Portable Washing Machine Won’t Drain: How to Fix It

Last Updated on: 30th July 2023, 12:19 pm

Why a Portable Washing Machine Won’t Drain?

A portable washing machine not draining properly can be attributed to various factors. Let’s explore some common reasons behind this issue.

One possible cause is a clogged drain hose or pump filter. Over time, debris such as lint, hair, or small clothing items can accumulate in these areas, obstructing the flow of water.

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To resolve this, you can detach the drain hose and inspect it for any blockages. Similarly, check the pump filter and clean it if necessary.

Another potential culprit could be a faulty drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for expelling water from the washing machine during the drain cycle. Install a new drain pipe if it’s old and dingy.

If the pump is defective or damaged, it may fail to perform its function effectively, resulting in water not being drained properly. In such cases, you may need to replace the drain pump to restore proper drainage.

Sometimes, the issue lies with the positioning of the drain hose. If the hose is positioned too high, bent, or twisted, it can impede the flow of water, causing drainage problems. Ensure that the drain hose is properly aligned and positioned to facilitate smooth water flow.

Additionally, make sure that the end of the hose is not submerged in water, as this can create a siphoning effect and prevent drainage.

Furthermore, a malfunctioning lid switch can lead to drainage issues in some models of portable washing machines. The lid switch acts as a safety mechanism, preventing the washer from draining while the lid is open.

If the switch is faulty or misaligned, it may not detect when the lid is closed, resulting in the washer not draining. In such cases, the lid switch may need to be adjusted or replaced.

In conclusion, a portable washing machine may stop draining due to a clogged drain hose or pump filter, a faulty drain pump, improper positioning of the drain hose, or a malfunctioning lid switch.

By identifying and addressing the specific cause of the drainage problem, you can restore the functionality of the washing machine and ensure effective water drainage during each cycle.

How to fix a portable washing machine that won’t drain

Here are steps to fix a portable washing machine that won’t drain:

Look at the drain hose 

Make sure that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. If it is, straighten it out or clear the clog.

Examine the drain pump

The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the washing machine. If it is not working properly, the water will not drain. To check the drain pump, you will need to remove the back panel of the washing machine. Once the back panel is removed, you will see the drain pump. If the drain pump is not working properly, you will need to replace it.

Check the lid switch

The lid switch is a safety feature that prevents the washing machine from starting if the lid is not closed properly. If the lid switch is not working properly, the washing machine will not start and the water will not drain.

To check the lid switch, you will need to remove the control panel of the washing machine. Once the control panel is removed, you will see the lid switch. If the lid switch is not working properly, you will need to replace it.

Inspect the belt

The belt is responsible for turning the drain pump. If the belt is broken or loose, the drain pump will not work properly. To check the belt, you will need to remove the back panel of the washing machine. Once the back panel is removed, you will see the belt. If the belt is broken or loose, you will need to replace it.

If you have checked all of these things and the washing machine still won’t drain, you may need to call a professional repairman.

How to prevent your portable washing machine from not draining

Here are some tips to avoid this trouble:

• Clean the lint trap after every use: The lint trap can collect lint and other debris, which can block the drain hose.
• Use the correct amount of detergent: Using too much detergent can create suds that can clog the drain hose.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine: Overloading the washing machine can put too much stress on the drain pump and cause it to fail.

Have the washing machine serviced regularly. A professional can inspect the washing machine for any problems and make repairs as needed.