Few washing machine faults are as common as water left sitting in the drum at the end of a cycle. The cause is often simple: a kinked hose or a blocked filter. Work through these checks in order before you buy a part, and always unplug the machine and turn off the water supply first. Keep a towel and a shallow tray ready, because there will be water.
1. Check the Drain Hose
Look at the hose behind the machine. A kink, a hose squashed against the wall, or one pushed too far into the drain pipe can stop water leaving. Straighten any kink and check that the hose is not blocked with lint.
2. Clean the Pump Filter
Many front-loading machines have a small filter behind a panel at the bottom front. It catches coins, buttons, hair clips and lint before they reach the pump. Put the tray under it, open it slowly and let the water run out, then clean the filter and its housing. Not every machine has one, so check the manual for yours.
3. Listen to the Drain Pump
Start a drain or spin cycle and listen near the pump. A pump that hums but does not move water is usually jammed by debris or worn. A pump that makes no sound at all may have an electrical fault: a failed motor, a loose connector or, less often, the control board. A noisy or leaking pump is also due for replacement.
4. Top-Loaders: Check the Drain Retractor
In many top-loading machines, a small drain motor, often called a drain retractor, pulls a cable to open the drain valve and keeps it closed during the wash. If the motor clicks or buzzes but the valve does not move, if water leaks out during the wash, or if the machine never lets the water out, the retractor or its cable may be at fault. Check that the cable is not snagged before you replace the retractor.
5. Don't Forget the Water Level Sensor
The machine decides when to fill and drain from its water level sensor. If the sensor is faulty, the machine can behave as if the tub were empty or full when it is not, and a drain or water-level error code may appear. Look the code up in your manual, and if your machine has a small tube leading to the sensor, check it for blockages before replacing the sensor.
Choosing the Right Replacement
Drain pumps and retractors differ between brands and models. Note the model number on the machine's label and bring the old part, or send us a clear photo. Check the connector type and, for a pump, the voltage printed on it. You can browse the drain pumps and drain retractors we list, or the full range of washing machine parts in Bahrain.