Why Is There Water in My Washing Machine Drum When It Is Not in Use?
So, your washing machine cycle is finished, and you’re starting to move your freshly cleaned laundry to the dryer. However, you discover they’re sitting in a puddle of water that just won’t drain. Why is this happening and how do you remove this water?
There are several potential culprits when you have standing water in your washing machine. A faulty water inlet valve could be allowing water into your tub while it’s not running. Or, a problem with the drain hose or pump could be preventing proper drainage after the wash cycle ends.
Keep reading to learn how to remedy these problems and finally get that water out of your washing machine.
Note: It might be a good idea to remove the standing water in your tub before you begin repairing any parts. This will prevent leaking and water damage in your laundry room. You can remove the water with a wet/dry shop vacuum.
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Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is the component that holds the two inlets hoses and connects them to the washing machine. One of the hoses is for hot water, and the other is for cold water. If you have a faulty water inlet valve, it could be leaking water into your washing machine’s tub.
Sometimes, the water inlet valve is simply clogged with calcium deposits. This prevents it from properly controlling the water flow.
How to Clean Your Water Inlet Valve:
- Unplug your washing machine. You will need to move your washing machine away from the wall.Â
- Turn off the hot and cold water valves location behind your washing machine and connected to the two hoses.Â
- Place a bucket beneath the hoses.
- Unscrew the hoses from the washer.Â
- Allow the hoses to drain into the bucket.Â
- Using a q-tip, clean the connection until it appears to be free of calcium deposits.Â
- Reattach the hoses, turn the water valves back on, and plug your washer back in.Â
Each of the ports for the two hoses in the water inlet valve contains a solenoid valve. This valve opens and closes the water flow using a spring. The springs can become worn over time and require replacement.
How to Replace a Faulty Water Inlet Valve
Before you begin this repair, be sure to purchase the correct water inlet valve for your washing machine model. These instructions will work for most top-loading washing machines, although the process may vary slightly between washers.
First Steps:
- Unplug your washing machine. You will need to move your washing machine a few inches away from the wall to access the back.Â
- Turn off the hot and cold water valves location behind your washing machine and connected to the two hoses.Â
- Place a bucket beneath the hoses.
- Unscrew the hoses from the washer and allow the hoses to drain into the bucket.Â
- Tape the lid shut.Â
- Raise the entire top of the washing machine. Â To do this, slide a putty knife in the gap to release the clips holding the top in place.
Replace the Part:
- Remove the screw holding the valve in place on the back of the washing machine.
- Push the valve through the washing machine into the interior of the machine.Â
- Remove the wires from the terminals, making note (or a photo) of their location first.Â
- Remove the clamp connecting the hose and valve.Â
- Remove the water inlet valve and replace it with the new part.Â
Last Steps:
- Connect the hose and clamp it securely.Â
- Connect the wires.Â
- Screw the new drain back into place on the back of the washer.Â
- Reconnect the water supply hoses.Â
- Plug your washing machine in.Â
- Turn the water supply valves on.Â
Drain Hose-Related Problems
Another component of your washing machine that can lead to excess water in the tub is the drain hose. Several problems might occur with your washer’s drain hose.
Your Drain Hose is Bent
If you drain hose is bent somewhere, this could be preventing water flow partially or completely. This is the first step in evaluating your drain hose. Check it for bends and reposition as needed. Bends can occur when your washing machine is too close to the wall. Move your washing machine farther away from the wall to prevent this problem from occurring again in the future.
Your Standpipe is Too High
The standpipe is the component that transports washing machine wastewater to the rest of your home’s wastewater. Plumbing code indicates that it should not be installed more than 30 inches above the opposite end of the drain hose. If the standpipe is too high, this could lead to backflow into your washing machine tub.
This problem can also lead to flooding and water damage in your laundry room, which could be an even more costly repair. Consult a plumber to relocate your standpipe if it does not meet plumbing code. If your washing machine was installed by a professional, contact them to let them know it was installed incorrectly.
Your Drain Hose is Clogged
It is common for the drain hose to become clogged over time with buildup and debris. It is a good idea to replace your drain hose after about 5 years to keep your washing machine in good condition. However, if your drain hose is newer, unclogging it should do the trick.
How To Clean a Clogged Drain Hose
- Move your washing machine away from the wall to easily access the drain hose.Â
- Unplug your machine for added safety.Â
- Place a bucket beneath the drain hose to catch water and debris during the cleaning process.Â
- Unscrew the hose from the pump and remove any clamps holding it in place.
- Allow excess water to drain out of the hose.
- Repeat for the other end of the hose.Â
- Using a drain snake, remove any debris stuck inside the hose.Â
- Move the hose to a sink. Run water through the hose until it runs clear and the hose is free of debris.Â
- Reconnect the hose and plug your washing machine in.Â
Faulty Washing Machine Drain Pump
Another component that could prevent your washing machine from draining properly is your drain pump. This part removes the water from the tub and pumps it through the hose into the rest of your home’s wastewater. If the pump is not operating correctly, it may leave some water in the tub at the end of the wash cycle. You can often hear excessive noise when there is a problem with the drain pump.
How To Fix a Faulty Drain Pump
First Steps:
- Unplug your washing machine.Â
- Place a bucket beneath the water supply valves.Â
- Disconnect the water supply valves. Use the bucket to catch the water that spills out.
- Tape the lid shut.Â
- Lay down a blanket in front of the washing machine.Â
- Tip the washing machine all the way forward until the back is facing upward. You’ll find the drain pump at the bottom of the washing machine.Â
Remove the Drain Pump:
- Disconnect all wires, making note (or taking a photo) of how they should be connected.Â
- Using pliers, release the clamp holding the drain hose in place and disconnect the hose completely. Use a bucket to catch any water that spills out.Â
- Unscrew the pump to remove it completely.Â
Clean the Pump
- Use pliers to remove any debris from the ports where hoses connect to the pump.Â
Re-Install The Drain Pump:
- Insert the clean drain pump back into the port and screw it back into place.Â
- Reconnect the hose and clamp it securely.Â
- Reconnect the wires.
Last Steps:
- Lift your washing machine back up.
- Reconnect the water supply hoses.Â
- Plug in your washing machine.Â
If your pump is damaged or broken, order a new pump to install on your washer. To replace the drain pump, simply follow the steps above. However, instead of reinstalling a cleaned pump, simply replace it with a new one.
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Related Questions
Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking?
A leaking washing machine is often the result of a drain hose or pump that is damaged or installed incorrectly. Ensure that your hose isn’t clogged and that all connections are secure. If you hear excessive noise during the wash cycle, you likely have a bad drain pump.Â
How Can I Prevent Backflow into my Washing Machine?
To prevent backflow from your drain hose into your washing machine tub, ensure that the standpipe is the correct height. Also, ensure that the hose is not bent, twisted, or clogged to ensure a smooth flow of water.Â
Conclusion
A problem like having standing water in your washing machine can seem daunting. From diagnosing the problem to repairing or replacing washing machine parts, you might want to replace your washer altogether.
But with some patience and diligence, you can get your washing machine back in working order all on your own. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable or experienced enough to complete a repair on your own, consult a professional.
Dakotah Forbes is a copywriter and content writer specializing in home decor and design. She is dedicated to helping readers find answers to all their home design questions by creating helpful guides and articles. In her spare time, she loves to use her creative spirit to complete her own home decor and DIY projects. Dakotah graduated from James Madison University with a BA in Media Arts and Design and currently resides in Virginia with her husband.
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