Before attempting to troubleshoot your washer's draining issue, always check your manufacturer's guidelines. It may contain a diagram and instructions on how to diagnose a draining issue with your washer.

1. Clogged drain hose.

If your washing machine isn’t draining the water, your drain hose could be kinked or clogged.

When a hose isn’t properly positioned, water might not drain. If it looks kinked, straighten it so the water flows out smoothly. If it's badly kinked, consider replacing it.

If you suspect the hose is clogged, do the following:

• Cut off the water supply. Disconnect the washer from the water supply and remove the drain hose. Drain the water from the hose.
• Remove water from the tub. Use a container (like a cup) to scoop out the remaining water from the tub.
• Inspect the hose for blockages. Remove debris and run water through the hose before reattaching it.

Related: How to clean a washing machine's filter.

2. Drain pump issues.

Small items can also clog the drain pump in your washer. Before you inspect this part of your machine, remember to cut off the water supply and drain the machine first. Then, complete the following steps:

• Access the pump via the bottom of the machine. Check the front and back of the machine. You may need to remove the washer's panel.
• Pull the pump out and inspect it. Check for coins, fabric and other items that may be clogging the pump's filter.
• Remove visible debris from your pump's filter. Once the debris is gone, reattach your pump and test your machine.

3. Improper drain height.

Your washing machine must stand at a certain height for the water to flow out due to gravity.

If your drain hose is at the same level or higher than the standpipe or laundry tub, it may struggle to drain the water. If it is too low, the water may return to the drum after getting pumped out.

Every washing machine’s drain height varies per manufacturer and model. It’s best to check your manual for installation requirements.

4. Too much or the wrong kind of detergent.

The amount or kind of detergent you use can also affect the washing machine’s ability to drain water.

Too much detergent creates too many suds, preventing the washer from spinning properly and pumping out water. If you have soft water, it’s best to use HE (High Efficiency) detergent in your washing machine.

5. Loose or dry belt.

Your washing machine relies on belts and pulleys to operate its motor. Over time, these belts and pulleys will wear out, causing your washer to have difficulty draining. In some instances, it may not drain at all.

When this happens, you can try to fix and replace the parts on your own. However, it might be better to have a professional handle it.

6. Open lid or defective lid switch.

Washing machines usually come with a lid switch or lock that keeps the washer from running when the lid is raised (for top-load washers) or opened (for front-load washers).

When you open the cover, you may notice that the cycle pauses unless you close it again. The lid must remain closed for your washer to wash, drain, rinse and spin. If you accidentally leave it open, your washing machine won’t run a cycle properly, much less wash your clothes and drain the water.

If your machine’s lid switch is defective, it could keep your washing machine from running and draining properly. When that happens, it’s best to get a washing machine repair person to replace or fix your defective switch.

7. Issues with your plumbing pipes.

Sometimes, your washing machine problems are not because of the appliance itself but because of the plumbing. Your pipes could be clogged. Or, there may be an issue with the water pump or venting.

If you aren’t sure what to do, it’s best to call a professional plumber to take a look at your pipes.

Signs your washer has a draining problem.

Watch out for several warning signs that could indicate your washing machine is not draining properly:

• Your washing machine is not spinning.
• Your clothes are still very wet after a spin cycle.
• Your washing machine sounds like it is having a hard time running.
• You can hear water in the tub but can’t see it.

When to contact a professional to fix your washer.

Some washing machine problems may require a little tinkering on your end to fix the problem. In other cases, you may need the skilled touch of a professional familiar with appliance repair and who knows what they’re doing.

If your washing machine problems are beyond your knowledge, download the Thumbtack app and hire a pro who can help.