Washer Won’t Drain, Repair Cost
The cycle finishes but the tub is still full of water, the washer stops mid cycle with standing water, or you hear the pump humming without water moving. Drain failures are one of the two most common washer service calls, and the fix is usually inexpensive.
Washer Won’t Drain costs $150 to $300 for a pro repair in Arizona, parts and labor included.
- Parts $25 to $90, labor $100 to $220, about 45 to 90 minutes on site.
- Priciest fix is the failed drain pump, up to $300.
- 3 of 4 common causes are DIY friendly. Difficulty is moderate.
- Almost always repair.
Averages for independent repair companies. The service call fee of $75 to $150 is usually applied toward the repair. Costs vary by brand, model, and city.
What causes it, and what each fix costs
Clogged drain pump filter
Front loaders have a small coin trap filter behind an access door at the bottom. Coins, hair pins, and sock lint stop the pump outright. Cleaning it is free and fixes a large share of "won’t drain" calls.
Failed drain pump
The pump motor burns out or the impeller cracks. You’ll often hear a hum or grinding. Pumps are a cheap part. Most of the cost is labor.
Kinked or blocked drain hose
A kink behind the machine, or a sock lodged in the hose or standpipe. Often free to fix once found.
Lid switch / door lock fault (won’t enter drain)
Many machines refuse to drain or spin if the lid switch or door lock reads open. See the won’t start guide for costs.
Repair or replace?
Almost always repair. Drain problems are cheap fixes on machines of any age, replacing the washer over a $30 pump or a clogged filter never makes sense.
We'll quote you on hauling it away, or buying it.
Not every washer is worth repairing, and we'd rather tell you that than sell you a repair. If you're replacing it, we'll give you a free quote either way. Scrap pickup for a machine that's finished, or a cash offer if it still has life in it. Working units, recent models and premium brands are often worth real money.
Quick Questions
How do I drain a washer that’s full of water?
Front loaders. Open the access panel at the bottom front and pull the small rubber drain hose (or slowly open the filter cap) into a shallow pan. Top loaders. Bail from the tub, then tip the drain hose below tub level into a bucket.
Is a drain pump worth replacing?
Yes. Pumps run $25 to $90 for most brands and take under an hour to swap. It’s one of the most cost effective washer repairs.
Why does my washer drain but not spin?
Usually a worn clutch, drive belt, shift actuator, or a door lock fault, see the "washer won’t spin" guide.
Model specific guides for this problem
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