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Appliance RepairRockford, Illinois

Washer Not Draining? What Whirlpool, Samsung and LG Say to Check

Updated

Short answer

For a washer that will not drain, the manufacturers agree on the first checks: the drain hose (kinked, clogged, too high or pushed too deep) and the pump filter on front-loaders. Samsung says incorrect drain hose installation is the most common reason and that service is rarely required. LG says the drain should be no more than 53 inches above the floor.

The drain hose

Samsung's checklist (Samsung):

  • Inserted no less than 6 inches and no more than 8 inches into the standpipe or sink
  • Secured so it cannot slip farther down, and not an airtight connection
  • Not kinked, bent or damaged
  • At least 18 inches high (24 for wash basins) and no higher than 96 inches (35 for wash basins)
  • Not using an extension kit

LG: the drain should be no more than 53 inches above the floor, because the washer cannot push water higher (LG).

The pump filter

On front-loaders, a clogged debris filter reduces draining; Samsung says to clean it periodically (top-loaders have no removable filter). LG also lists cleaning the drain filter for its OE code.

The codes

If none of that clears it, a drain pump replacement runs $150 to $400 (Angi).

Sources: Samsung, washing machine information and error codes; LG, washer error code list; Whirlpool, error codes in front load washers; Angi, washing machine repair cost (updated Jul 31, 2026); Samsung, washing machine will not drain

Quick answers

How far should a washer drain hose go into the standpipe?

Samsung says no less than 6 inches and no more than 8 inches, secured so it cannot slip, and not airtight.

How high can a washer drain be?

LG says no more than 53 inches above the floor. Samsung allows up to 96 inches for its washers. Check your manual.

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