Why Your Washing Machine Isn’t Draining in Summerville (And How to Fix It)

16 January 2026

Washing Machine Isn’t Draining

If you opened your washer and found a tub full of water you’re not alone. Washer drainage problems are one of the most common repair calls we get in Summerville and the surrounding Charleston area.

Let’s walk through the likely causes, what you can check yourself, and when it’s time to call a technician.

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💧 Common Signs of Drainage Issues

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms:

• Washer won’t drain after the cycle

• Standing water in the drum

• Wet clothes even after spinning

• Error codes like tC, OE, or LE

• Strange humming or grinding noises

…your machine likely has a drainage failure, and it could be from one of a few key parts.

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🧰 Top Reasons a Washer Won’t Drain

1. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

This is the most common issue, especially in front-load machines. Coins, hair ties, or lint can block the flow.

2. Blocked Drain Hose

The hose behind the washer may be kinked, clogged, or even frozen (during colder months).

3. Failed Drain Pump

If the pump motor dies or gets jammed, the water won’t go anywhere. You might hear it try to run, but nothing happens.

4. Faulty Control Board or Pressure Switch

If your washer doesn’t know when to drain, it won’t. Control failures are especially common in LG and Samsung models.

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⚠️ Brand-Specific Error Codes

We see a lot of these in Summerville homes:

• Samsung: tC (thermistor), OE (overflow), 5E (drain error)

• LG: OE (drain), LE (motor issue), FE (overflow)

• Whirlpool/Maytag: F9E1 (drain time), SD (suds error)

If you see any of these on your screen — it’s time for a service call.

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🔧 What You Can Try First

Before calling a technician, try this:

1. Power off your washer

2. Check and clean the drain filter

• On front-load models, it’s often behind a panel at the bottom front.

3. Inspect the drain hose behind the machine for kinks

4. Try a spin/drain cycle only and listen for pump sound

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👨‍🔧 Why Choose Local Washer Repair in Summerville?

We’re based in Summerville and serve the entire Lowcountry with:

• Fast diagnosis of draining and control issues

• Repairs for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, and more

• Original parts only — no generic replacements

• Upfront pricing + the service fee applies to your repair

• Same-day or next-day appointments available

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⭐ Real Review from Summerville

“Our LG washer stopped draining right before a trip — water just sat in it. Elemental Appliance Repair came the same day, replaced the pump, and had it back running in 45 minutes. Super professional and honest.”

— Amanda C., Cane Bay

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📍 Service Areas

We fix washing machines in:

• Summerville

• Nexton

• Cane Bay

• Goose Creek

• Ladson

• North Charleston

• Mt. Pleasant

• Charleston

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✅ Don’t Let Standing Water Sit

Water that doesn’t drain can lead to mold, bad smells, and damage to the washer’s electronics. If your washer won’t drain — let us take care of it fast.

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📞 Need Washer Repair in Summerville?

Book your appointment now.

We repair most brands, use original parts, and explain everything clearly before we start.