Washing machine will not drain
Electric Drain Pump
A washing machine full of water and will not drain is one of the most common problems with washing machines. This is usually caused by things that have been left in the pockets of clothing. There are a large variety of things I have pulled out of washing machine pumps, from tooth picks, nails, bobby pins, earrings, chains, shoe laces, plastic bread clips and the list goes on. Not as common now but the old style Hoover washing machines were a common hiding place for frogs and they are not pretty to pull out of a pump.
Woollen seat covers or blanket, bath mats and old blankets can fall apart and then the lint and fluff from them can become caught around the impeller of the pump. The other common article that can cause a problem are under bra wires. These articles of clothing are best washed in a wash bag.
Pumps
Whirlpool Mechanical Pump
On machines older than 20 years many of the machines had mechanical pumps that were driven by a belt. If the pump became jammed, the belt would stretch and burn out. There are still a couple brands that have mechanical pump and are directly connected to the main drive motor. These include the Whirlpool and Speed Queen Machines. All the rest of the washing machine including front loaders and twin tub washer have electric pumps. All the modern washing machines have a button trap attached to the pump. This traps most objects from entering the pump. It is a good idea to check the button trap on your machine every six months to make sure nothing is blocked in it. If the pump is not blocked and still will not turn you will most likely need a new pump.
Hoses
If the pump is not blocked and is working Ok, the problem must be in the hoses. Check for blockages and kinks. The modern drain hoses are usually corrugated giving them extra strength and they are very hard to kink. For service to your washing machine call your local White Goods repairer.
In the Mackay area, Queensland, you can call me Rod Swan, Andergrove Appliance Service.
