Start with the symptom
Where the water appears, and when it appears, helps separate a plumbing problem from a washer problem.
- Water rises from the standpipe while the washer drains: The standpipe or the drain connected to it may be restricted.
- A utility sink or floor drain is slow too: The blockage may be farther down the laundry room’s branch drain.
- Water drips behind the washer while it fills: Check the hot and cold supply hoses, shutoff valves, and visible water-line connections.
- Water stays inside the washer: A kinked drain hose may be visible, but an internal pump, sensor, or control problem belongs to an appliance technician.
- The standpipe gurgles or gives off an odor: The drain or trap may need to be checked, especially if the symptom returns when the washer empties.
- A backup returns after a temporary clearing: A recurring restriction can be farther down the branch drain, or the pipe may have a condition that cleaning alone will not correct.



