Why your washer won't drain (and what to check first)

Opening the washer to a drum full of water is one of the most common calls we get. The good news: most of the time it's a small part, not a dead machine.

1. A clogged drain filter

Front-loaders have a small filter behind a panel near the bottom. Socks, coins and hair pins collect here. Put a towel down, open it slowly, and clean it out.

Tip: Clean the drain filter every 2–3 months to avoid most drain problems.

2. A kinked drain hose

If the washer was moved recently, check that the hose behind it isn't bent or crushed.

3. A failed drain pump

If you hear humming but no water moves, the pump is likely worn out. That's a quick repair for a technician.

Broken tonight. Working tomorrow. — that's the whole idea.