A washer that ends a cycle full of water almost always has a blocked drain path or a failed drain pump. On front-load washers, the pump filter (often called the coin trap) is the first thing to check, and cleaning it is a fix many homeowners can do themselves.
Safe first checks
Start here before scheduling service.
- 01Confirm the cycle is complete and the washer is not paused.
- 02Front-loader: unplug the washer first (the water may be hot), then find the small access door at the bottom front. Lay down towels and a shallow pan, open the drain-pump filter slowly, a little at a time, and clear out lint, coins and small items.
- 03Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks, especially if the washer was recently moved.
- 04After clearing the filter, run a Drain & Spin cycle by itself to see whether the water pumps out.
- 05If the washer shows an error code, write it down before restarting.
Safety note
Unplug the washer before opening the pump filter, and drain it slowly into a shallow pan with towels down; the water may be hot. Never tip a washer that is full of water.