In spite of its higher price tag, a front load washer offers unmatched benefits. This type of washer is more energy and water efficient, loads more clothes, and cleans clothes better. However, front load washers can succumb to draining problems that can put a damper on the appliance’s efficiency. The good news is that most causes of draining problems can be easily resolved.
Here are a few reasons why your washer will not drain, and what to do if this happens.
1. Clogged Drain Hose
Over time, debris can clog the drain hose and prevent your washer from draining. A twisted or coiled drain hose can also inhibit the free flow of water. Check behind the washer and straighten a kinked hose.
If this does not solve the problem, unplug and clean the hose to eliminate any residue.
2. Improper Drain Height
Your washer’s draining rate reduces with each increase in the drainpipe height. If you have placed your washer too high from the floor, the machine may be unable to pump water out or may drain very slowly.
Check your user manual for proper drain pipe installation and height requirements.
3. Plumbing Problems
The drain hose in a front loading machine is plugged into your home’s plumbing system. Problems with your plumbing system can cause the washer to drain very slowly or not to drain at all.
To find out if this is a simple fix or a plumbing issue, disconnect the hose from the plumbing pipe and splash some water into the pipe and hose to remove any residue that could be blocking the flow of water.
If this does not resolve the problem, get in touch with a reputable plumber to check if a plumbing issue is the culprit.
4. Blocked Pump Filter
The pump filter prevents items from making their way down the drain hose and into the home’s plumbing. Small objects, such as buttons and coins, can clog the filter and disrupt the loading cycle, which can slow down or prevent draining altogether.
Find out from your user manual if you can safely access and clean the filter to eliminate the clog.
5. Poor Load Distribution
An unevenly distributed load can unbalance your washer and cause the machine to vibrate too much, which may prevent proper spinning or draining. A consistently unbalanced front load washer can also damage internal parts, resulting in costly repairs.
Manually redistribute your clothes to even out the load in the washer. Add more clothes if necessary, but do not overload the drum. Check that the washer is leveled and adjust the feet accordingly to keep the machine from vibrating and moving around, which can cause problems with draining.
6. Defective Lid Switch Assembly
The switch assembly on a front load washer detects whether the lid is open, and the lock ensures that the lid stays shut when the washer is in use. The lid switch/lock assembly can succumb to electrical or mechanical failure. If the lid will not stay locked, the load will not spin and the washer will not drain.
Have a service technician inspect your washer to eliminate other potential problems that may cause the lid switch or lock to malfunction. Your technician may need to replace a faulty switch or lock assembly.
A front load washer is a major investment, and even the slightest fault can send you into a spin. However, proper use and maintenance can mitigate draining issues with your washer. At Capital City Appliance Service, Inc., we understand how important it is to have your washer working properly at all times. If you need service for your appliance, get in touch with us today.
