What to do if the washing machine doesn't drain?

The washing machine not draining is one of the most troublesome problems during use, usually related to the drain pipe, drain pump, or sensor. The following are detailed troubleshooting and solutions:

1. Check if the drain pipe is blocked
This is the primary reason for not draining.

Bent pipe: Check if the drain pipe is excessively bent due to moving the machine or improper placement, causing water flow obstruction.
Blockage: If the drain pipe is too long or has a bend at the end, it is prone to accumulating hair, fibers, or dirt. It is recommended to disconnect the drain pipe and use a pipe cleaner or plumbing tool to clear the blockage.
Height issue: Improper placement height of the drain pipe (too low) can also cause a siphon effect, affecting drainage. Ensure that the end of the drain pipe is approximately 30-50 cm higher than the bottom of the machine. 2. Check the drain pump for malfunctions.
The drain pump is the core component that pumps water out of the machine.

Pump body inspection: If the drain pipe is clear but no water is draining, the impeller inside the pump body may be jammed by foreign objects (such as coins, buttons, etc.). After disconnecting the power, you can manually rotate the pump shaft to feel if it is stuck.
Pump noise: If the machine makes a harsh noise during draining, the pump shaft bearing may be damaged and the drain pump needs to be replaced.
Clean the pump housing: Some machines have a filter or outlet inside the pump housing; regular cleaning is recommended.
3. Check the drain sensor (float switch).
This is a key component that controls the start of the draining process.

Sensor malfunction: If the water level sensor (such as a float switch) is damaged, the machine may misjudge that the water level is full, preventing the draining program from starting.
Manual test: You can try unplugging the power and disconnecting the water pipe when the machine displays "drain" or "soak," and observe whether the machine attempts to drain.
Clean the sensor: Sometimes the sensor surface is covered with dirt, leading to misjudgment; rinsing with clean water is recommended.
4. Check the machine's drain mode settings.
Sometimes the problem is not a machine malfunction, but rather an operating mode issue.

Soak mode: If the machine is in "soak" mode, the drain outlet may be forcibly closed to maintain the water level. Confirm whether the program has been mistakenly set to soak or pre-wash mode.
Restart: Try turning off the machine's power for 3-5 minutes, then power it back on after a power reset. This can sometimes resolve draining problems caused by program glitches.