Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
Read the guide
Why won't my washer drain?
A washer that won't drain usually has a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a clogged house drain, or a failed drain pump. Less often, a faulty lid switch, door lock, or control board stops the drain cycle from starting.
Start with the simple checks below. Most drain problems are caused by something stuck in the path of the water, like a sock, a coin, or lint.
Why isn't my washer draining after the cycle ends?
If the cycle finishes and water is still in the drum, the washer tried to drain and could not. The pump runs, but something stops the water: a sock in the pump filter, a kinked or crushed drain hose, a hose pushed too far into the standpipe, or a pump that hums but no longer turns. Check the filter and hose first, since they cause most cases.
What are the 6 most common causes?
1. A clogged drain pump filter
Most front-load washers have a small filter behind a panel at the bottom front. It catches coins, hair ties, and lint before they reach the pump. When it fills up, water can't get out.
2. A kinked or crushed drain hose
If the washer was pushed back against the wall, the drain hose may be bent flat. Pull the washer out a few inches and straighten the hose.
3. A clog inside the drain hose
Small items can get past the filter and lodge in the hose. Disconnect it over a bucket and check for blockages.
4. A clogged house drain
If water backs up out of the standpipe or a nearby floor drain, the clog is in your home's plumbing, not the washer. If several drains in the house are slow at once, the problem may be in the sewer line.
5. A failed drain pump
If you hear a hum but no water moves, or you hear nothing at all during the drain cycle, the pump may be jammed or burned out. This is one of the most common washer repairs.
6. A bad lid switch, door lock, or control
Many washers will not drain or spin unless they sense that the lid or door is locked. A failed switch or lock can stop the cycle partway through.
How do you drain the water and check the filter?
Unplug the washer, lay towels down, and place a shallow pan under the filter panel. Open the small drain tube or slowly unscrew the filter to let the water out, then remove lint and debris and screw it back in tightly.
- Unplug the washer before you open any panel.
- Expect more water than you think. Have several towels and a shallow pan ready.
- Clean the filter every few months to prevent future clogs.
- Check the drain hose for kinks after you push the washer back.
- Use a mesh bag for socks and small items.
Washer full of water and the filter is clear? Call us and a technician can test the pump and lock.
What if the washer won't drain or spin at all?
A washer must empty before it spins, so one drain fault stops both. If the drum stays full and the spin never starts, note any error code (OE, 5E, F9 E1 or nd), listen during the drain step, and check the lid or door lock. A hum with no water moving points to a jammed pump. Silence points to the pump, its wiring or the control.
- One heavy item. A rug or bath mat can throw the load off balance and stop the spin even after draining.
- Lid strike. On top-loaders, a broken plastic tab on the lid stops the washer from sensing a closed lid.
- Belt or coupler. On some older top-loaders, a worn belt or motor coupler stops the pump and the spin together.
If it drains but will not spin, read our guide on a washer not spinning.
What if the problem is your house drain?
If water backs up from the standpipe while the washer pumps, or other drains in your home are slow, call a plumber. If you see sewage backing up or overflowing in Mountain View, the City's wastewater team responds at all hours.
You can find the number on the City's wastewater and sewer page.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the filter and hose are clear but the washer still won't drain, if the pump hums or grinds, or if the door won't unlock. Our washer repair service fixes top-load and front-load machines from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Bosch, and more. You can see typical prices in our repair cost table.
Before you book, it is worth checking the CPSC recall list for your washer's brand and model. If your old washer is beyond repair, the ENERGY STAR clothes washer guide can help you pick an efficient new one.
A washer that does not spin out fully also leaves clothes too wet for the dryer. If drying takes forever, read our guide on slow dryers and vent safety.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there still water in my washer?
The most common causes are a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a clogged house drain, or a failed drain pump. On some models a bad lid switch or door lock also stops the drain cycle.
Why is my front load washer not draining?
On a front load washer, check the drain pump filter behind the small panel at the bottom front first. Socks, coins and hair ties block it often. If the filter is clear and the pump hums but no water moves, the pump or drain hose needs a technician.
Can I run my washer if it won't drain?
No. Running more cycles can overflow the tub or burn out the pump. Stop using it, drain the water, and find the cause first.
How much does it cost to fix a washer that won't drain?
Cleaning a clog is often cheap or free. Replacing a drain pump usually falls within our typical washer repair range of approx. $150 to $450, including parts and labor.
