Why Is Water Sitting in My Washing Machine?

Imagine this—your washing machine has completed its cycle. You open the lid and remove your clean clothes, only to find an unexpected pool of water at the bottom of the drum. If that scenario is your reality, you’re probably worrying that your washer might be broken or in need of costly repairs. Worry not—we’re here to shed light on some possible causes and solutions.

Causes of Residual Water
Residual water can be attributed to a number of factors. Let’s break down some of the most common reasons.

1. Drainage Hose: A common culprit is problems with the drainage hose. Your washing machine’s drain hose may be blocked, preventing water from leaving the drum. This can be caused by a clog or kink in the hose.
2. Clogged Filters: Filters in your washing machine play a crucial role in trapping lint, debris, and foreign objects. If these filters are clogged, water drainage can be impeded, causing water to pool at the bottom of the drum.
3. Improper Load: An unbalanced or overfilled load can prevent your washing machine from completing the spin cycle effectively. When this happens, the water may not drain properly.
4. Faulty Sensor: Modern washing machines are equipped with lid sensors and water level sensors to regulate the amount of water in each cycle. A malfunctioning sensor might result in incomplete cycles or inaccurate or water sensing, causing leftover water.

Troubleshooting and Solutions
Next, we’ll address how to drain the water from your washing machine and how to make sure it drains for future cycles. Consider the following steps:

1. Run Another Cycle: It could be that your problem was caused by a random malfunction. Run your washer on a spin cycle and see if it drains this time.
2. Switch Off Water and Power Supply: If the problem persists, you’re going to have to inspect your washer further. Switch off the water and power supply to prevent flooding or electrical shock.
3. Check Drain Hose: Inspect the drain hose for any kinks or clogs. You should be able to spot kinks from the outside, but to check for clogs you’ll need to detach the hose. Before you do, make sure to grab a bucket — that stagnant water will come rushing out when you detach the hose. Snake out any clogs, reattach the hose, and see if that fixes the issue.
4. Clean Filters: Filters need to be cleaned regularly to prevent blockages. Refer to your washing machine’s manual for instructions on locating and cleaning filters, as this process will vary between models.
5. Adjust Load: Maybe you’ve been filling your washer to its absolute limit. Try smaller loads and see if this resolves things. Additionally, make sure to distribute your laundry evenly in the drum to prevent load imbalance. An uneven load can hinder the spin cycle and subsequent drainage.
6. Professional Help: If you suspect a faulty sensor, or if you’ve looked into other possible causes and the issue persists, it might be time to consult a professional technician. They can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the necessary repairs.
7. Upgrade Your Washer: If your washer is an older model or you suspect that repairs may cost more than the unit is worth, consider upgrading. Aaron’s has washers and washer-dryer sets from top brands, so you can get reliable cleaning without high upfront costs.