It can be confusing and frustrating to have a washing machine that leaks water all the time. It throws off the regular washing cycle, resulting in unwashed clothes and water waste. Determining the cause of this issue and resolving it are essential steps towards getting your machine operating again.
Numerous things could be the cause of this problem, from a straightforward user error to a more intricate technical malfunction. When you know what to look for, you can save time and money on repairs, regardless of whether the issue is with the machine’s settings, a broken part, or something else entirely.
This post will examine the typical causes of a washing machine that won’t stop draining and provide helpful advice on how to identify and resolve the issue.
| Possible Cause | Explanation |
| Faulty Water Level Sensor | The sensor may be malfunctioning, causing the machine to think it’s full, so it keeps draining. |
| Clogged or Blocked Drain Hose | A blockage in the drain hose can make the machine continuously drain as it tries to clear the obstruction. |
| Issue with the Drain Pump | If the pump is damaged or blocked, it might constantly run, leading to continuous draining. |
| Incorrect Installation | If the drain hose is positioned too low or improperly, it could cause water to siphon out automatically. |
| Malfunctioning Control Board | A faulty control board might send incorrect signals, causing the machine to drain continuously. |
- Is the pump broken?
- Violations when connecting to the drain pipe
- The sewerage system does not function
- The sensor cannot determine the water level
- The fill valve is open
- Video on the topic
- The washing machine drains water for a long time or constantly
- The washing machine collects water and immediately drains what to do
- The washing machine constantly drains and collects water (siphon principle)
Is the pump broken?
Constantly filling with water and then emptying is a concerning "symptom." It is unlikely that the pump itself is the issue, though, as it functions correctly and removes extra liquid from the tank. “Uncontrolled circulation” is frequently caused by other filling and draining system malfunctions. We are discussing the following issues:
- improper connection of the washing machine to the sewer;
- blockage or sudden pressure drop in the common house sewer;
- breakdown of the inlet valve;
- failure of the pressure switch;
- failure of the control module.
Continuous water pumping from the tank indicates a filling, draining, or control board issue.
If the device is no longer able to hold water, you need to check and fix it immediately. Keeping the washing machine running is costly, dangerous, and pointless. First of all, the laundry won’t be properly cleaned. Second, there will be a noticeable increase in utility costs, and as the equipment ages, major component failure is likely. Thirdly, with everything that follows, there’s a chance the property will flood. It is preferable to avoid taking chances and start looking for the reason behind the failure right away.
Violations when connecting to the drain pipe
Strictly checking every potential issue—from easy to difficult—is required to pinpoint the failure’s origin. The drain hose is first in line. It frequently causes "self-draining" as a result of faulty connections or negligent use. An inspection or test wash is used to determine the hose’s condition.
- Visual inspection. According to the instructions, the drain hose should be located above the bottom of the washing machine tank. As a rule, we are talking about 50-80 cm from the floor. If the hose is located too low, the liquid will begin to flow into the sewer by gravity, without lingering in the machine. As a result, the drum will not have time to fill, the pressure switch will record an insufficient volume and will not give the board the command to stop the filling. This "cycle" can continue indefinitely.
If the drain hose is not fixed between 50 and 80 centimeters above the floor, the tank will empty on its own.
- Test wash. When it is difficult to visually assess the height of the hose, it is recommended to run a test cycle. If the drain starts immediately when filling, then the problem is in the sleeve. You should turn the equipment and adjust the corrugation.
A plastic loop is used to adjust the drainage hose. It is affixed to the body at a specific location and comes with the washing machine. The corrugation needs to be passed through it after that. Is the drain hose properly connected? The diagnostics then proceed.
The sewerage system does not function
Occasionally, the central sewerage system is the source of the issue. More accurately, there is a blockage or a sudden drop in pressure. The latter occurs when multiple household members press the drain at the same time, pushing the liquid from the washing machine tank into the common pipe, the riser overflowing, and the indicators falling. The machine empties early as a result.
A quick test can be used to determine whether the sewerage system is involved. The following is the algorithm for what to do:
- open any other tap in the apartment;
- evaluate the drainage of the collected water (there will be delays in drainage in all rooms).
In the event that drainage issues arise, sewer cleaning is required. You can do this task alone, with the assistance of plumbers, or by adding specific cleaning agents to the riser. You will have to wait in any case because the process will take a long time. It only takes removing the inlet hose from the pipe and lowering it into the sink or toilet to continue the washing that has already begun. The most important thing is to remove all dirt and soap scum from the plumbing system.
The sensor cannot determine the water level
The pressure switch is frequently the source of abrupt draining. He is "in charge" of filling the tank, alerting the control module when the volume is reached, and then cutting the filling off. The sensor malfunctions and fails to detect the maximum mark reached if it breaks down. Consequently, the washing machine’s safety mechanism is activated, initiating an emergency "self-drain." As a result, the machine protects the apparatus from leaks. There are several reasons why the pressure switch malfunctions:
- oxidation of contacts;
- short circuit in the connected wires;
- breach of tightness of the housing;
- damage or blockage of the pressure hose.
The pressure switch must first have its integrity and serviceability examined. Locate the level sensor, remove the top cover, and de-energize the apparatus. After loosening the retaining bolts, thoroughly examine the apparatus. Depending on the circumstances, the next course of action may involve cleaning the oxidized contacts, removing the obstruction, or replacing the damaged tube. It’s easy to replace the pressure switch:
- disconnect the machine from communications;
- buy a new sensor;
- remove the old pressure switch;
- fix the new one in the seat;
- tighten the screws, connect the wiring.
Check the quality of the repair after it has been replaced by connecting the machine to the internet, initiating a fast wash, and observing how the washer behaves. If there is still water in the tank after filling, the drain has been stopped, solving the issue.
A malfunctioning pressure switch, a broken water inlet valve, a stuck drain hose, or other similar problems are typically the cause of a washing machine that leaks water continuously. This issue wastes energy and water by preventing cycles from finishing properly. Resolving the problem as soon as possible can help prevent future harm to the device and increased energy costs.
The fill valve is open
In the event that the inlet valve is malfunctioning, the washing machine will continuously drain its water supply. The idea is straightforward: if the machine uses excessive amounts of water, the pressure switch will alert the board to an overflow and the pump will be instructed to drain. By modifying the filling system, "self-draining" can be prevented. Typically, you have to replace or fix the valve mechanism.
The inlet valve is something you can handle at home. There are various stages involved in do-it-yourself repairs:
- buy a similar valve and removable clamps for fixing;
- disconnect the machine from communications;
- remove the top cover if the machine is front-loading, or the side wall of the "vertical";
- find the valve installed at the connection point of the inlet hose;
- release the device from the connected wiring and pipes;
- unscrew the fasteners, remove the clamps;
- turn the valve, remove it from the housing;
- install a new device.
Pipes and wires are connected once the new valve is secured with clamps. A test wash is used to verify the quality of the repair.
When your washing machine consistently runs out of water, there’s usually a problem that needs to be fixed. Although this issue can be annoying, it must be resolved right away to prevent additional damage to your machine or higher water costs.
A broken pressure switch, a clogged drain hose, or a malfunctioning water inlet valve are common causes. Frequently, the problem can be fixed by inspecting these parts to make sure they are in good functioning order.
Proper upkeep and prompt repairs are essential to maintaining the efficiency of your washing machine. You can prolong the life of your appliance and resolve the issue by taking the appropriate action once you are aware of the potential causes of the persistent water drainage.
