Kenmore Washing Machine: not draining completely
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine not draining completely? This issue often leaves clothes soaked, as water remains in the drum after wash and rinse cycles. Common causes include a clogged drain hose, a dirty pump filter, or a faulty lid switch. Troubleshooting this problem can save you time and hassle.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- Kenmore washers may display error codes indicating lid switch or drain issues; consult model manual for specific codes
Possible Causes
Clogged drain hose
How to Identify: Water drains slowly or not at all; visible kinks or blockages in hose; hose twisted or bent.
Part: Drain hose
Blocked or dirty pump filter/coin trap
How to Identify: Standing water that clears after filter access; debris visible in filter or trap area.
Part: Pump filter/coin trap
Faulty lid switch (top-load) / door lock (front-load)
How to Identify: Washer doesn’t enter drain/spin cycle; machine behaves as if lid/door is open.
Part: Lid switch / door lock assembly
Control board or timer malfunction
How to Identify: No power to pump during drain cycle; diagnostic error codes present.
Part: Control board or mechanical timer
DIY Solutions
Inspect and clear drain hose
- Unplug washer and pull it away from wall.
- Disconnect drain hose from washer and standpipe.
- Check for kinks, bends, visible obstructions.
- Use brush or flush with water to clear blockages.
- Reattach hose and test drain cycle.
Clean drain pump filter/coin trap
- Unplug washer and locate pump filter/coin trap access on front bottom.
- Place towel/container to catch water.
- Remove cover and extract debris in filter/trap.
- Rinse filter and reinstall properly.
- Run drain cycle to test.
Test and replace lid switch/door lock
- Unplug machine and access lid switch or door lock assembly.
- Use multimeter to test continuity.
- Replace switch/lock if defective following model-specific instructions.
- Reassemble and test drain/spin function.
Next step
Choose the next step for not draining completely
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $30
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Timer Control
Advances timed cycles and switches appliance functions in models that use a dedicated timer.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Drain pump replacement
Control board or timer replacement
Door lock or lid switch assembly replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain hose and pump filter: Build-up of debris causing clogs and partial draining
Frequency: every 3 months -
Inspect lid switch/door lock: Switch failure that could inhibit drain cycle
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not draining completely?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not draining completely myself?
How much does it cost to fix not draining completely?
When should I call a technician for not draining completely?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Clogged drain hose
- Faulty lid switch
- Blocked pump filter
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clear the drain hose. Disconnect the hose and inspect for clogs. Use a flexible brush or water to clear any blockages.
-
Test the lid switch for functionality. If defective, replace it. This involves removing the top panel and disconnecting the switch.
-
Inspect and clean the pump filter. Access the filter by removing the front panel and clean any debris that may be obstructing it.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
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Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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