Washing Machine Not Draining: What It Means and How to Fix It
Water left standing in the drum almost always points to a blockage or a drain-pump fault. Here is what causes it, what you can safely clear yourself, and when to call a technician.
Published 2026-06-07 · Van Biljoens Appliance Services & Air Conditioning
Need it sorted now? Van Biljoens offers washing machine repairs in Pretoria — assessed and quoted before any work begins.
Why a washing machine will not drain
If the cycle finishes with water still in the drum, the machine cannot pump the water away. That is nearly always a blockage somewhere in the drain path or a fault in the drain pump — and a couple of the causes are safe to check yourself.
Common causes
- ✓ A blocked filter or pump — the filter catches coins, buttons and lint, and is the single most common cause of a drainage problem.
- ✓ A kinked or blocked drain hose — a hose that is bent, crushed behind the machine, or pushed too far into the drain stops the water leaving.
- ✓ A blocked house drain or standpipe — sometimes the machine is fine and the blockage is in the household plumbing it drains into.
- ✓ A faulty drain pump — a pump that has failed or jammed cannot move the water.
- ✓ A door-lock or control fault — if the machine cannot complete the cycle, it may not run the drain step.
What you can safely check yourself
With the machine switched off, the filter is the first thing to check — it is usually behind a small hatch at the front bottom. Have a shallow tray and towels ready, because water will come out when you open it. Clear any debris and refit it firmly.
Then check the drain hose at the back is not kinked or crushed, and that the end is not jammed too far down the drain. If the household drain it empties into is itself blocked, that needs clearing too.
What needs a technician
If the filter and hose are clear and it still will not drain, the drain pump or the control system is the likely cause, and that needs a technician. Replacing a drain pump is a routine workshop repair, but it involves opening the machine, which is best done by a professional.
How Van Biljoens repairs washing machines
Van Biljoens repairs washing machines in our Pretoria workshop, since 1956. Machines are brought in by the customer (collection and delivery is for domestic fridges and freezers). A R300 assessment fee, paid upfront, covers inspection, testing and diagnosis; we send a written quote, usually within 1 to 3 working days, and deduct the R300 from the repair cost if you go ahead. Repairs carry our 3 Month Repair Guarantee.
Ready to take the next step?
Van Biljoens has been supplying and servicing Pretoria since 1956. We are here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there water left in my washing machine?
Standing water means the machine cannot drain. The usual causes are a blocked filter or pump, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a blocked household drain, or a faulty drain pump. Cleaning the filter and checking the hose are safe first steps; if those are clear, it likely needs a technician.
Where is the filter on a washing machine?
On most front loaders the drain filter sits behind a small hatch at the front bottom of the machine. Switch the machine off, have towels and a shallow tray ready for spills, unscrew or open the filter, clear any debris, and refit it firmly.
Can I fix a washing machine that won't drain myself?
Often, yes — a blocked filter or a kinked drain hose is safe to clear yourself and solves many cases. If the filter and hose are clear and it still will not drain, the drain pump or control system is the likely cause and needs a technician.
Do you repair washing machines in Pretoria?
Yes. Van Biljoens repairs front-loader and top-loader washing machines in our Pretoria workshop. Bring yours in (collection is reserved for domestic fridges and freezers); we assess, quote and repair, backed by our 3 Month Repair Guarantee.