The washing machine does not spin or drain water: causes and repairs

Has your washing machine suddenly stopped draining water and spinning clothes? This is one of the most common malfunctions that equipment owners encounter. LG, Samsung, Indesit and other brands. The problem can manifest itself in different ways: water remains in the drum after washing, the machine freezes during the rinse phase, or simply ignores the spin command. In most cases, the breakdown can be fixed on your own - without calling a specialist and costly repairs.

But before you grab the tools, it is important to correctly diagnose the cause. Sometimes a clogged filter is to blame, and sometimes it’s a burnt-out control board. We will analyze all possible scenarios: from banal blockages to serious technical malfunctions. We’ll also show you how to temporarily drain the water manually if the machine has blocked the hatch.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Top 7 reasonswhy the machine does not drain the water and does not spin (with photos and diagrams)
• 🛠️ Step by step instructions DIY repairs - from cleaning the filter to checking the pump
• ⚠️ What not to do, so as not to aggravate the breakdown (spoiler: not all advice from the Internet is safe!)
• 📊 Comparison table symptoms and solutions for different models (Bosch, Ariston, Candy)

1. Clogged drain pump filter - reason No. 1

Guilty in 60% of cases clogged drain pump filter. Coins, buttons, threads, hair and even small parts of clothing end up there. If the filter is clogged, water cannot pass into the sewer, and the machine “thinks” that draining is impossible - and blocks the spin cycle.

How to understand that the problem is in the filter?

• 💧 Car Doesn't drain water at all or does it very slowly (with gurgling).
• 🔊 Can be heard during the draining stage pump hum, but the water does not go away.
• 🚫 An error appears on the display: E2 (Indesit), 4E (Samsung), F03 (Bosch).

To clean the filter:

1. Unplug the machine and turn off the water.
2. Open bottom panel (usually it is secured with latches or screws).
3. Place a container for water - when you open the filter, it will flow!
4. Turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out. Remove all debris.
5. Check pipe behind the filter - there may also be a blockage there.

Try turning it with pliers (gently!)|

Apply WD-40 to the threads and wait 10 minutes|

Check to see if the filter is blocked by a foreign object (such as a coin)|

If all else fails, remove the pump completely (instructions below) -->

Attention! If after cleaning the filter the water still does not drain, the problem may be the pump itself (to the pump). It also needs to be checked - more on that in the next section.

2. Malfunction of the drain pump (pump)

If the filter is clean, but the machine still does not drain water, the culprit is drain pump. He can:

• 🔌 jam due to trapped debris (hair, threads).
• 🔥 Burn out from overload (if the machine often worked with a blockage).
• 💔 Depressurize - then water seeps past the pump.

How to check the pump:

1. Drain the water manually through emergency hose (usually it is located next to the filter).
2. Unscrew the pump mounts (it is located behind the filter).
3. Disconnect the wires and hoses, then remove the pump.
4. Check impeller - it should rotate freely. If not, remove the blockage.
5. Test the pump winding with a multimeter (resistance should be 150–200 Ohms).

If the pump is faulty, it must be replaced. The cost of a new pump is from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the model. For example, for Samsung WW60J3260BW a pump will do DC62-00019A, and for Indesit IWSB 5085 — C00088753.

3. Problems with electronics: sensors and control board

If the filter and pump are in order, but the machine still does not drain water or spin, the fault is electronics. Most often they break:

• 📡 Water level sensor (pressostat) — if he lies, the machine “does not understand” that the water has been drained.
• 🔧 Control board - may burn out from a power surge or short circuit.
• 🔌 Wiring - oxidation of contacts or open circuit.

How to diagnose:

Symptom	Probable Cause	What to do
Typewriter doesn't respond to commands, all indicators flash	Control board burned out	Replace the board or reflash (if possible)
Error on display F05 (Bosch) or E18 (Samsung)	The pressure switch is faulty	Ring the sensor, replace if necessary
Typewriter drains water but does not spin	Problem with the tachometer or motor brushes	Check the motor (section 5)

Repairing electronics yourself requires experience. If you are not sure, it is better to call a specialist. The control board in modern machines (for example, LG F2J5HN0W) often cannot be repaired - only replaced, and its cost can reach 10,000 rubles.

Samsung|

LG|

Bosch|

Indesit|

Other-->

4. Blockage in the drain hose or sewer

Sometimes the problem lies not in the machine, but in drain hose or sewer pipe. If the hose is kinked, clogged, or the pipe is clogged, the water physically cannot escape.

How to check:

1. Disconnect the hose from the machine and lower it into a bathtub or bucket.
2. Start the drain program. If the water comes out, the problem is in the sewer.
3. If water does not flow, check the hose for blockages (blow it out or rinse it under pressure).

Attention! If the drain hose is connected to a siphon under the sink, check that too. Hair and grease often accumulate there and block the drain.

How to clean a drain without a plumber

If the water doesn't go down the drain, try:

1. Pour boiling water and soda into the pipe (3 tablespoons per liter).

2. Use a plunger or cable for cleaning.

3. Apply a special product (for example, “Mole”).

If all else fails, call a plumber, as the clog may be deep in the drain.

5. Motor or drive belt failure

If the machine drains water but does not spin, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Drive belt — it could tear or jump off.
• 🔋 Motor brushes - if they are worn out, the engine does not develop the required power.
• 🛑 Tachometer — it controls the speed of rotation of the drum.

How to diagnose:

1. Remove the back cover of the machine.
2. Check strap - it must be taut and intact.
3. Inspect motor brushes (they are located on the side of the engine). If their length is less than 1 cm, they need replacement.
4. Test the tachometer with a multimeter (resistance should be 50–100 Ohms).

Replacing a belt will cost 500–1,500 rubles, brushes – 1,000–2,500 rubles. In some models (for example, Bosch WLG20260OE) the motor is not dismountable - you will have to change it entirely (from 6,000 rubles).

6. Incorrect installation or overload of the drum

Sometimes the machine does not spin or drain water due to banal reasons:

• 📏 Uneven installation — if the machine is on a slope, the position sensor blocks the spin cycle.
• 🧺 Overload of laundry - if the drum is clogged, the motor does not pull.
• 🔄 Wrong mode — some programs (for example, “Wool” or “Delicate Wash”) disable the spin cycle.

What to do:

• 🔧 Level the machine (adjust the legs).
• 🧼 Reduce the load of laundry (maximum - 2/3 drums).
• 📱 Check the settings - the spin cycle may be disabled in the program.

Attention! If the machine vibrates and jumps during the spin cycle, this is a sign drum imbalance or worn shock absorbers. In this case, you need to urgently stop using it and check the suspension!

7. When to call a repairman: complex breakdowns

Some problems cannot be fixed on your own. Contact a specialist if:

• 🔥 Visible on the control board blackened elements or a burning smell.
• 💧 Water leaks into the body (risk of short circuit!).
• 🛠️ Required bearing replacement or oil seal (this is a difficult repair).
• 📵 Car doesn't turn on at all or all indicators are flashing.

Average repair cost:

Breakdown	Cost of work (₽)	Cost of spare parts (₽)
Replacing the control board	2 000–3 500	5 000–12 000
Motor repair	1 500–2 500	3 000–8 000
Replacing bearings	3 000–5 000	2 000–4 000

In 20% of cases, repairs cost more than buying a new machine (especially if the equipment is older than 7 years old). Before repairing, consider whether it is more profitable to repair the old one or buy a new one.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about washing machine malfunctions

❓ The machine does not drain the water, but it hums. What to do?

Most likely filter or pump clogged. Turn off the machine, drain the water manually through the emergency hose, then clean the filter (instructions in section 1). If there is a hum, but the water does not leave, check the pump impeller for blockages.

❓ Why does the machine drain water but not squeeze?

There are several reasons:

• 🔄 Belt broke drum drive.
• 🔋 Motor brushes are worn out.
• 📱 Program crash (try rebooting the machine).
• 🧲 The tachometer is faulty (speed sensor).

Start by checking the belt and brushes (Section 5).

❓ Is it possible to drain water without an emergency hose?

Yes, but carefully:

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Tilt it back (place a towel).
3. Place the container and unscrew the filter - the water will drain out.

Attention! Do not tilt the machine too much as this may damage the counterweights.

❓ The machine shows an error E03 (Indesit). What is this?

Error E03 means drain problem. Reasons:

• The filter or pump is clogged.
• The pressure switch is faulty.
• The pump is broken.

Start by cleaning the filter (Section 1). If it doesn’t help, check the pump and water level sensor.

❓ How much does repair cost if the machine does not drain water?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

• 🔧 Cleaning the filter/pump — 1,000–2,000 ₽ (if you call a specialist).
• 🔄 Replacing the pump — 2,500–4,000 ₽ (with spare parts).
• 📡 Control board repair — 3 000–8 000 ₽.
• 🛠️ Replacing the motor — 5 000–12 000 ₽.

If the machine is older than 5 years, sometimes it is more profitable to buy a new one.