If your washing machine finishes a cycle but the drum is still full of water, the drainage system is blocked or a component has failed. The good news: many drainage problems have simple causes you can check at home in a few minutes. Here is how to diagnose it step by step.
Common causes of a washing machine not draining
- Clogged drain pump filter — lint, coins, and small objects collect here and block flow. This is the single most common cause.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose — the hose at the back can twist or clog with detergent scum.
- Blocked household drain — the wall drain or standpipe the hose empties into may be choked.
- Faulty drain pump — a burnt-out or jammed pump motor cannot push water out.
- Broken lid switch or door lock — many machines will not drain if they think the door is open.
- Drainage error code — front-loaders often show a code (e.g. 5E/5C on Samsung, OE on LG) when they cannot drain.
What you can safely check yourself
- Turn the machine off and unplug it. Never work on a machine that is powered on.
- Check the drain hose. Make sure it is not kinked, and that the end is not pushed too far down the wall drain. Detach it and check for blockages.
- Clean the pump filter. On front-loaders, open the small flap at the bottom front, place a towel and shallow tray (water will spill out), unscrew the filter and remove debris.
- Test the household drain by pouring a bucket of water into it — if it backs up, the wall drain is the problem, not the machine.
- Run a spin/drain-only cycle after clearing blockages to confirm.
Our technicians repair all brands across Bangalore with same-day doorstep service and transparent pricing from ₹350.
When to call a technician
If the filter and hoses are clear but the machine still will not drain, the drain pump or control board likely needs attention — these require opening the machine and testing electrical components, which is best left to a professional. A failing pump often makes a loud humming or buzzing noise without moving water.
We repair drainage faults on all brands — Samsung, LG, IFB, Whirlpool and Bosch — across Bangalore with same-day doorstep service.
Typical repair cost in Bangalore
A pump filter clean-out is a minor job. A drain pump replacement typically ranges based on the brand and part. We always diagnose first and give you an upfront quote (repairs start at ₹350) before any work begins.