Kenmore Washer Not Draining All The Way

Introduction

Discovering standing water in your Kenmore washing machine after a cycle can be frustrating. A washer that isn’t draining completely can lead to musty odors, delayed laundry, and potential damage to your clothes. It’s a problem that requires prompt attention to prevent bigger issues and keep your laundry routine running smoothly. Let’s troubleshoot this!

Common Causes of Kenmore Washer Not Draining All the Way

Several factors can prevent your Kenmore washer from draining properly:

Clogged Drain Hose: The drain hose can get blocked with lint, small objects, or debris.
Obstructed Drain Pump Filter: The drain pump filter is designed to catch larger items to prevent damage to the pump. This filter can become clogged.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump itself might be malfunctioning, unable to pump water out of the machine.
Blocked Drainpipe: The house drainpipe where the washer drains into might be clogged.
Kinked Drain Hose: A kink in the drain hose can restrict water flow.
Air Lock in the Drain Hose: Air trapped in the drain hose can prevent proper drainage.
Lid Switch Problem: Some washers have a lid switch that prevents draining if the lid isn’t properly closed. (Less common with drain issues but worth mentioning)
Control Panel Malfunction: Rarely, the control panel may not be sending the signal to initiate the drain cycle.

Symptoms Checklist

Check for these signs to confirm your draining issue:

Water remains in the washer drum after a completed cycle.
The washer makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle, but no water is expelled.
The drain cycle seems to take longer than usual.
Error codes related to draining issues are displayed on the control panel.
Water is draining very slowly.

How to Fix Kenmore Washer Not Draining All the Way Step-by-Step Guide

Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Disconnect the washer from the power outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
Check the Drain Hose for Kinks: Inspect the drain hose along its entire length. Straighten out any kinks or sharp bends.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Ensure the drain hose is securely connected to both the washer and the drainpipe.
Check the Drainpipe: Remove the drain hose from the drainpipe. Use a flashlight to check for any visible clogs in the drainpipe. If necessary, use a plumbing snake to clear the blockage.
Locate and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your washer’s user manual to find the drain pump filter location (usually at the bottom front or rear of the machine).
Prepare for Water: Place a shallow pan or towels underneath the filter access point to catch any water that may spill out.
Remove and Clean the Filter: Carefully remove the drain pump filter and clean it thoroughly under running water. Remove any lint, hair, coins, or other debris.
Reinstall the Filter: Securely reinstall the drain pump filter.
Check for Air Lock: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe. Lower the end of the hose into a bucket placed on the floor. Run a rinse/spin cycle. This may help clear any airlocks.
Check the Lid Switch (if applicable): Ensure the lid switch is functioning correctly. (consult the repair manual how it should operate).
Run a Test Cycle: Plug the washer back in and run a short rinse/spin cycle to see if the draining issue has been resolved.
Observe the Drainage: Watch carefully to see if the water drains quickly and completely.
Repeat Cleaning If Necessary: If the washer still isn’t draining properly, repeat the cleaning process for the drain hose and drain pump filter.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Sometimes, you can resolve the draining issue without spending money on new parts:

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 glitches.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your washer regularly (monthly) using a washer cleaner to prevent buildup that can lead to drainage problems.
Proper Loading: Avoid overloading the washer, as this can strain the drain pump.
Lint Trap Maintenance: Regularly clean the lint trap in your dryer to reduce the amount of lint that enters the washer and potentially clogs the drain system.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Kenmore washer still isn’t draining, the drain pump might be faulty and need replacement. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150 USD. Other parts that rarely cause this issue could be the lid switch ($20-$50 USD) or the control board ($100-$300 USD), but try all other solutions first.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the power outlet before performing any repairs or maintenance.
Avoid working on the washer with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor.
Be careful when handling tools to avoid injury.
If you are not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket or shallow pan
Towels
Flashlight
Plumbing snake (optional)

FAQ

Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not draining?

A: This usually indicates that the drain pump is trying to work but is blocked by an obstruction. Check the drain pump filter for clogs.

Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?

A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you notice drainage issues.

Q: Can I use a chemical drain cleaner in my washing machine?

A: It’s generally not recommended to use chemical drain cleaners in your washing machine, as they can damage the components.

Q: My washer drains slowly, but it eventually drains completely. What could be the problem?

A: A slow drain could be caused by a partial clog in the drain hose, drain pump filter, or drainpipe. Check and clean all of these components.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Kenmore washer that isn’t draining all the way can be a manageable task with a bit of patience and these simple steps. By systematically checking for common causes like clogs and kinks, you can often resolve the issue yourself. However, if you’ve exhausted these methods and the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance. Starting with a DIY approach can save you time and money, but safety and expertise are always essential.