Troubleshooting A Front Loaded Washer Refusing To Drain
There's nothing more frustrating than getting a sopping wet assortment of clothing out of your washer. Occasionally, a washer will refuse to drain -- and that'll leave your clothes wet and musty. Luckily, drainage problems are among the most simple to fix. In top loading washes, the problem is often the pump. But in a front loading washer, it's usually a clog somewhere in the system.
Check the Drainage Hose
The drainage hose is the most common area for problems. A blocked drainage hose will leave the washer flooded -- and it doesn't have to be completely blocked either. Commonly, clogs will occur in households that have pets or when you are washing particularly linty fabric. You can remove the drainage hose entirely from the washer (make sure to lay down towels and a bucket) and then rinse it out in the sink.
Make Sure the Drain Spout is Clear
You might think that the drain spout can't be an issue because otherwise it would just overflow. But checking the drain spout will tell you something very important: it will tell you whether lint and other buildup has been moving through the washer and getting clogged. A proper drainage hose setup usually won't flood when the drain spout is blocked, either; if the drain hose is far enough down the spout, the pressure will equalize instead. Simply look inside the spout with a flashlight to reveal any clogs.
Remove the Bottom Plate
The last resort you can use to clear a clog is to remove the bottom plate of your washer. The bottom plate is usually held on by two or three screws or bolts, which can be easily turned. The plate will come off and you will see a small plastic cylinder pointed outwards with a screw top. Place a bucket directly beneath the sideways screw top, twist and pull. This is the drainage catch, which will usually accumulate any dirt and debris that falls into your washer. If you find that the drainage catch was full, you'll know that you've successfully resolved your problem -- empty it out fully, wash it off, replace and run.
If you find yourself dealing with clogs and other related issues often, it may be an issue with the clothing involved. Avoid washing small items of clothing outside of a garment bag and make sure to shake out all of your clothes before they go into the wash.
For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact A-1 Appliance Service or a similar company.