Finding the washing machine filter full of water can be a concern. Whether you’ve just gone to take the filter out to clean it or are taking it out because you’ve noticed a problem, the filter being full of water is a relatively common occurrence.
If your filter is full of water and you’re wondering why, this article is for you.
Is it Normal for a Washing Machine Filter to Be Full of Water?
If you take the filter out of the washing machine to clean it and around a cup of water comes out, this is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
If the amount of water that floods out is considerably more than a cup and it just keeps on coming, it might mean that you have a blockage that is preventing the water from draining properly.
In the case of a blockage of this nature, the water will back up deeper into the washing machine and can prevent the drum from draining properly. This will limit the washing machine’s cleaning power and run the risk of clothing ending up smelling stagnant if left in the drum.
Cause 1: Clogged or Kinked Drain Hose
If the main drain hose in the back of the washing machine is clogged or kinked, the water will not be able to drain out. If you were to then remove the filter from the front of the washing machine, water could flood out here as it didn’t have anywhere else to go to drain away.
Whilst the filter should collect any solid debris, a build-up of grime and goo can still appear in the drain hose.
To deal with this, locate the drain hose in the back of the washing machine, and unplug the wall end. Be ready to put the end in a bucket to drain out any dirty water in the hose. Then, detach the other end of the hose.
Then, carefully, run hot water or a commercial drain cleaner down the hose to unblock it. Once the hose is clear, rinse it through to remove any traces of debris or residue from chemicals.
If you cannot deal with the blockage with either hot water or chemicals, you will need to use a snake to get rid of it. As before, remove the hose from the machine, and use a plumbing snake to get rid of a solid blockage.
Cause 2: Blocked Filter
Another reason that the filter is full of water is if the filter itself is blocked. If the filter is blocked, the water will not be able to pass through into the rest of the drainage system.
To fix this problem, first take out the filter. Make sure that you put towels around the washing machine to catch all the water.
Inspect the filter itself and behind where the filter sits to find any odd bits of debris. Things like hair pins, lost buttons and coins are all common finds that can block up the filter.
Once the filter and cavity are both free from foreign objects, wash the filter thoroughly before returning it to the machine.
When you do put the filter back in the washing machine, make sure that you ensure it is properly installed. If the seal isn’t the best, water will leak out through the gaps and end up on the floor under the washing machine.
Cause 3: Blocked or Damaged Pump
If the filter does its job properly, debris shouldn’t be able to make its way into the pump. However, if something does slip through into the pump, it can cause either a blockage or damage.
If you can easily and safely access the pump itself, inspect it to find any debris that has blocked it. Make sure that nothing has gotten caught around the propeller that could be stopping it functioning properly.
If the pump looks like it is damaged, you will need to replace it, and you should consult an engineer.
