Washer won't drain or spin
A washer that won't drain or spin usually still has water in the tub, so the spin never starts. Clear the pump filter and the drain hose before replacing a pump. Samsung 5E, LG OE, Whirlpool F21, and Maytag F21 are the drain codes.
First things to check
- If the washer will not drain or spin, clear the drain path first — many machines will not spin while water is still in the tub.
- Cancel the cycle and listen at the lower front — humming with no drain often means a clogged filter, not a bad pump.
- Check that the drain hose has an air gap at the standpipe and is not pushed in too far (siphon risk).
- Front-load washers: open the coin trap behind the kick panel with towels ready.
- Match your symptom to the error codes and compatible parts listed below.
- Replace the faulty part or call a technician if the fix requires sealed systems or live voltage work.
Related error codes
Related replacement parts
FAQ
Why won't my washer drain or spin?
Water left in the tub blocks the spin. Clean the pump filter and confirm the drain hose is not kinked. The machine can spin again after it empties.
Why won't my washer drain water?
A clogged coin trap, a kinked hose, or a failed drain pump leaves water in the tub. Listen for a hum with no water movement — that is usually a clog, not a dead motor.
Why won't my washer drain or spin, it just hums?
A hum with no water movement means the pump is trying to run into a clog. Clear the coin trap and the hose before replacing the pump.
Why won't my washer drain completely?
A partly clogged filter or a hose pushed too far into the standpipe lets some water out and then stops. Clear the filter and leave an air gap at the standpipe.
Why won't my top load washer drain?
Top loaders use the same drain fault as front loaders, but they do not have a front kick-panel filter. Check the drain hose, then the pump if the tub stays full.
Why won't my washer drain after the rinse cycle?
The drain step at the end of rinse uses the same pump and hose as a full drain. A clog shows up there even if the wash portion looked normal.
What should I check first?
If the washer will not drain or spin, clear the drain path first — many machines will not spin while water is still in the tub. Cancel the cycle and listen at the lower front — humming with no drain often means a clogged filter, not a bad pump. Check that the drain hose has an air gap at the standpipe and is not pushed in too far (siphon risk). Front-load washers: open the coin trap behind the kick panel with towels ready.
What error codes are related to this problem?
Samsung 5E, Samsung SC, LG OE, Whirlpool F21, Maytag F21, Bosch E23W
When should I call a technician?
Call a pro if you smell burning or gas, see sparking, or the same code returns after replacing the suspected part.
When to call a professional
Call a technician if you smell gas, see sparking, or basic checks don't resolve the issue.
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