Washer won't drain or spin: causes, checks and what repair costs
Standing water after the cycle, or clothes still soaking wet — these two symptoms usually share a cause.
A washer that will not drain is most often a clogged drain pump filter (coins, hair ties, socks) or a failed drain pump; a washer that fills and washes but will not spin usually has a failed lid switch / door lock, a worn drive belt or (on top-loaders) a broken motor coupler or shift actuator. Since most machines will not spin until they drain, a drain problem shows up as both. Typical repair: $150–$300.
Which symptom do you have? Quick checks and what they mean
Safe checks only — anything involving line voltage, gas or refrigerant is for the technician.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water in tub, no pump sound | Drain pump dead, or lid switch/door lock preventing the drain cycle. | Call |
| Water in tub, pump humming | Blocked pump filter or obstruction in the pump; kinked drain hose. | Check the filter (front-load lower panel) if you are comfortable; else call |
| Drains but will not spin | Lid switch, door lock, belt, motor coupler, shift actuator, unbalanced load error. | Redistribute the load once; if it repeats, call |
| Loud banging then stops | Suspension rods / shocks, bearings — machine stops spinning to protect itself. | Call |
| Drains into the sink / floor | Standpipe or drain hose issue, not the washer — or the hose popped out. | Reseat hose; if it repeats, call |
What each repair typically costs
| Repair | Typical cost (parts + labor) |
|---|---|
| Pump filter / obstruction clearing | $80 – $180 |
| Drain pump | $150 – $300 |
| Lid switch / door lock | $120 – $280 |
| Drive belt | $120 – $250 |
| Motor coupler / shift actuator | $130 – $300 |
| Suspension rods / shocks | $180 – $350 |
| Tub bearings (front-load) | $300 – $500 |
Repair or replace?
Repair if the quote is under half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is not near the end of its typical lifespan. The repair-or-replace calculator gives a quick answer for your appliance and age.
What happens when you call
Brand, model, what it does and does not do — two minutes.
An independent repair company covering your ZIP code.
Visit fee confirmed up front; repair on approval, often the same visit.
Common questions
Why does my washer drain but not spin?
The spin cycle needs the lid or door lock to confirm it is closed, the belt to be intact, and the motor to engage. A failed lock or switch is the most common reason — the machine thinks the lid is open.
There is water in the drum — how do I get it out?
Front-loaders have a small drain hose behind the lower front panel; top-loaders can be bailed. If you are not comfortable, the company drains it as part of the visit.
Is a drain pump worth replacing?
Yes — it is one of the cheaper washer repairs and the machine is otherwise fine. Replacement only makes sense when the pump failure comes with bearing or drum damage on an old unit.
My washer shows a drain error code (OE, ND, 5E, F9E1)
Those codes all mean the same thing — it could not drain in time. Blocked filter or failed pump. Mention the code when you call.
Published 2026-09-22 · Updated 2026-09-22