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Problem solving: My washing machine stops mid-cycle
Updated 04/26
By: Content Team
Reviewed: Kim Staples
Has your washing machine stopped mid-cycle, perhaps even full of water? This guide will help you troubleshoot the problem, and understand what you can DIY vs when to call in professional help.
Determining causes why your washing machine has stopped
Step-by-step checks to carry out
How to look at different parts of the machine
Things to do when the drum won't empty
Resetting the machine cycle
When to call a specialist
Frequently asked questions
What to do if your washing machine stops mid-cycle
Look for leaks - Check under and around the washing machine to see if any water has escaped. If so, try and determine whether it's come from the drain at the bottom, or the door at the front.
Check for error messages - If the display is showing a code, a word, a symbol, or anything unfamiliar, refer to your washing machine's user manual to see what it means.
Check the door is fully closed - The machine may be stopping because the door can't lock, or because something is blocking it from closing properly.
Check for drainage issues - You should be able to access a drainage pipe at the bottom of the front of your washing machine. Open the little door, find a bucket or jug to catch the water, and check that the pipe can drain effectively.
Switch the machine off and on again - A basic restart can sometimes solve issues, especially electric faults. For most machines, you can perform a master reset by unplugging your machine for one full minute.
Reset the machine - If your machine is not full of water, try quickly opening and closing your washing machine door six times in 12 seconds. Most machines understand this as a machine reset.
Contact a repair technician - If none of these steps solve the problem - or shed any light on the issue - it may be time to call in a repair engineer.
Most appliance user manuals are available online from the manufacturer. Just search for the make and model online.
Keep reading to learn more, and for a full breakdown of how to fix your machine - and how to find a washing machine repairperson if all else fails.
Common washing machine repair issues
Washing machines are an invaluable addition to any modern home and having the ability to wash your clothes quickly and effortlessly is something we often take for granted.
The problem: The washing machine starts then stops mid-cycle
There are a few questions you can ask to help determine the route of the issue.
Does your washing machine have power?
If your washing machine stops mid-cycle, the first thing to do is check the power supply. If your electricity has gone out in your home in the middle of your wash cycle, your machine will have stopped. This means there's no issue with the washing machine itself. Simply wait for the power to come back.
However, if the rest of your home has power but your washing machine doesn't, check your washing machine plug for any faults or damage.
It may also be worth checking the fuse in your washing machine's plug. Swap it out for a new one and see if this gets your washing machine's power back on.
If this doesn't work, test another appliance in the same plug socket and see if it's an issue with the socket.
Can you open and close the door?
If your plug and plug socket seem to be functioning, then the problem most likely lies within your machine.
A possible fault could be a damaged lid switch. When you close your machine door, a sensor tells the machine the door is securely closed. If your sensor is damaged, the machine could think your door has opened mid-cycle, causing it to stop.
What to do: If this is the case, it is best to contact a washing machine repair service to help fix your broken sensor. A technician will be able to quickly repair the sensor with the correct replacement part for your machine.
Find a washing machine repair engineer
Has the water heater failed?
If your machine isn't finishing its cycle, you may be looking at a water heater failure.
Depending on your machine, the heating element may be at the back, so you will have to access the back of the machine and remove the back panel. To avoid damaging your machine further or playing with dangerous electric wiring, it's best to contact a washing machine repair engineer.
It could also be the fault of your machine switchboard - again, an issue that a repair person will be able to properly diagnose and fix.
Is there a hose blockage?
Another possible cause of washing machine breakdown is a build-up of residue from your laundry detergent. The drainage hose at the back of your machine can become clogged, damaging the pressure switch.
What to do: You may initially be able to clean the pipe yourself, by accessing the main pipe at the back or by draining from the small door at the front. However, it's the backup of water that may have caused issues back into the machine.
Luckily, a technician will be able to troubleshoot this and properly drain your machine. If you're experiencing a hose blockage, this repair thankfully doesn't require any replacement parts, just thorough cleaning and a check over of your machine.
How to unblock a washing machine waste pipe
Having washing machine issues? No problem, learn how to unblock a washing machine waste pipe today. With three step-by-step guides.
Is there a bigger drainage issue?
Another consideration is that it may not be an issue of the washing machine hose - it may be the backup of water has actually come from your home's blocked waste pipe and not from the machine's waste pipe. This is common especially if your washing machine shares the same waste pipe as a kitchen sink.
If this is the case, it's a messy job to unclog your waste pipe and clean the mess it leaves behind. You can hire a cleaner or a drain unblocking service to do the job for you.
Is there a pump failure?
Washing machine pump failure could upset the pressure within your machine and prevent it from draining. Your pump could be blocked by a small piece of debris, or it could be burnt out.
If your machine was making strange noises before it stopped, this could be a problem with the recirculation pump. If the noises are happening during draining, this points to a fault in the drainage pump.
What to do: Pump failure can be tricky to diagnose and repair, so it is best to bring in a repair engineer who will be able to find the issue.
The problem: The washing machine stops mid-cycle full of water
If your machine has stopped mid-cycle while full of water, you may be faced with the difficult task of draining your machine.
Before you open the machine door, it is best to put down as many towels and blankets first to soak up water. A bucket will be able to help catch some of the water leaking out before it covers your floor.
Whilst a machine repair person may be able to fix your machine so that it drains properly, they may need the machine to be empty before they arrive.
If the door won't open, don't force it. This could cause more damage. Instead, hire a washing machine repair engineer and wait for them to arrive before doing anything.
The problem: Resetting your washing machine doesn't work
If you've tried all of the above, and resetting your machine has not worked, it's time to bring in a washing machine repair service to fix your machine.
Attempting to DIY this repair could leave you with an even more damaged machine and a more expensive repair.
As washing machines are all different and require different parts, only a trusted appliance repair technician will know how to fix your specific problem.
Washing machine repair costs in the UK (2026 prices)
In this guide, we'll look at average washing machine repair costs for several common problems to help you decide whether to repair or replace it.
How to hire a washing machine repair engineer
If you can't figure out why your machine has stopped mid-cycle - or if it's too dangerous or specialised to DIY - it's time to call in a repair technician.
With Checkatrade, you can compare appliance repair services available in your area. Just type in your postcode to get started.
Plus, if you book through us, you may be covered by the Checkatrade guarantee for up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply).
Find a washing machine repair engineer
FAQs
The first thing you should do is try and reset your machine. A hard reset may correct any electricity malfunction. Failing that, we advise ringing a washing repair engineer to assess and fix the fault.
Washing machine repairs cost between £70 and £390 on average, depending on the repair you need and the severity of the damage. For a full breakdown of the costs, check our full guide.
Yes you can, but it's often best not to. You should be able to pause the machine and open the door to make adjustments.
But if the door is locked, that means it isn't safe to open - perhaps because the water level is too high, or it's too hot. You may need to wait several minutes for it to return to a safe level before opening.
Most washing machines have a small access panel at the front and bottom of the machine. Open this to access a hose, which you can use to drain the water into a tray, jug, or bucket.
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