Whirlpool washer not draining

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool washer not draining issue

What causes a Whirlpool washing machine not to drain?

A washer that won’t drain is sometimes caused by simple user errors, such as incorrect cycle settings, an unbalanced load, or a lid/door that isn’t fully closed. Check and resolve these issues first if they exist.

Next, check the house drain for the washer. Use a plumbers snake or call a plumber to clear that drain if it’s clogged. Then you can test the washer and see if it drains properly. If it does, you can skip reading the rest of this article.

If a clogged house drain isn’t causing your washer drain system failure, follow these steps to find and fix the problem.

Step 1: Manually Drain the Washer

If your machine still won’t drain, you’ll need to remove the water yourself.

Follow these steps:

Gather Supplies

You’ll need a shallow pan, towels, and a bucket.

Locate the Drain Hose

Unplug the washer and move it away from the wall. Find the drain hose at the back of the machine. Place the shallow pan underneath it.

Let Gravity Do the Work

Lower the end of the drain hose into the bucket. Gravity should allow water to flow out. Raise the drain hose back up and empty the shallow pan into the bucket as the pan fills up. Empty the bucket if that container gets full before draining ends.

If the water doesn’t drain, the hose may be clogged, which brings us to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect and Clear the Drain Hose

A blocked drain hose is a common cause of water not draining.

Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck the clog out of the drain hose and remove the water from the washer.

Note: You can also use this method to drain the washer from the beginning instead of using the gravity drain procedure described above.

Not everyone has a wet/dry shop vacuum handy.

Here’s how to clear a drain hose clog without using a wet/dry shop vacuum (or if the shop vac wasn’t able to remove the clog):

Disconnect the Drain Hose from the Washer

Use a pair of pliers to release the hose clamp where the hose connects to the washer. Pull the hose free.

Check for Obstructions and Clear the Clog

Shine a flashlight into the hose to check for a clog.

If you don’t find a clog in the drain hose, skip down to the next troubleshooting step.

If the hose is clogged, remove any lint, debris, or small items using one of these methods:

1. Take the hose outside and run water through the drain hose using a garden hose. This will clear out most washer drain hose clogs.
2. Use a plumber’s snake or similar item to the clog out of the drain hose.
3. If you have an air compressor, use compressed air to push the clog out of the drain hose (outdoors of course).

Run water through the drain hose to clear out any residue and ensure it’s completely clear (unless you already used water to clear out the clog).

Reattach the Drain Hose

Once the hose is clean, secure it back onto the washer.

Step 3: Clean the Pump Filter

Many front-load washers have a pump filter designed to catch lint, coins, or other debris that might block water flow.

If that drain pump filter gets too full, water won’t drain from the washer and you’ll need to clear debris from that filter.

If you have a top-load washer skip down to the next troubleshooting step below.

Here’s how to clean a front-load washer drain pump filter:

Locate the Pump Filter

The drain pump filter is often behind a small access panel near the bottom front of the machine. Open that access door to find the drain pump filter.

Drain Excess Water

Some filters include a small drain tube. Use it to empty remaining water into a shallow pan as shown in the image above. (This may take a while if the washer tub is still full because the drain hose wasn’t clogged.)

Remove and Clean the Drain Pump Filter

• Place towels under the drain pump filter housing to catch water as you remove the filter.
• Twist the drain pump filter cap counterclockwise to release the filter and remove it from the housing.
• Clear debris out of the filter and wash the filter under running water.
• Clear away any debris and lint inside the housing.

If mold or mildew has developed in the filter and housing, don some protective gloves and use a liquid chlorine bleach and water solution to clean the filter and housing.

Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter

• Screw the filter back in place.
• Reinstall the cap on the small drain tube and clip it back in place.
• Close the drain pump filter access panel.

If your washer doesn’t have a small access panel for the drain pump filter, you may be able to access the drain pump filter by remove the bottom part of the front washer panel as shown in this video:

Step 4: Check the Drain Pump

If clearing the hose and filter doesn’t resolve the issue, the problem might lie with the drain pump itself.

Inspect the Drain Pump for Damage

Unplug the washer before accessing the drain pump.

Schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician perform this step if you aren’t completely confident in your DIY repair abilities to access and check the drain pump yourself.

To access the drain pump on a front-load washer, you’ll typically need to remove the front panel as shown in this video:

Here’s a video that shows how to access the drain pump on a common top-load washer:

Disconnect the pump and look for visible cracks or broken components. Also, check if the pump’s impeller (the spinning part) is stuck, clogged or broken.

Clean the pump if it’s clogged and replace the pump if you know that it’s broken.

If you’re unsure whether the drain pump is causing the problem, it’s likely time to schedule washer repair service and have a technician take over and fix the washer.

How is the not draining problem fixed?

Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the motor, electronic control board or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not draining

When the washer is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer not draining diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Troubleshooting Whirlpool Washer Not Draining Issues

When dealing with a Whirlpool washer that doesn't drain, it’s important to identify the underlying cause promptly. Whether it's a Whirlpool Cabrio, Duet, or any other model, understanding why your Whirlpool washer water is not draining can save you time and money. Common reasons include clogged hoses, faulty drain pumps, or issues with the electronic control board. Regular maintenance and timely inspections can help prevent these issues from occurring, ensuring your washer operates smoothly.

Whirlpool Duet Washer Not Draining

If your Whirlpool Duet washer is not draining, it could be due to several issues. One common problem is a clogged drain pump filter, which can trap debris and prevent water from draining. To check this, locate the filter and clean it out thoroughly. Another potential issue is a faulty drain pump. When the pump fails, your Whirlpool Duet washer will not drain, leaving water in the drum at the end of the cycle. Replacing the drain pump may be necessary to resolve this issue.

The electronic control board could be malfunctioning, preventing the washer from entering the drain cycle. If your Whirlpool Duet washer will not drain, inspecting the control board for any signs of damage or malfunction can help diagnose the problem. In some cases, a reset or replacement of the control board may be required. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent these issues from disrupting your laundry routine.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Not Draining

A Whirlpool Cabrio washer not draining or spinning is a common problem that can be attributed to various causes. A blocked drain hose or a clogged pump filter are usual suspects. Ensuring that the drain hose is free from kinks and blockages can help restore proper drainage. If the pump filter is clogged, cleaning it out can solve the issue.

Sometimes, the problem lies with the lid switch assembly. If the lid switch is defective, the washer won't drain. To determine if this is the issue, you can test the switch for continuity. A faulty switch will need to be replaced to get your Whirlpool Cabrio washer draining and spinning again. Regularly checking these components can help you avoid situations where your Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t drain or spin, ensuring smooth operation.

In cases where the Whirlpool Cabrio will not drain, it is also important to inspect the electronic control board. Malfunctions in the control board can prevent the washer from completing its drain cycle. If this is suspected, seeking professional assistance to repair or replace the control board is advisable.

Whirlpool Thin Twin Not Draining

For a Whirlpool Thin Twin not draining, the issue often lies with the drain pump or the hose. A clogged drain pump can prevent water from being expelled from the washer. Inspect the pump for blockages and clear any debris. Also check the drain hose for any kinks or obstructions that might be hindering water flow. A clear and unobstructed hose is crucial for proper drainage.

Another aspect to consider is the belt that drives the pump. If the belt is worn out or broken, the pump won't operate effectively, leading to drainage issues. Replacing the worn-out belt can often resolve the problem of your Whirlpool Thin Twin not draining. Regular inspections and maintenance can keep your washer running efficiently and prevent these common drainage problems.

When the Whirlpool washer water is not draining, it could also be due to a malfunctioning water level pressure switch. This switch helps regulate the water level within the washer, and if it fails, it might prevent the washer from draining correctly. Checking and replacing the water level pressure switch can solve this issue.

Whirlpool Quiet Partner 2 Not Draining

When your Whirlpool Quiet Partner 2 is not draining, the first step is to check the drain pump and filter for any clogs. Debris such as lint, small clothing items, or other objects can block the pump and filter, preventing water from draining. Cleaning these components can often solve the problem. If the pump itself is faulty, it will need to be replaced to restore proper drainage.

The electronic control board is another potential culprit. If it malfunctions, your Whirlpool Quiet Partner 2 won’t drain properly. Inspecting the control board for any signs of damage or wear can help identify the issue. Replacing a malfunctioning control board is a more complex task that might require professional assistance to ensure it’s done correctly. Regular maintenance checks can help avoid these issues and keep your washer in optimal working condition.

For scenarios where the Whirlpool washer doesn't drain, checking the control board and pump for any electrical issues can be crucial. Addressing these problems promptly can help maintain the efficiency and longevity of your washer.

Whirlpool Top Load Washer Not Draining

A Whirlpool top load washer not draining can be caused by a variety of issues, including a clogged drain pump or hose. Inspect the drain hose for any kinks or blockages, and ensure the pump is free from debris. Clearing these can often restore proper drainage. A malfunctioning lid switch can prevent the washer from entering the drain cycle. Testing the lid switch for continuity can determine if it needs replacement.

In some cases, the problem may be due to the electronic control board or a defective water level pressure switch. If the control board fails, the washer won’t progress through its cycles correctly, leading to drainage issues. Similarly, a faulty water level pressure switch can prevent the washer from draining properly. Addressing these components can help resolve the issue of your Whirlpool top load washer not draining. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to preventing such problems and ensuring your washer operates efficiently.

When facing a Whirlpool washer water not draining situation, it is essential to inspect all related components thoroughly. Regular maintenance and timely interventions can help keep your washer running smoothly and avoid prolonged downtime.
When a Whirlpool washer won’t drain, sopping clothes emerge at the end of the cycle. Clogged hoses or a dying pump commonly cause water to stay put. Instead of manual bailouts, consider a washing machine repair service near me. Proper drainage ensures odor-free laundry and quick wash times.