Q&A for How to Fix a Washer That Won't Drain

Try a shop vac attached to the end of the drain hose. Be sure to have your vac set up as a wet vac with the internal filter removed. A short length of hooked pipe snake may be needed to pull anything bound up loose.

Pull the agitator out to see if it's wrapped up below. That's the most likely spot. If it's not there, check around the machine to see if it fell out before it got into the machine.

Make sure that the drain is not blocked. If it still does not drain, the pump needs repair.

Try to check the pipe to see if it is blocked. It is usually the case in most situations. If not, check the drain to see if it has something blocking it.

It may not be the drain pump. It is quite possibly the pump-to-tub hose (ECO valve). It's the black accordion-looking hose that comes from the tub and leads into the drain pump. This is often where you find underwear and socks, therefore blocking the flow of water to your drain pump. Simply take a pair of pliers and remove the clamp on the end connected to the tub and look inside the hose.

Check the lint filter if it has one. Then check the drain and drain pump for obstructions. If it still fails to drain, the pump may require repair or replacement.

Your washer probably is clogged. Try to unclog it yourself or call a professional to help you.

You cannot adjust the timer itself. The only way is to change the soil level, which changes the amount of time in the wash cycle.

That is normally fine, but check with a plumber or septic tank specialist for your specific system. Be sure to never drain bleach into a septic system, as this will kill the bacteria that septic systems need to break down waste inside the tank. If you need to bleach any clothes, do so in a bucket, rinse them very well, and then wash them in the machine.