Whirlpool Clothes Washer Not Draining

Introduction

Is your Whirlpool clothes washer refusing to drain, leaving your laundry sitting in a pool of water? This is a common problem that can be frustrating, messy, and even lead to unpleasant odors. Ignoring a drainage issue can also cause further damage to your washing machine and potentially your home. Addressing this promptly is crucial to prevent mold growth, appliance damage, and the inconvenience of not being able to wash your clothes. Explore more in our Washing Machine Problems 6 collection.

Common Causes of Whirlpool Clothes Washer Not Draining

Several factors can cause your Whirlpool washer to stop draining. Here are some common culprits:

• Clogged Drain Hose: A kinked, bent, or blocked drain hose restricts water flow.
• Clogged Drain Pump Filter: This filter traps lint, small objects, and debris, which can accumulate and obstruct the pump.
• Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump motor might be failing or completely burned out.
• Blocked Drainpipe: A blockage in the house drainpipe can prevent the washer from draining.
• Lid Switch Malfunction: A faulty lid switch might prevent the washer from entering the spin cycle, which includes draining.
• Defective Timer/Control Board: The timer or control board controls the draining cycle, and a defect can interrupt it.
• Kinked or Blocked Air Vent Hose: This hose helps regulate pressure in the drain system.
• Over-Sudsing: Excessive soap can create too many suds, preventing proper draining.

Symptoms Checklist

If your Whirlpool washer is not draining, look for these symptoms:

• Water remaining in the drum after the wash cycle.
• The washer making a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle but not draining.
• Error codes displayed on the control panel related to draining.
• Water backing up into the washing machine from the drainpipe.
• Slow draining or gurgling sounds during the drain cycle.

How to Fix Whirlpool Clothes Washer Not Draining Step-by-Step Guide

1. Unplug the Washer: Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet for safety.
2. Inspect the Drain Hose: Check for kinks, bends, or crushing. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not pinched.
3. Detach the Drain Hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from the back of the washer and from the drainpipe.
4. Flush the Drain Hose: Run water through the drain hose to clear any clogs. Use a garden hose for stronger pressure if needed.
5. Check the Drainpipe: Ensure the drainpipe where the hose connects is not clogged. You can use a plumbing snake to clear any obstructions.
6. Locate the Drain Pump Filter: This is typically located at the front or bottom of the washer, behind a small access panel. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location.
7. Drain Remaining Water: Place a shallow pan or towels under the access panel to catch any water.
8. Remove the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully unscrew or twist the drain pump filter cap and remove the filter.
9. Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Remove any lint, hair, coins, or other debris from the filter. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
10. Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller: Look inside the drain pump housing (where the filter was) for any obstructions. You may need a flashlight. Try to manually turn the impeller (fan blades) to ensure it rotates freely.
11. Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: Securely reattach the drain pump filter cap.
12. Reattach the Drain Hose: Reconnect the drain hose to the washer and the drainpipe, ensuring a secure connection.
13. Check the Lid Switch: Manually depress the lid switch with a screwdriver or similar tool. If the washer starts draining, the lid switch may be faulty and need further investigation (or temporary workaround but at your own risk).
14. Plug in the Washer: Reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet.
15. Run a Test Cycle: Select a short spin cycle to test if the washer is draining properly.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacement parts, try these free solutions:

• Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board and resolve minor glitches.
• Run a Cleaning Cycle: Use a washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and residue that can contribute to clogs.
• Use Less Detergent: Excessive detergent leads to oversudsing, hindering proper draining.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically clean the drain pump filter and check the drain hose to prevent future problems.
• Check Air Vent Hose: Inspect the small air vent hose (usually near the drain hose) for kinks or blockage.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the above steps don’t work, the drain pump itself may be faulty and need replacing. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150 USD. Alternatively, a faulty control board might be preventing the draining cycle, a more complex and expensive repair. Replacement of the entire washing machine might be more cost-effective depending on age and overall condition. For more related activities, check out our Water In Front Of Washing Machine.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washing machine before attempting any repairs.
• Avoid contact with water while the washer is plugged in to prevent electric shock.
• Be cautious when handling water and avoid spills to prevent slips and falls.
• If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Shallow pan or towels
• Flashlight
• Garden hose (optional)
• Plumbing snake (optional)

FAQ

Q: My washer makes a humming sound but doesn’t drain. What’s wrong?
A: This usually indicates a blocked drain pump or a failing drain pump motor. Check the filter and impeller first. Discover more free resources across our collection library.

Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the amount of lint produced.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean the drain pump filter?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use bleach directly on the drain pump filter, as it can damage the material. Use water and mild soap instead.

Q: The water drains very slowly. What could be the issue?
A: This could be caused by a partial blockage in the drain hose, drainpipe, or drain pump filter.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool clothes washer that won’t drain can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time. If you’ve exhausted these solutions and the problem persists, it’s best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance. You might just save yourself a costly service call!

Youtube Video: