A washer that fills and drains at the same time is often siphoning because the drain hose is too low, pushed too far into the standpipe, or sealed without an air gap. Compare the hose height with the range in the installation manual.
What this covers
- Washing machines · drain installation
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Why does a washing machine drain continuously while filling?”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The drain hose is too low or reaches below the water level
What separates it Water leaves as fast as it enters and the level never rises, and the hose end is at or below the tub's water line.
How to confirm Compare the hose height with the range in the installation manual.
- 2
The hose is pushed too far into the standpipe
What separates it The hose is sealed tight in the pipe with no air gap, and a gurgling sound is heard at the standpipe.
How to confirm Check the insertion depth and whether the connection is sealed.
- 3
The standpipe is too low or the drain has no air gap
What separates it Water drains as soon as it enters, on a new installation or after moving the machine.
How to confirm Check the standpipe height and the manual's air-gap requirement.
- 4
A stuck drain valve or pump is not holding water
What separates it Water drains on its own even with the hose correctly installed.
How to confirm This is a less likely cause and needs service if the installation is correct.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the water level rises at all during fill.
- The hose height and how far it is inserted in the standpipe.
- Whether the problem began after a move or reinstallation.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleWatch whether the water level rises at all and inspect the drain hose without pulling it out during operation.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleCompare hose height, insertion depth and air-gap requirements with the installation manual; a failed drain pump usually does not cause silent continuous siphoning.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleReinstall the hose at the documented height and depth using its guide and secure it without sealing the standpipe.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleStop for overflow, leaking plumbing or an installation that cannot meet the manual’s drain requirements.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop for overflow, leaking plumbing, or an installation that cannot meet the manual's drain requirements.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Official meanings and customer-safe checks for Samsung washer codes and blinking-light patterns.
Official Whirlpool meanings, installation limits and customer checks for front-load washer codes.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can a washer drain while it fills?+
Yes, if the drain hose is siphoning, it pulls water out as it enters. Reinstall the hose at the documented height with an air gap.
Why does it drain while filling?+
Siphoning from a low hose.
How do I fix it?+
Raise the hose and add a loop.
Is the valve to blame?+
Sometimes.
How high should a washer's drain hose go?+
The hose should loop up above the water level of the tub, usually 30 to 96 inches from the floor depending on the model, and the standpipe must not seal the hose tightly so air can break the siphon.
Can a siphon empty the tub while it fills?+
Yes. If the drain hose is pushed too far down the standpipe or sits below the tub water level, water siphons out as it enters.
Is a standpipe air gap needed?+
Yes. A loose fit or a vent hole in the standpipe lets air in, which stops the siphon.
What if the washer drains while off?+
That suggests a siphon through the drain hose. Raise the hose loop and check the standpipe fit.