Kenmore 417 Washer Won T Drain

Introduction

Discovering standing water in your Kenmore 417 washing machine after a wash cycle can be frustrating and inconvenient. A washer that won’t drain can lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and prevent you from using your appliance. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial to avoid further complications and potential damage to your machine or laundry room. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to help you diagnose and fix the problem without needing prior technical experience.

Common Causes of Kenmore 417 Washer Won’t Drain

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your Kenmore 417 washer might not be draining:

Clogged Drain Hose: A kinked, bent, or blocked drain hose can restrict water flow.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Debris like lint, hair, or small objects can accumulate in the drain pump filter, preventing the pump from working correctly.
Faulty Drain Pump: If the drain pump is damaged or malfunctioning, it won’t be able to effectively remove water from the drum.
Blocked Drainpipe: A blockage in the house’s drainpipe where the washer connects can cause water to back up.
Air Lock in the Drain Hose: Sometimes air gets trapped in the drain hose, creating a vacuum that prevents drainage.
Lid Switch Issues: Some washers have a lid switch that must be engaged for the drain cycle to start. If the switch is faulty, it might not signal the washer to drain.
Control Panel Malfunction: While less common, a problem with the washer’s control panel can sometimes prevent the drain cycle from initiating.
Overuse of Soap Using too much soap can cause excessive suds and the washer is unable to get all the water out.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to confirm if your Kenmore 417 washer is indeed having drainage issues:

Standing water in the washer drum after a complete wash cycle.
The washer makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle but doesn’t empty.
Water drains very slowly.
The washer displays an error code related to draining (check your user manual for specific codes).
No noise coming from the drain pump area during the drain cycle.
The drain hose is visibly kinked or blocked.

How to Fix Kenmore 417 Washer Won’t Drain Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot your Kenmore 417 washer:

Unplug the Washer: Always disconnect the washer from the power outlet before starting any repairs. This is crucial for your safety.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the entire length of the drain hose for any kinks, bends, or visible blockages. Straighten any kinks and remove any obstructions you find.
Detach the Drain Hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from the drainpipe and the washer.
Flush the Drain Hose: Use a garden hose or faucet to flush out any potential blockages in the drain hose.
Check the Drainpipe: Insert the drain hose a little ways into the drainpipe to be sure water flows freely without a backup.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Consult your washer’s user manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. It’s usually located at the front bottom of the machine, behind a small access panel.
Access the Drain Pump Filter: Place a shallow pan or towel under the access panel to catch any water that might spill out. Open the panel and carefully unscrew the drain pump filter.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Remove any lint, hair, coins, or other debris from the drain pump filter. Rinse it thoroughly under running water.
Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: Securely screw the clean drain pump filter back into place. Make sure it’s tight, but don’t overtighten.
Check for Air Lock: Ensure the drain hose is not inserted too far into the drainpipe. A slight gap allows air to escape, preventing an air lock.
Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control panel and resolve minor issues.
Run a Test Cycle: Select a short wash cycle and observe if the washer drains correctly.
Check the Lid Switch: Manually depress the lid switch (with the washer unplugged!) to see if it clicks. If it doesn’t click, it might be faulty.
Reduce Soap Usage: Use less detergent in future cycles to prevent excessive suds and potential drainage problems.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many drainage issues can be resolved without purchasing new parts. Regularly clean the drain pump filter (every 1-3 months) to prevent clogs. Ensure the drain hose is free of kinks and blockages. Resetting the washer by unplugging it for a few minutes can sometimes resolve electronic glitches. Also, make sure your home’s drain pipes are not clogged and free flowing.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, the drain pump itself might be faulty and need replacing. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150 (USD). Other parts that might fail include the lid switch (around $20-$50) or, in rare cases, the control panel (can be quite expensive, $100-300). Consider calling a qualified appliance repair technician for diagnosis and replacement if you’re not comfortable performing these repairs yourself.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the power outlet before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Be careful when handling water to avoid electric shock.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or debris.
Clean up any spilled water immediately to prevent slips and falls.
Consult the owner’s manual for specific safety information about your Kenmore 417 washer.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Shallow pan or towels
Gloves
Flashlight

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kenmore 417 washer drainage issues:

Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
A: Ideally, every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you wash heavily soiled items.
Q: Why is my washer humming but not draining?
A: This usually indicates a blockage in the drain pump or a faulty pump motor. Check the filter first.
Q: Can I use bleach to clear a clogged drain?
A: While bleach can help, it’s not always effective against solid debris. It’s better to physically remove the blockage.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?
A: If the pump makes no noise at all during the drain cycle, or if it makes a loud grinding noise, it’s likely faulty.
Q: My washer drains slowly. What could be the issue?
A: A partial clog in the drain hose or filter is the most likely cause. Also, make sure that the drain hose is installed high enough. Typically it needs to be at least 30″ high to work properly.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Kenmore 417 washer that won’t drain can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Start with the simplest solutions, like checking the drain hose and cleaning the filter. If the problem persists, consider more advanced troubleshooting or consulting with a qualified appliance repair technician. Don’t give up! Your washer can be operational again with some patience and effort.