Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining?
Washing machines have come a long way - from old, clunky models to today’s sleek, high-tech designs. But no matter how fancy they get, their most important job is simple: getting your clothes clean and properly rinsed.
If your washer stops draining and you find your clothes are trapped behind a locked washer door, here are some tips and tricks we have assembled to help you get through those problems easily!
Let’s break down why this happens and what steps you can take before calling in the experts.
Why Does a Washer Refuse to Drain?
In busy Toronto homes, the washing machine works overtime — especially in family households. But several things can stop it from draining properly, including:
A clogged filter or hose
A faulty pump
A jammed drain trap
Control board or sensor issues
If left unchecked, this can lead to:
Water sitting in the drum
Heavy, wet clothes you can’t spin-dry
Musty smells and mold growth
Risk of leaks or water damage
Step 1: Check the Drain Filter
The drain filter is the most common troublemaker. It traps lint, coins, small items, and debris — but if it gets blocked, water can’t drain out
Find the filter — usually on the front bottom edge (check your manual)
Place a few towels and a shallow pan under it (Be prepared to catch a lot of water! if you live in a Condo or your laundry room is on the top floors of the house we do not encourage you doing this yourself)
Carefully turn the filter counter clockwise and let the water drain slowly onto the pan or towels
Remove and clean the filter.
Rinse it under warm water and pop it back in (According to manuals)
Fill up the drum with some water and make sure the filter is not leaking
Pro tip: Check this every couple of months to avoid future problems, especially if you’re washing pet bedding or clothes with small pockets
Step 2: Inspect the Drain Hose
If the filter is clean but the water still won’t drain, the next place to check is the drain hose.
Gently pull the washer forward and inspect the hose behind it.
Look for kinks, sharp bends, or squished spots.
Disconnect the hose and flush it out with water.
Reattach securely.
If the hose looks damaged, it may need to be replaced. Give us a call at Best Appliance Repairs Toronto (647-424-1316) and we’ll help match the right part.
Step 3: Listen for Pump Problems
If the pump is making weird noises — or worse, no noise at all — it could be failing.
Watch for signs like:
Humming, buzzing, or grinding sounds
Machine pauses mid-cycle
Visible error codes on the control panel
Pump issues are more technical and usually require a professional. Trying to DIY this can risk electrical or water damage.
Step 4: Check the Control Panel
Modern washers rely on sensors, electronics, and software. Sometimes, a simple glitch can confuse the machine.
Turn off the washer and unplug it for 5–10 minutes (this can act as a reset).
Restart the machine and see if the issue clears.
Still stuck? Note down any error codes — they’ll help our techs diagnose the issue faster.
When Should You Call Best Appliance Repairs?
If you’re seeing:
Water sitting in the drum after a cycle
Loud noises or burning smells
Persistent error codes
Water leaks on the floor
A machine that won’t spin or finish the cycle
Filter trap is clear but the washer still wouldn't drain
...it's time to bring in the pros.
We’re Best Appliance Repairs, your trusted local team in Toronto and the GTA. We service all major washer brands and models — and as a family-owned, local business, we care about getting your home laundry schedule running smoothly again.
Book Your Washer Service Today!
Don’t let laundry pile up or risk a bigger breakdown.
Call Best Appliance Repairs today to book your service or get expert help.
Let us help you get back to stress-free laundry days!