Amana Washing Machine: not draining properly

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter or "coin trap"

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, slow or no water exiting hose; debris visible in pump filter area

Part: Drain pump filter/coin trap

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: No sound from pump during drain cycle; humming without water moving, unusual noises or burning smell

Part: Drain pump

Lid/door lock or switch failure

How to Identify: Machine won’t start drain/spin cycle; click not heard when door/lid closed; some models won’t drain if latch/switch not engaged

Part: Lid/door switch assembly

Control board/timer failure

How to Identify: No power sent to pump during drain cycle, irregular operation despite clear hoses/pump

Part: Control board / Timer

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain pump filter/coin trap

Moderate 15–30 minutes

Tools Needed: Towels, Shallow pan, Screwdriver (if needed)

1. Unplug washer and place towels under access panel.
2. Open access panel or front kick plate to reach pump filter.
3. Place shallow pan under filter cap and slowly unscrew it to catch water.
4. Remove debris from filter and housing.
5. Reinstall filter cap securely and close panel.
6. Run a rinse & spin test cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal parts.

Inspect and clear the drain hose

Moderate 15–45 minutes

Tools Needed: Bucket, Flashlight, Flexible brush or coat hanger

1. Unplug washer and pull it away from wall.
2. Disconnect drain hose from standpipe and washer (catch water with bucket).
3. Visually inspect hose and run flexible brush/wire through to clear blockages.
4. Straighten any kinks or replace hose if damaged.
5. Reconnect hose, ensure proper height/position (no tight loops).
6. Test washer drainage.

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid sharp tools that could puncture hose.

Check lid/door latch and switch operation

Easy 5–15 minutes

Tools Needed: None

1. Ensure lid/door closes fully and engages latch.
2. Listen for click of switch when door/lid closes.
3. If no click or latch feels loose, consider switch cleaning or inspect for debris.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace door lock/lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair/replace control board or timer

Estimated Cost: $100 - $350

When to Call a Professional

When water still doesn’t drain after cleaning filter and hoses

Pump makes unusual noises or shows signs of mechanical failure

Lid/door switch or control board suspected faulty

Electronic error codes persist

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean drain pump filter: Debris blockages that stop draining
  Frequency: every 1–3 months
• Inspect drain hose for kinks or debris: Hose blockages and improper draining
  Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not draining properly?

Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, a faulty drain pump, or a lid switch failure.

How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not draining properly myself?

Try cleaning the drain pump filter, inspecting the drain hose, and checking the lid switch operation.

How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?

Professional repair costs range from $50 to $350, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining properly?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the problem seems complex.

References & Sources

• Amana Washer Not Draining or Spinning Troubleshooting Guide Official
• Amana Washer Won’t Drain | No-Nonsense Fix Guide Repair-Blog

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Main board failure (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replacing the main board

   Success rate: 50.0%

Community Discussions

washer running and trying to drain with no lights on

Replacing the main board should correct the issue.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair