When your washing machine does not drain or spin, it can turn a simple laundry day into a major frustration. Whether your washer stops mid-cycle, leaves clothes soaking wet, or makes strange noises but refuses to spin — these issues are usually fixable with a bit of troubleshooting.

Understanding Why Your Washing Machine Does Not Drain or Spin

Before diving into specific fixes, it’s important to understand how a washer’s drain and spin system works.

A washing machine drains water using a drain pump and drain hose. Once the water is removed, the motor and drive belt engage to spin the drum at high speed, extracting excess water from your clothes.

If your washer fails to drain or spin, it usually points to one (or more) of the following issues:

• A blocked drain hose or filter
• A faulty lid switch
• A malfunctioning drain pump
• Unbalanced loads or overloading
• Motor, belt, or clutch problems
• Electrical or control board issues

2. Common Reasons Why the Washer Won’t Drain

2.1. Clogged or Blocked Drain Hose

A clogged drain hose is one of the most common reasons why your washer won’t drain. Over time, dirt, lint, coins, or small clothing items can obstruct the hose, preventing water from flowing out properly.

How to Fix:

1. Unplug the washer and move it slightly away from the wall.
2. Locate the drain hose (usually at the back of the machine).
3. Detach it and inspect for any blockages.
4. Use a flexible brush or running water to clean it out.
5. Reconnect the hose securely and run a drain cycle.

2.2. Clogged Pump Filter

Most modern washers include a pump filter to trap lint and debris. When this gets clogged, it can stop the machine from draining water.

Steps to Clean the Filter:

1. Locate the filter cover (usually at the bottom front of the machine).
2. Place a towel or shallow tray underneath to catch any water.
3. Open the cover and unscrew the filter.
4. Remove any lint, coins, or debris.
5. Reinsert the filter and secure the cover.

Pro Tip: Clean your washer filter once a month to prevent drainage issues.

2.3. Faulty or Burnt-Out Drain Pump

If your washer won’t drain even after cleaning hoses and filters, the drain pump itself might be faulty. You may hear a humming sound or no sound at all during the drain cycle.

What to Do:

• Inspect the pump for damage or burnt smell.
• Check for foreign objects inside the pump impeller.
• If it’s faulty, replace the pump — you can find compatible parts online based on your washer model.

3. Washing Machine Not Spinning: Causes and Fixes

When the washing machine is not spinning, but the motor seems to be running or making noise, there could be several underlying issues.

3.1. Unbalanced or Overloaded Drum

Overloading the drum can throw the washer’s balance sensors off, stopping the spin cycle. The washer may try to rebalance multiple times or abort the spin altogether.

How to Fix:

1. Open the lid and redistribute the clothes evenly.
2. Avoid overloading — fill only two-thirds of the drum.
3. Try running the spin cycle again.

3.2. Faulty Lid Switch or Door Lock

The lid switch ensures that the washer only spins when the lid or door is securely closed. A broken switch means the machine won’t enter the spin cycle.

Check and Fix:

1. Listen for a clicking sound when closing the lid.
2. If there’s no click, the switch might be defective.
3. Test it with a multimeter for continuity.
4. Replace if necessary — most lid switches are inexpensive and easy to install.

3.3. Worn Drive Belt

If your washing machine motor runs but the drum doesn’t spin, a worn or broken drive belt could be the culprit.

How to Check:

1. Unplug the washer and remove the rear access panel.
2. Inspect the drive belt for cracks or looseness.
3. Replace the belt if it appears worn out.
4. Ensure proper tension when reinstalling.

3.4. Faulty Motor Coupling or Clutch

In some top-load washers, a motor coupling or clutch connects the motor to the transmission. If these parts wear out, the machine may fill and drain but fail to spin.

Signs:

• Washer makes noise but doesn’t spin.
• Drum tries to move but fails to reach full speed.

Fix: Replacing a coupling or clutch is a moderate DIY job, but if you’re not confident, it’s best to hire a technician.

4. Washer Won’t Drain or Spin: Electrical and Control Board Issues

When mechanical parts are fine but your washer won’t drain or spin, the issue may lie in the electronic control board or timer.

4.1. Control Board Malfunction

Modern washing machines rely heavily on electronic controls. Power surges or water damage can cause the control board to malfunction, preventing it from sending proper signals to the pump or motor.

Fix:

• Try resetting the washer (instructions below).
• If that doesn’t help, you may need a technician to inspect the board.

4.2. Faulty Timer

Older mechanical washers use a timer dial to control cycles. A defective timer can stop the drain or spin cycle from activating.

Solution:

• Check if other cycles work properly.
• If only the spin or drain cycle fails, the timer might need replacement.

5. Washing Machine Not Spinning but Making Noise

If your washing machine is not spinning but making noise, this often points to a mechanical obstruction or a motor problem.

Possible Causes:

• A foreign object (like a coin or button) stuck between the drum and tub.
• Worn bearings causing grinding or rattling.
• A loose pulley or drive belt slipping during spin.

Fix:

1. Empty the drum and check for stuck objects.
2. Spin the drum manually — it should move freely without noise.
3. If you hear grinding, call a professional to replace bearings.

6. Washing Machine Not Spinning but Motor Running

If the motor is running but the drum isn’t spinning, this means the motor is fine but the drive system has failed.

Likely Issues:

• Broken drive belt
• Worn motor coupling
• Faulty transmission
• Damaged agitator dogs (in top-loaders)

Fix Options:

1. Replace the drive belt if it’s slipping or snapped.
2. For agitator dog replacement, remove the agitator cap and install new plastic teeth.
3. If the transmission is damaged, professional repair is recommended — this can be a costly part.

7. Preventive Maintenance Tips

To avoid future issues with your washer not draining or spinning:

• Clean the filter monthly.
• Check hoses for kinks or clogs.
• Avoid overloading the drum.
• Use proper detergent amounts to prevent buildup.
• Inspect the drive belt annually for wear.
• Balance loads before starting the spin cycle.

8. FAQs About Washing Machine Drain and Spin Problems

1. Is there a reset button on a washing machine?

Some washing machines do have a reset button, while others require a manual reset.

To reset most washers:

1. Unplug the machine from power.
2. Wait for 1–2 minutes.
3. Plug it back in and press the Start/Pause or Power button for 5 seconds.
4. For specific models, refer to the user manual.

2. Can a blocked filter stop a washing machine from spinning?

Yes! A blocked filter can prevent proper drainage. If the water can’t exit the drum, the washer won’t enter the spin cycle for safety reasons. Cleaning the filter usually solves this issue.

3. Can overloading affect the spin cycle?

Absolutely. Overloading puts too much strain on the motor and drum, making it difficult for the washer to balance the load. This can stop the spin cycle or cause vibration and noise. Always follow the manufacturer’s load recommendations.

4. Why does my washer stop mid-cycle?

This can happen if the drain pump fails, the lid switch is faulty, or there’s an unbalanced load. It may also occur due to power fluctuations or a malfunctioning control board.

5. What should I do if my washer smells bad after not draining properly?

If your washer smells musty or foul, stagnant water may have collected inside. Run a hot water cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to remove odors and buildup.

9. When to Call a Professional

While many drain and spin problems can be handled with simple cleaning or part replacement, you should call a professional home Repair if:

• The drum doesn’t move even after basic fixes.
• The motor makes loud grinding or burning noises.
• You notice electrical issues or error codes on the control panel.
• There’s water leakage under the washer.

Professional technicians can accurately diagnose the root cause and replace faulty components safely.