Speed Queen Washer Not Draining? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve noticed that your Speed Queen washer still has water left in the bottom at the end of a cycle, it may have a drainage issue. Another common sign of a drainage issue is a noisy spin cycle or a spin cycle that takes far longer than normal.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, don’t panic and call in a plumber or repair technician just yet! There are several DIY solutions you can try that will get your Speed Queen washer up and running in no time.

This guide applies to the most popular models of Speed Queen washing machines, including:

AA3410

AA4410

AA4411

AA5420

AWN311SP111TW01

AWN402PP111TW01

AWN432SP113TW01

AWN432SP113TW04

AWN542SP111TWAH

AWNE82SP113TW01

AWNE92SP113TW01

AWS01NW

AWS44NW

AWS48NW

AWS51NW

AWS52NW

AWS53NW

AWS75NW

AWS76NW

LWN432SP115TW01

SWNSX2SP115TW02

Check the Drain Hose

The first place to check if you’re experiencing drainage issues is the drain hose itself. If the hose is clogged or bent, water won’t be able to properly drain, leading to pooling water at the bottom of your Speed Queen washer. Here’s what to do:

• Access the back of your washer so you can clearly see the drain hose. You may need to use a furniture dolly to move the washer away from the wall. 
• Inspect the drain hose. Check for sharp bends or if the hose is pinched against the wall by the washer. 
• If you notice any bends or kinks, straighten them out to allow water to flow freely. You can try using zip ties to hold the hose in place in the correct position. 
• Once you’ve repositioned the hose, try running a test cycle to ensure the drum is now draining properly. 

While kinks or bends in the hose are easy to see, clogs are a little more tricky. If you can’t see any obvious issues with the hose from the outside, here’s how to check for an internal blockage:

• Gather a bucket and some old towels to catch any spills or leaks. 
• Disconnect the drain hose from the back of your Speed Queen washer, ensuring you use the towels and bucket to catch any residual water. 
• Remove the other end of the hose from either the drain pipe or the laundry tub. 
• Run water through the drain hose to check for clogs. If the water flow is impeded, use a length of wire or a plumbing snake to clear away any clogs. 
• Once the blockage is cleared and water flows freely through the hose, reconnect it to the back of your washer and put the other end in place. 
• Run a test cycle to ensure that the washer is now draining. 

Clear the Filter

If the drainage issue isn’t due to the hose, it could be due to a blocked filter. In front-loading and top-loading washers, the filter can become clogged with hair, lint, or small objects that end up in the washer accidentally, such as coins or small toys. This blocks the drainage system, leading to water pooling in the bottom of the washer drum. To clean the filter:

• Check your Speed Queen manual for information on the location of the filter. This will vary depending on the washer’s model and whether it’s a front or top loader. 
• Unplug your washer from the power, then remove the filter and check it for debris. Discard any loose debris, then clean the filter thoroughly under running water. 
• Once the filter is completely clean, replace it in your washer. 
• Restore power to your washer and run a short test cycle to see if it’s now draining properly. If not, move on to the next step in our guide. 

Check the Lid Switch

A faulty lid switch can affect other parts of the laundry cycle in Speed Queen washers, particularly the spin and drain cycles. If the lid switch is faulty and the washer senses that the lid is open even when closed, then the spin cycle won’t engage. This leads to your washer not draining properly or completing its wash cycles. Here’s what to do:

• Open and close the lid of your washer, listening for an audible click. If you can’t hear anything, the lid switch may be faulty. 
• Carefully inspect the lid switch mechanism. If the switch is clogged with debris or detergent residue, clean it thoroughly, and then check if the switch is engaging. 
• If the switch appears normal, try testing it with a multimeter to see if it’s functional. If it doesn’t have continuity, it’ll need to be replaced. 
• Source a replacement switch from an appliance parts retailer, ensuring it’s compatible with your model of washer. 
• Remove the faulty lid switch and replace it with the new one. If you’re not confident with electrical DIY, you might prefer to call an electrician for help.  
• Once the switch is replaced, run a test cycle to check for proper drainage. 

Inspect the Drain Pump

Sometimes a clog can form in the drain pump itself, particularly in the pump impeller. If this occurs, your drain pump won’t drain the drum properly, leading to retained water and drainage issues. Here’s what to do:

• Consult your manual for the location of the drain pump in your particular model.
• Disconnect the washer from the power source, then remove either the front or back panel, depending on the pump location. 
• Carefully inspect the pump, particularly the pump impeller. This looks like a small plastic fan. If the impeller has any debris or blockages, remove them with pliers or a similar tool. 
• Once the obstruction has been cleared, put your washer back together, restore power, and run a test cycle to see if the washer is draining properly.