My GE Spacemaker (model WSM2700DAWWW) is not draining after an incident involving our autistic son. He stuffed a shirt in the washer between its drum and frame so that, when the spin cycle began, it could not spin. We smelled/saw some smoke. Initially, it had some clothes in it and would not spin even after removing the shirt, but after I removed the clothes from the drum, it began to spin again as normal.

However, the water in the drum (probably 2/3 full) will not drain. I checked the hose in the back, and it appears to be seated properly where it enters the washer. Still, with the metal backing, it's hard to tell much of anything.

So... I'm wondering what the next steps are. I'd love to fix it myself, and am relatively handy.

Thanks in advance for all your help,
Bryan

Bryan,
My guess is that the smoke you saw was the drive belt slipping. If you can get into the washing machine, I'd check the belt for being either broken completely, or glazed so slick that it will not turn the drain pump.

Replacement is relatively simple. Loosen the pump to get some slack to remove the old belt, get a new one, and slip it on. Then, just stretch the belt by moving the pump away from the drive motor, and tighten the screws.

Hope this helps,
Wally H.