My washer won’t drain and water is pooling on the floor — what can I try before calling a technician?

Before diving into troubleshooting, safety should be your top priority. Immediately unplug the washer from the electrical outlet to prevent any risk of electric shock. If the outlet is difficult to reach, switch off the circuit breaker that powers the washer. Next, address the water on the floor. Use towels or a mop to soak up the water and prevent slips or further damage to your flooring. If the washer is still full of water, consider using a bucket to manually remove as much as you can before proceeding.

A washer that doesn’t drain might simply be due to a door or lid that isn’t properly closed. Most modern washers will not start or continue a cycle if the door or lid is not securely latched. Check if there’s any laundry obstructing the door, and try closing it firmly. Listen for the click or latch sound to ensure it’s fully engaged. If the latch seems faulty, it might need adjustment or replacement.