Kenmore Washing Machine: not draining; excessive buildup

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not draining and showing excessive buildup? This common issue can leave water in the drum, causing soggy clothes and unpleasant odors. Explore potential causes like clogged drain hoses and dirty pump filters to restore your washer's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

Some models include a coin trap or accessible drain filter that often collects buildup; cleaning can resolve issues.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose with lint/debris/mineral buildup

How to Identify: Water stays in drum after cycle; visible kinked or blocked hose; buildup of lint/debris at hose ends.

Part: Drain hose

Blocked or dirty drain pump filter/coin trap

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, and small objects or lint visible in accessible filter area; buildup present when cleaning filter.

Part: Drain pump filter/coin trap

Malfunctioning drain pump (mechanical/electrical failure)

How to Identify: Pump humming or silent during drain cycle; no water movement even after hose/filter cleared; possible noise or failure signs.

Part: Drain pump/motor

Faulty lid switch/door latch preventing drain cycle start

How to Identify: Machine wonâ€™t enter drain cycle; washer behaves as if lid open; continuity test fails.

Part: Lid switch/door latch assembly

Internal buildup/mineral deposits narrowing hoses or restricting flow

How to Identify: Persistent partial drainage issues, slow flow even when visibly clear; hard water context suggests mineral buildup.

Part: Internal hoses/pipe surfaces

Control board/timer not powering drain components

How to Identify: No electrical signal to pump during drain cycle despite clear hoses/pump; error codes or erratic operation.

Part: Control board/timer

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose blockage

Moderate 15-45 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, flashlight, long brush or flexible brush, bucket

Unplug washer and pull away from wall
Disconnect drain hose from back and inspect for blockages
Use brush or flush with water to remove lint/debris/mineral buildup
Straighten hose to remove kinks, reattach securely and test drain cycle

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before disconnecting hose

Clean drain pump filter/coin trap

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: towel, small pan, screwdriver

Unplug washer and locate access panel at bottom front
Place towel/pan under filter access
Unscrew and remove filter cover
Clean out lint, coins, objects; rinse and replace filter
Run test cycle to check drainage

⚠️ Safety First: Be prepared for residual water discharge

Inspect and test lid switch

Advanced 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver

Unplug washer and access lid switch per manual
Disconnect switch wiring and test for continuity with multimeter
If no continuity, replace switch with correct part
Reassemble and test draining

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Control board/timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Internal plumbing blockage removal

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

You cannot locate or clear blockage after basic DIY steps

Pump makes unusual noises or leaks after attempted fixes

Electrical diagnostics (pump/lid switch/control board) required

Home drain plumbing appears clogged or slow

Preventive Maintenance

Clean drain pump filter: Blockages causing nonâ€‘draining
Frequency: monthly
Inspect and clear drain hose: Clogs from lint, debris, kinks
Frequency: every 3 months
Regular cleaning cycles with appropriate cleaning agents: Residue and buildup in hoses and internal components
Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not draining; excessive buildup?

Common causes include clogged drain hoses, blocked pump filters, and malfunctioning drain pumps.

How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not draining; excessive buildup myself?

You can clear the drain hose, clean the pump filter, or inspect the lid switch for issues.

How much does it cost to fix not draining; excessive buildup?

Professional repairs range from $80 for a pump replacement to $400 for a control board replacement.

When should I call a technician for not draining; excessive buildup?

If DIY solutions fail or if issues persist, especially with complex repairs, it's time to call a professional.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

Clogged drain hose or pump filter
Faulty drain pump
Excessive lint or debris buildup in the outer tub

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clear the drain hose and pump filter. Disconnect the washer, remove the drain hose from the back, and inspect for clogs. Clean the pump filter located at the front bottom of the washer. Reassemble and test the machine.
Inspect and replace the drain pump if necessary. Unplug the washer, access the drain pump by removing the front panel, check for blockages, and replace the pump if it is damaged or not functioning.
Clean the outer tub to remove grit and sludge. Use a solution of vinegar and baking soda to help break down buildup. Access the outer tub by removing the top panel and cleaning thoroughly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

Kenmore Washer 110. 26682503 built in 2006. Is it repairable...

Community Discussions

washer keeps stopping mid-cycle, without fully draining; grit and sludge in rinse

Possible repair of the neutral drain pack inside the transmission; clean the outer tub regularly.