How to Diagnose and Fix Washing Machine Drain Problems?

Washing machines are something that stays with us for at least a decade or more. They work consistently if there are no problems or discrepancies caused. The most common problem caused by the washing machine is drain problems.

However, you need to understand that the drain problem falls in two categories: the water does not drain out of the washing machine or the water does leave the machine but is unable to flow properly through the drain pipes.

Hence, you can fix the problems as they aren't of big issues and don't need any technician for the appliance repair. There are several specific problems which can be caused due to the general issues and you have to investigate the problem, which can be a tricky business. Hence, if you want to save your money from those expensive bills here is how you can do it:

Understand what and where it could have gone wrong. Go through the washing machine user and owner manual. There is a specific troubleshooting section that can give you suggestions to try for the common problems and fixes. It will also display the error codes so that you can easily identify them. If the listed error codes don't identify as your problem, then you can identify the problems as your washing machine is running a load. Some of the most common problems can be the clog in the rubber drain tube that leads from the washing machine to the drain standpipe. A particular material that is obstructing the water pump impellers, a probable mechanical failure of the water pump, some loose or broken drive belt, a faulty lid switch, clog in the drain system.

Here are the other problems and how you can fix them Drain hose problems

If at all you hear the washing machine's pump working but the water is not leaking the machine, it is basically because of the rubber drain hose which is running from the back of the machine to the drain standpipe. The washtub could also be clogged with the cloth fibers. This may happen sometimes whenever you wash rugs that can shed a lot of fabric fibers if the drain hose is pinched. Thus, the hose is clogged and this can prevent the water from being pumped out. So first remove the hose which is attached to the washer. The hose should be clear. Just blow some air through it and you will understand if it is clear or not. Mostly the hose could be worn out or just badly kinked. Hence, you can replace the hose and see that the ability of the machine to pump water has increased.

Drain Pump Problems

There is this problem when you hear the pump working but it sounds like it is laboring, it is mainly because of a piece of fabric obstructing the pumping mechanism. Hence, just shut off and drain the machine. Then, remove the washing machine panel to take a look and examine the water pump. There may be instances where the pump could be clogged. Hence, remove the corrugated tune that leads to the pump. You can also clear the filter or the debris on the pump. This should get the pump starts.

Again, for the top load washing machine, the pump is located at the back of the machine and for the on a front loader, it is in the front of the machine just below the door. Hence if you find some lint from the screen, rinse it off with some water. Reassemble the pump and it should work fine.

If the pump isn't making any operating noise at all, it may be because of a failed pump and you have not optioned but to replace it.

Drive belt and lid switch issues

There are times when the pump is operated by a drive belt which is fitted around the pulleys on the bottom of the washing machine motor. Many instances, this bel can break and then the washing machine can have difficulty in draining. Hence, fix this issue with the help of an experienced person as you need to turn over the machine to examine the belt. If you are not comfortable doing it, then you can call in for an appliance repair personnel.

In addition to that, just under the lid or the door of the washing machine, a plastic switch serves which senses the door is shut so the machine can operate. But sometimes this switch becomes faulty and the machine may fail to drain properly. In such an instance, you can press the switch by hand and listen to the clicking sound. If you do not hear it, then it needs to be replaced.

Conclusion

Hence, these are some common problems that washing machines can have with the drains. There are a few plumbing system problems too.