If your Hotpoint washing machine is not draining properly, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem. The drain pump, drain hose, or filter could be clogged preventing water from emptying out of the washer tub. There could also be a kink in the drain hose, a problem with the control board, or an issue with the door lock mechanism. Knowing how to diagnose and troubleshoot a Hotpoint washer that won’t drain can help you identify the issue and get your washer draining properly again.
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Quick Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some quick things to check if your Hotpoint washer won’t drain:
- Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. Straighten the hose if necessary.
- Clean out the drain pump filter. This is often clogged with debris and can prevent draining.
- Check for an obstruction in the drain hose or drain pipe. Disconnect hoses and check for blockages.
- Make sure the washer is level. An unleveled washer may not drain properly.
- Check the drain pump. If faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Test the control board. If defective, it will need replacement.
- Inspect the door lock mechanism. Issues here can prevent draining.
- Make sure the drain cycle is fully completing. Allow the full cycle to run if interrupted.
Checking these areas can help narrow down the issue. If you still can’t determine the cause, contacting a technician may be needed for diagnosis and repair.
Clogged Drain Pump or Drain Hose
One of the most common reasons a Hotpoint washer won’t drain is a clogged drain pump or drain hose. Debris such as coins, socks, dirt, and lint can build up over time and block the pump or hose, not allowing water to exit the washer during the drain cycle.
To check this, first remove the drain hose from the pump outlet at the back of the machine. Check for obstructions in the hose and remove any debris. Then access and remove the drain pump filter and clean it thoroughly to remove built up dirt or lint. Remove any debris blocking the pump impeller as well. Reassemble the hoses, ensure the drain hose is not kinked, and run a test drain cycle.
If the washer still does not drain, the drain pump may be faulty and need replacement. Contact a technician to verify pump failure and install a new drain pump. The pump may show signs of leakage, noise, or failure to operate if defective.
How to Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Follow these steps to clean out the drain pump filter if clogged:
- Unplug the washer from power.
- Access the drain pump by removing the cover panel on the front bottom of the machine.
- Locate the drain pump and filter housing.
- Turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out to remove.
- Clean filter under running water to remove debris.
- Check inside the pump and remove any stuck objects.
- Reinsert the drain pump filter and turn clockwise to lock.
- Replace the access panel and plug power back in.
Running a test cycle after cleaning the pump can help determine if the clog was resolved. Contact a technician if needed for additional repair.
Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
Another possibility is a kink or clog in the flexible drain hose that vents water out from the washer. Kinks can occur if the hose is tightly bent or not routed properly when installing the washer. Debris build up can also block the hose.
To check for kinks and obstructions:
- Pull the washer out and access the back.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the pump outlet.
- Check along the hose for any kinks and straighten as needed.
- Clear the hose of any debris build up or blockages.
- Reconnect the drain house, ensuring it is routed properly.
- Run a drain test cycle.
If the washer drains after clearing kinks and debris, the problem is resolved. Be sure to reinstall the washer properly to prevent new kinks in the drain hose. If draining issues persist, continue troubleshooting other likely causes.
Door Lock Mechanism Problems
Hotpoint washers utilize a door lock mechanism that locks the door once a cycle starts. This prevents the door from being opened while wash water is present. Issues with the door lock can prevent the washer from draining properly.
The washer control board sends power to lock and unlock the door at the appropriate times. If the door lock mechanism is faulty, it may not receive the signal to unlock at the end of the cycle. This can prevent the washer from draining fully. Door lock issues can include:
- Door lock stays engaged when a cycle is complete.
- Washer door cannot be opened after a cycle finishes.
- Washer stalls mid-cycle with door still locked.
- Error code related to door lock displays.
If any of these symptoms are present, test the door lock mechanism. Remove power from the washer and manually unlock the door by accessing the lock release tab underneath the washer top panel. Check for obstructed or broken components. The latch or actuator may need to be replaced.
Door lock errors can also indicate control board failure. A technician can determine if board replacement is needed by testing components. Replacing a defective control board may resolve door lock drainage problems in some cases.
Control Board Failure
The main electronic control board regulates all functions on a Hotpoint washer. It initiates the drain pump and cycles, locking/unlocking of the door, and monitors sensors. If the control board fails, it can lead to draining problems in some cases.
Symptoms of a faulty control board include:
- Washer not draining or stopping mid-cycle.
- Door lock mechanism issues.
- Error codes displaying.
- Buttons not responding.
- Failure to turn on.
Control boards can fail due to power surges, motor issues, faulty components, electrical shorts, and normal wear and tear. If you suspect the control board is defective, a technician will need to diagnose and replace it. The boards often cannot be repaired, only replaced. Replacing a faulty board can often resolve drainage problems caused by board errors.
Leveling the Washer
If a Hotpoint washer is not properly leveled, it can result in drainage problems due to the internal tub being out of alignment. The drain hose is designed to empty out water through gravity. An unleveled washer may not allow complete draining due to the tilted orientation.
To check the washer leveling:
- Verify washer is stable and does not rock or wobble.
- Check alignment of front and rear leveling feet.
- Use a bubble level placed on the top of the washer.
- Adjust front and rear legs as needed to level the unit.
- Ensure washer does not lean left, right, forward or backward.
Leveling the washer properly can often resolve mild to moderate drainage problems. The internal tub alignment will be corrected, allowing water to empty out under normal gravity and drainage pump operation.
Cycle Not Completing
In some cases, a Hotpoint washer that is not draining may simply have had a cycle interrupted before it completed fully. If power is lost, the unit is paused mid-cycle, or a problem is detected, the current cycle may end early before the drain and spin phases finish.
If an incomplete cycle is suspected:
- Allow any pause or error codes to clear.
- Restart the cycle and allow it to fully complete.
- Check if drainage issues persist.
Often just one interrupted cycle is the issue, and subsequent loads will drain normally if the full cycle runs. However, if drainage problems are chronic, other causes would need to be investigated.
Conclusion
Hotpoint washers not draining properly can often be fixed with basic troubleshooting and DIY repair methods. Checking for clogged hoses, pumps, debris, kinks, leveling, and incomplete cycles can reveal many common drainage issues. If problems continue after trying these fixes, control board failure, door lock defects, or drain pump replacement may be required. Calling in a technician to diagnose and replace faulty components may be needed in that case to get your Hotpoint washer draining normally again.