This Is Why There’s Water Sitting in Your Washing Machine

Understanding the Problem of Water in Washing Machine Drum

About 20% of washing machine failures are caused by drainage issues, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). But pooling water in your washing machine’s drum doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re about to be soaked by appliance repair costs.

Finding water sitting in your washing machine after a cycle can be concerning, but this problem can have more than one cause, and it’s often easy for the average homeowner to diagnose and fix without calling in an expensive professional.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll run through washing machine troubleshooting tips to help you determine the reason for your washing machine’s drainage problem after a spin cycle. In the process, we’ll also review how to remove water from washing machine drum basins and prevent this issue from recurring in the future.

Possible Causes of Standing Water in Washing Machine Drum

Slow drainage or standing water in washing machine drums can result from a simple clog or a malfunctioning mechanical component. But before we take a closer look at the most common causes, a word of caution: If your washing machine is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you may want to avoid attempting to repair the machine yourself. Some warranties are voided when the user or an unauthorized technician disassembles the machine or attempts any kind of repair. If your washer malfunctions while still under warranty, it’s best to have the manufacturer resolve the problem.

1. The washing machine’s drain filter is clogged.

Many washing machines—and especially older models—have drain filters to catch hair, lint, pieces of fabric, and other debris. Most manufacturers and home experts recommend cleaning these filters every three months or so. An excessively dirty filter can impair the washing machine’s efficiency and, yes, cause slow drainage.

The placement of the drain filter varies from model to model. Some washing machines have a filter behind a small hatch or access panel in the front of the unit. This panel may be secured with screws, or it may come off freely. Other models have the filter at the end of a drainage hose within or behind the unit. The filter could also be under the central agitator or uppermost rim of the drum in a top-loading washer.

When in doubt, consult your machine’s manual or contact the manufacturer to locate and assess the condition of the drain filter.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine’s Drain Filter:

1. Locate the filter: Check your user manual to find the exact location of your drain filter.
2. Prepare for water: Place towels and a shallow pan under the filter area, as some water will likely drain out when you remove it.
3. Remove the filter: Turn the filter counterclockwise to unscrew it (some models may have a pull tab or lever).
4. Clean thoroughly: Remove any debris, lint, hair, coins, or other obstructions from the filter and filter housing.
5. Inspect for damage: Check the filter for cracks or damage that might require replacement.

Reinstall: Carefully screw the filter back into place, ensuring it’s properly seated to prevent leaks.

2. The drain hose is obstructed.

All washing machines have a drain hose to syphon away wastewater. This is usually made of rigid plastic that has been corrugated to allow for flexibility. Any kind of obstruction in the drain hose of course means that the washing machine’s wastewater has nowhere to go.

To check your machine’s drain hose, unplug the appliance and move it away from the wall. First, visually inspect the hose for tight bends or kinks. It’s possible that you inadvertently pinched or twisted the hose the last time you moved the machine.

If a twist or kink doesn’t appear to be the problem, there could be a clog. Set a large bucket beside the washer and remove the hose from the wall, keeping the free end elevated. Place the hose in the bucket to see if water drains from the machine. If not, run a plumber’s snake through the hose to check for a clog. Balls of lint, clumps of hair, and even small clothing items are all possible obstructions.

How to Clear a Clogged Drain Hose:

1. Disconnect power: Always unplug your washing machine before beginning any repair work.
2. Access the hose: Pull the washing machine away from the wall to access the drain hose.
3. Inspect for kinks: Straighten any visible kinks or tight bends in the hose.
4. Detach from drain: Carefully detach the drain hose from the wall drain or standpipe.
5. Check for flow: Place the end of the hose in a bucket and see if water flows freely.
6. Clear obstructions: If water doesn’t flow, use a plumber’s snake or straightened wire coat hanger to gently clear any blockages.
7. Flush the hose: Once the obstruction is removed, run clean water through the hose to ensure it’s completely clear.
8. Reconnect: Reattach the hose to the drain, making sure it’s not twisted or kinked.

3. The drain pump is faulty.

If your drain hose is clear and water drained freely when you disconnected the hose from the wall, then it’s possible that a faulty pump is responsible for your machine’s poor drainage. You may have noticed that your drain hose is elevated, connecting to the wall some distance above the washer itself. The pump works to expel water from the machine and force it up through the drain hose.

Drain pumps are susceptible to clogs, and they can malfunction just like any other mechanical appliance component. If you notice your washing machine leaking or making strange noises in addition to standing water in the drum, there’s likely an issue with your pump.

Check your drain pump by unplugging the machine and moving it away from the wall. You will likely need to remove a rear access panel. Remove the pump per the manufacturer’s specifications and inspect it for an obstruction. This could be hair, dust, lint, fabric, small clothing items, a coin, or some other item that you may have neglected to remove from your clothing’s pockets before starting a wash cycle.

If you don’t notice an obstruction, the pump is likely faulty. You can likely find an identical replacement online or at your local hardware store.

Signs of a Failing Drain Pump:

• Humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle
• Water leaking from the bottom of the washing machine
• Washing machine stops mid-cycle
• Burning smell during operation
• Washing machine taking much longer than usual to drain

4. A lid or switch sensor has failed.

Excessive quantities of water sitting in washing machine drums—especially in top-loading models—is sometimes due to a bad sensor. Some appliance models have a sensor that detects when the lid is closed. If the sensor senses that the lid is open, it will disable a wash or spin cycle.

You can test your lid sensor by starting a cycle, leaving the lid open, and manually depressing the lid switch with your finger. If the machine fails to register that the switch is depressed, it’s possible that the sensor is faulty. Replacements are readily available online or in hardware stores, and they’re often easy to install.

How to Test and Replace a Lid Switch Sensor:

1. Locate the switch: The lid switch is usually found under the main top panel near where the lid closes.
2. Test functionality: With the washer plugged in, start a cycle and manually press the switch. The washer should start running.
3. Check continuity: For a more thorough test, use a multimeter to check for continuity when the switch is pressed.
4. Replace if necessary: If the switch isn’t working, unplug the machine, disconnect the wires from the old switch, and install the replacement according to manufacturer instructions.

Additional Reasons for Water in Your Washing Machine Drum

5. Standpipe or Home Plumbing Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your washing machine at all but with your home’s plumbing system. The standpipe (the pipe where your drain hose empties) might be clogged, or there could be a blockage further down in your home’s drainage system.

How to Check for Plumbing Issues:

1. Verify other drains: Check if other drains in your home (sinks, tubs) are also draining slowly.
2. Inspect the standpipe: Remove the drain hose and pour water directly into the standpipe to see if it drains properly.
3. Check for gurgling: Listen for gurgling sounds from nearby drains when the washing machine drains, which can indicate a venting problem.
4. Consider professional help: If you suspect a main line clog, you may need to call a plumber.

6. Unbalanced Load During Spin Cycle

An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to stop mid-cycle, leaving water in the drum. Most modern washing machines have safety features that halt the spin cycle if they detect significant imbalance.

How to Prevent Unbalanced Loads:

1. Distribute items evenly: Mix large and small items rather than washing similar items together.
2. Don’t overload: Follow manufacturer guidelines for load capacity.
3. Separate heavy items: Wash heavy items like blankets or jeans separately or with similar items.
4. Check for level installation: Ensure your washing machine is properly leveled on the floor.

7. Damaged or Worn Door Seal (Front-Loading Machines)

In front-loading machines, a damaged door gasket (seal) can prevent the washer from properly draining and cause water to remain in the washing machine drum after a cycle.

How to Inspect and Replace a Door Seal:

1. Visual inspection: Look for tears, cracks, or mold growth on the rubber seal.
2. Clean thoroughly: Remove any debris or mold with a solution of bleach and water.
3. Test for leaks: Run a short cycle to see if water leaks through the door.
4. Replace if necessary: If damaged, order a replacement seal specific to your model and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

How to Remove Water from Your Washing Machine Drum

If you’ve discovered water sitting in your washing machine drum and need to remove it before making repairs, here are several methods to safely extract the water:

Method 1: Use the Drain Cycle

If your machine is still partially functional, try running just the drain cycle:

1. Set your washer to the "Drain & Spin" cycle
2. Select "No Wash" if available
3. Run the shortest cycle possible

Method 2: Manual Draining Through the Drain Hose

If the drain cycle doesn’t work:

1. Unplug the machine for safety
2. Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer
3. Place the end in a bucket or floor drain lower than the washer
4. Allow gravity to empty the water (you may need several buckets)

Method 3: Use the Drain Filter

For front-loading machines with accessible drain filters:

1. Place towels and a shallow pan under the filter
2. Slowly open the drain filter cover
3. Allow water to drain into the pan
4. Empty the pan as needed until the drum is empty

Method 4: Siphon the Water

For stubborn drainage issues:

1. Get a length of garden hose
2. Place one end in the washing machine drum
3. Place the other end in a drain or bucket lower than the washer
4. Create suction to start the siphon (by sucking on the drain end or using a pump)
5. Allow the siphon to drain the water

Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Water in Washing Machine Drum

Taking proactive steps can help prevent drainage issues and water standing in your washing machine drum:

Regular Cleaning Schedule

• Clean the drain filter every 3 months: Remove lint, hair, and debris that could cause clogs.
• Run a cleaning cycle monthly: Use a washing machine cleaner or a hot water and vinegar cycle to reduce buildup.
• Wipe the drum and door seal weekly: Prevent mold growth and buildup that could interfere with proper operation.

Proper Usage Habits

• Empty pockets before washing: Remove coins, tissues, and other items that could clog the pump or filter.
• Use the right amount of detergent: Excess detergent can create residue that clogs drainage systems.
• Leave the door open after use: Allow the drum to dry completely between uses to prevent mold and mildew.
• Use mesh laundry bags: Wash small items in mesh bags to prevent them from entering the drainage system.

Regular Inspections

• Check hoses quarterly: Look for cracks, kinks, or damage to inlet and drain hoses.
• Inspect the door seal monthly: Look for tears or buildup in front-loading machines.
• Verify proper installation annually: Ensure the machine remains level and that hoses are properly connected.

When to Call a Professional

While many washing machine drainage issues can be resolved by homeowners, some situations warrant professional assistance:

• Electrical problems: Any issues involving the control board or electrical components
• Repeated failures: If the problem returns shortly after you fix it
• Multiple issues: When multiple components seem to be malfunctioning simultaneously
• Warranty concerns: If your machine is under warranty, unauthorized repairs might void coverage
• Water damage: If standing water has caused damage to your floors or surrounding areas
• Unusual sounds: Grinding, banging, or scraping noises during operation

Appliance Warranties: What Does a Washing Machine Warranty Cover?

If you can’t seem to pinpoint the problem afflicting your washing machine, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional. Appliance repair doesn’t always come cheap, though, so many homeowners rely on home warranties and extended warranties to save money.

A washing machine extended warranty or home warranty with broader appliance coverage requires a small monthly or yearly premium, but you are spared the cost of repair when an unexpected problem arises. Your plan could even pay for a replacement appliance if your machine can’t be repaired.

Liberty Home Guard’s policies provide coverage for all mechanical components and parts of washing machines. We offer similarly comprehensive coverage for virtually any home appliance or system.

What’s Typically Covered by Washing Machine Warranties

• Manufacturer’s warranty: Usually covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year
• Extended warranty: Can cover parts and labor for mechanical breakdowns for additional years
• Home warranty: Covers functional failures due to normal wear and tear, including drain pumps, motors, and electrical components

What’s Typically Not Covered

• Cosmetic damage: Scratches, dents, or discoloration
• Improper installation: Damage from DIY installation errors
• Lack of maintenance: Problems resulting from failure to perform regular maintenance
• Misuse: Damage from using the machine improperly or contrary to manufacturer instructions

Keeping Your Washing Machine Properly Drained

Finding water sitting in your washing machine drum can be concerning, but as we’ve explored, this common issue often has straightforward solutions. By understanding the potential causes—from clogged filters and hoses to pump failures and sensor issues—you can troubleshoot effectively and often resolve the problem yourself without expensive service calls.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing drainage issues in the first place. Cleaning filters, checking hoses, and using your washing machine properly will help ensure it continues to function efficiently for years to come. When more serious problems arise, having protection through a comprehensive home warranty can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Remember that while standing water in your washing machine drum is inconvenient, addressing it promptly can prevent more serious issues like mold growth, component damage, or water damage to your home. With the information in this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle this common appliance issue and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.