Imagine this—you finish a wash cycle, open the lid, and instead of a clean, empty drum, you find a puddle of water at the bottom. Not exactly what you signed up for, right? The good news: it doesn’t always mean your washer is broken. Let’s walk through the most common causes, plus easy solutions to get your laundry routine back on track.
Common Causes of Standing Water
1. Blocked Drain Hose
Your washer’s drain hose may be kinked or clogged. When that happens, water has nowhere to go and ends up sitting in the drum.
2. Clogged Filters
Washing machines have filters that trap lint, debris, and even the occasional loose sock string. When they’re blocked, water can’t flow out as it should.
3. Unbalanced or Overfilled Load
Too many clothes—or an uneven load—can prevent the spin cycle from draining water properly.
4. Faulty Sensors
Modern washers use sensors to regulate water levels and spin cycles. If one of these malfunctions, it may stop your machine from completing its cycle.
Troubleshooting & Solutions
Try a Spin Cycle
First things first: run another spin cycle. Sometimes the issue is a one-time glitch.
Check the Drain Hose
- Turn off power and water supply.
- Look for visible kinks.
- Detach the hose carefully (grab a bucket—water will rush out).
- Use a snake or wire to clear any clogs, then reattach.
Clean the Filter
- Refer to your washer’s manual for filter location.
- Remove and rinse the filter to clear out lint and debris.
- Regular cleaning prevents future blockages.
Adjust Your Laundry Load
- Wash smaller loads.
- Distribute clothes evenly around the drum to avoid imbalance.
Call in the Pros
If you’ve tried everything and still have standing water, the issue may be sensor-related. That’s when it’s best to call a technician.
Consider an Upgrade
If your washer is older, constant repairs may cost more than replacing it. At Aaron’s, you’ll can rent-to-own washers and dryers from top brands—so you can keep your laundry routine hassle-free without the big upfront price tag.
Quick Fix Checklist
✅ Run another spin cycle
✅ Check for hose kinks or clogs
✅ Clean the washer filter
✅ Try smaller, balanced loads
✅ Call a professional if problem persists
FAQs
Why is there always a little water in my washer?
A small amount of water in the drum or detergent drawer is normal—it helps keep seals from drying out. Large pools of water, though, mean something’s wrong.
Can I run my washer with standing water?
It’s not recommended. Doing so may damage the motor or pump. Always drain the water before restarting.
How often should I clean my washer filter?
At least once a month—or more often if you wash heavily soiled loads.
Bottom Line
Standing water in your washer can be frustrating, but in most cases, the fix is simple. By checking the drain hose, cleaning filters, and keeping loads balanced, you’ll usually solve the issue yourself. And if it’s time for a replacement, Aaron’s has affordable options to keep laundry day stress-free.
