Kenmore Heavy Duty Washer Won T Drain

Introduction

A washing machine that wont drain is a common and frustrating problem for homeowners. When your Kenmore heavy duty washer wont drain, it leaves you with a tub full of water and wet clothes, disrupting your laundry routine and potentially leading to mildew or unpleasant odors. It’s crucial to address this issue quickly to avoid further damage to your washer or even water damage to your home. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem yourself, saving you time and money. Explore more in our Washing Machine Problems 3 collection.

Common Causes of kenmore heavy duty washer won t drain

Several factors can cause your Kenmore heavy duty washer to refuse to drain:

• Clogged Drain Hose: A blockage in the hose that carries water away from the washer is a very common culprit.
• Obstructed Drain Pump: Small objects like socks, coins, or lint can get lodged in the drain pump, preventing it from working correctly.
• Blocked Tub Drain: Lint, hair, and soap residue can accumulate in the tub drain, slowing or stopping the water flow.
• Faulty Drain Pump: Over time, the drain pump motor can wear out or fail, preventing it from pumping water out of the machine.
• Kinked or Bent Drain Hose: A kink or bend in the drain hose restricts water flow and can prevent draining.
• Air Lock: Sometimes, an air bubble can get trapped in the drain system, preventing the pump from working effectively.
• Lid Switch Issues: Some washers have a lid switch that must be engaged for the drain cycle to operate. If this switch is faulty, the washer may not drain.
• Control Board Malfunction: In rare cases, a problem with the washer’s electronic control board can prevent the drain cycle from initiating.

Symptoms Checklist

Here are some signs that can help you pinpoint the issue:

• The washer tub is full of water after the wash cycle.
• You hear the washer running, but no water is draining.
• The washer makes a humming or buzzing sound during the drain cycle, but no water is moving.
• You see error codes related to draining issues on the washer’s display panel.
• The drain hose appears to be bulging or kinked.

How to Fix kenmore heavy duty washer won t drain Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your Kenmore heavy duty washer:

1. Unplug the Washer: For safety, always disconnect the washer from the power outlet before starting any repairs.
2. Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the entire length of the drain hose for kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose isn’t crushed.
3. Detach the Drain Hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from the back of the washer and from the drainpipe in the wall.
4. Check for Obstructions in the Drain Hose: Flush the drain hose with water to see if any debris is blocking it. Use a garden hose or sink faucet to force water through the hose.
5. Locate the Drain Pump: The drain pump is usually located at the bottom front or back of the washer. Consult your washer’s manual for the exact location.
6. Access the Drain Pump: You may need to remove a front or back panel to access the drain pump. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the panel in place.
7. Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Most Kenmore washers have a filter on the drain pump to catch lint and debris. Carefully remove the filter and clean it thoroughly. Rinse it with water to remove any buildup.
8. Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller: Once the filter is removed, check the drain pump impeller (the fan-like blades inside the pump) for any obstructions. Remove any objects that are preventing the impeller from spinning freely.
9. Check the Drainpipe: Ensure that the drainpipe where the washer empties is not clogged. Use a drain snake or a bent wire hanger to clear any blockages.
10. Reassemble and Test: Reattach the drain hose to the washer and drainpipe. Reinstall any panels you removed to access the drain pump. Plug the washer back in and run a short drain cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
11. Check the Lid Switch: If the washer still won’t drain, the lid switch may be faulty. The washer will not spin or drain if the lid switch is broken. You might need to test the switch with a multimeter or consult a repair technician.
12. Listen for the Pump Motor: During the drain cycle, carefully listen for the sound of the drain pump motor running. If you don’t hear it, the motor may be faulty and require replacement.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before you consider replacing any parts, try these free methods:

• 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 issues.
• Run an Empty Cycle: Run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar to help dissolve soap residue and mineral buildup in the drain system.
• Check for Air Locks: Sometimes, gently tilting the washer forward can help dislodge an air lock in the drain hose.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean the lint filter regularly and avoid overloading the washer to prevent drain clogs.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Kenmore heavy duty washer still won’t drain, you may need to replace the drain pump. A new drain pump typically costs between $50 and $150 USD. In rare cases, a faulty control board may be the culprit, which can be more expensive to replace (around $100 – $300 USD). If you’re not comfortable replacing these parts yourself, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
• Be careful when handling water and electrical components to avoid electric shock.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and dirty water.
• Clean up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Bucket or container to catch water
• Towels
• Drain snake or bent wire hanger
• Multimeter (optional, for testing electrical components)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Q: Why is my Kenmore washer draining slowly?
  A: Slow draining is often caused by a partially clogged drain hose, drain pump filter, or drainpipe.
• Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?
  A: If you don’t hear the drain pump motor running during the drain cycle, or if the pump makes a loud buzzing noise but doesn’t pump water, the pump is likely bad.
• Q: Can I use Drano to unclog my washing machine drain?
  A: No, Drano and other chemical drain cleaners are not recommended for washing machines. They can damage the washer’s components.
• Q: How often should I clean my washing machine’s drain pump filter?
  A: It’s a good idea to clean the drain pump filter every 2-3 months to prevent clogs.

Conclusion

A Kenmore heavy duty washer that won’t drain can be a major inconvenience, but by following this troubleshooting guide, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time with each step. If you’ve exhausted all the DIY options and your washer still isn’t draining, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance. Good luck!. Discover more free resources across our collection library.

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