, buttons, hairpins, and lint accumulate in the filter and block the water flow. Locate the lower front access panel, place towels and a container underneath it (water will drain out), and unscrew the filter to clean it thoroughly.
Cause 2: Bent or clogged drain hose
Check the section of hose that runs from the back of the washing machine to the drain in the wall: a sharp bend, or dirt accumulated inside over the years, can reduce the water flow enough that the washing machine doesn't complete the drain.
Cause 3: Drain pump malfunctioning or blocked
If the filter is clean and the hose is in good condition, there may be a small object stuck inside the pump, or the pump itself may be worn out and no longer pumping water with enough force. With the washing machine unplugged, check if the pump impeller (visible behind the filter) spins freely when you move it by hand.
Cause 4: Blocked house drain or trap
The problem isn't always with the washing machine: if the drain in the wall or the trap the hose is connected to is clogged with limescale or debris, the water has nowhere to go even if the washing machine is working perfectly. Disconnect the hose and check if the water comes out forcefully directly from the wall drain.
Cause 5: Faulty pressure switch
The pressure switch is the sensor that tells the electronic control board how much water is in the drum. If it malfunctions, the washing machine may think there is still water in the drum when there isn't any, or vice versa, and may not complete the drain cycle properly. This is a less common problem, more typical in washing machines that are several years old.
Cause 6: Damaged electronic board
This is the least common cause and the last thing you should suspect. If you've checked everything else without success, it could be that the circuit board itself isn't sending the drain signal to the pump. In this case, before buying any parts, it's advisable to have a technician confirm the diagnosis, as this is usually one of the most expensive repairs.
Related spare parts
At Electro Cholo we have drain pumps and hoses compatible with most brands:
