Front Load Washer - Will Not Drain or Drains Slowly

If your Front Load Washer is not draining or is draining slowly, you can try to remedy the concern using the problem solving tips provided below.

 

Diagnosing a Front Load Washer That Will Not Drain or Is Draining Very Slowly

Pauses

If your Washer is not draining, wait a few minutes. For many models, it is normal to have pauses between cycles of up to 3 minutes. If you have a manual dial for the wash cycle selection on the control panel, do not manually advance the dial/timer if it is pausing after agitation. If you advance the dial manually, you may miss the pump-out portion of the cycle.

 

Drain Hose or Plumbing

  • Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged.

  • Make sure the Washer is not trying to drain more than 8 feet higher than the floor. The maximum height most GE Appliances full size Washers will pump is 8 feet from the floor; 5 feet for a Compact or Portable Washer. Check the Installation Instructions for the Washer model you own for more details about the drain height.

  • The drain hose goes into a standpipe, drain or other household plumbing. Remove the drain hose and pour a quart of water into the standpipe or drain. If water will not drain, a plumber is recommended.

Washer Pump Filter May Be Clogged

It is possible for small items from clothing or pockets to pass to the drain pump. The Washer does have a filter to capture these items so that they are not dumped into the plumbing or drain line. However, when the items are captured by the filter, they may cause a clog that can slow down or prevent water from draining during the wash cycle. If your model has an access door to the pump filter in the front of the Washer, the pump filter should be cleaned. Refer to the Owner's Manual for your specific Washer model to determine if your model has a pump filter that can be cleaned manually.

 

Wash Load Out of Balance

Ensure the wash load is not out of balance. Redistribute the clothing and/or increase the load size.

 

Tub Full of Water and Just Hums

If this happens, you will need to schedule service with Bodewell.

 

Additional Appliance Support

If these suggestions do not help to resolve the situation, please schedule a repair appointment with Bodewell.

 

The following articles provide support for other Washer styles: