If your washing machine is draining water incessantly, there might be a problem with your water Inlet Valve. Additionally, you need to check your washer for damaged parts and examine the control board.
Watching your washer drain water on its own can be rather alarming. In fact, it can be just enough to get you worried about mechanical faults
It’s rather frustrating to watch your washer throw out water without washing your clothes completely. This leads to extensive wastage of water that can hike your bills as well.
However, this problem is totally fixable. If you are facing this issue, read this article where I have discussed the probable reasons why your washer is draining on its own.
Why Does Your Washing Machine Keep Draining?
When your washer keeps draining even after being full, there might be a problem with your water inlet valve. It is also possible that the motor control board is unable to monitor water levels in your washer.
No one likes to watch their washer malfunction and not do its designated job. Since calling a professional can be an expensive affair, you will need to do some investigating and find out the problem yourself.
I have encountered these problems before and usually found the solution pretty easily. From what I’ve gathered, these are the top reasons why your washer is draining water without washing the clothes.
1. Defective Control Board
A water inlet valve is connected to the control board of a washer. This valve regulates the water levels inside the machine and avoids flooding.
When the control board malfunctions, the water inlet valve will have a problem retaining water before a cycle is complete.
2. Pipe Siphoning
Many people tend to think that tightly securing the drain hose with the standpipe in the wall is the ideal way to connect them. However, this will warily become a big problem.
When connecting the drain hose with the pipe, you need to have an air gap to avoid a siphoning effect. The absence of air creates a vacuum in the hose and makes the water drain from the washer due to a siphoning effect.
3. Faulty Water Level Switch
When a water level switch malfunctions, there may be a flooding or drainage issue in the washer. This switch helps the washing machine record water levels.
In case of a failure, the drain hose and the water inlet valve will continue running causing the drum to fill and drain water at the same time.
How To Fix A Washing Machine That Keeps Draining?
Fixing a draining washing machine will depend on the problem that is causing it. Most of these remedies can be done at home and only require a few hours of work.
If there is a control board problem with your washer. You need to replace the board immediately.
The control board is usually located on the top of the washing machine. It can be found behind the panel casing.
If you are simply looking to replace the water level switch, you can remove it from the machine by disconnecting the air pipe and wiring. You can then replace the switch with a new one before reassembling the control panel.
However, replacing the control board is an expensive affair and requires a few hundred dollars. Most people prefer buying a new one instead of spending that much money on an old washer.
Pipe siphoning can be cured by loosening the drain hose and creating a small gap for air to pass through. The hose should not be connected more than 3-4 inches inside the standpipe.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Washing Machine Control Board?
Changing the entire control board of a washer may take between $250 to $400. If you are only changing switches, it will be significantly less.
A motherboard or the control panel circuit is one of the most complicated components of a washer. When it is damaged, there is no way to fix it.
You will have to change the board entirely. However, changing the motherboard is an expensive decision that you have to make.
The board usually requires a cost of $250 to $400 including parts and labor costs. If you are doing it yourself, you might save 100 dollars but never more than that.
In most cases, it is better to just change the washing machine entirely. This is particularly true for older machines that have run for over 8 years.
For newer ones, you can go for the company guarantee or fix it out of pocket. Since the other machinery is comparatively new, you won’t be having problems in the long run.
How To Clean And Maintain The Drain Hose?
It is important to clean and maintain the drain hose pipe to ensure the smooth working of the washer. After multiple cycles, there may be blockages or buildup that need to be removed from the pipe.
After a heavy spin cycle, switch off the power and wait for some time before cleaning the pipe. Disconnect the drain hose with the standpipe and start cleaning the interior.
Get rid of excess detergent buildup and debris by watering it down and wiping it clean. Also, when reattaching the drain hose, make sure it is not placed more than 3 inches into the pipe.
If there are cracks or holes visible on the pipe, change them immediately. Call a professional if required to change pipes.
Final Remarks
Now you know how important it is to maintain a washing machine to avoid drainage issues. Most of these remedies can be tried at home before calling a professional for help.
If money is not a problem, always go for a professional for the best guidance. However, you can also try your hand at the job before calling a professional.
Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve talked about.
An irregularly draining washing machine can be caused by the failure of motor control, water level switch, and pipe siphoning. You need to investigate the problem and solve them as soon as possible.
My name is Rick Kinney and I am the founder of ExHandyman. I have worked as a handyman for many years, and fixing stuff is my greatest pleasure in life.