Kenmore Washing Machine: not draining or spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not draining or spinning? This common issue can leave your clothes soaking wet and water standing in the drum. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore Series 80 washers use drain pump connected to motor shaft; clog or pump failure often prevents draining and spinning.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose

How to Identify: Water remains in drum after cycle, visible kinks or debris in hose, slow or no water flow during drain.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty or clogged drain pump

How to Identify: Standing water in washer, unusual noises during drain, pump unable to move water, continuity test fails.

Part: Drain pump

Faulty lid switch or door latch

How to Identify: Washer won’t spin or drain but appears to start cycle; no click when lid closed.

Part: Lid switch assembly

Unbalanced load or overloaded drum

How to Identify: Spin cycle stops or doesn’t start when laundry bunched to one side or too heavy.

Part: Drum/load distribution

Worn or broken drive belt

How to Identify: Machine may fill and wash but fails to spin; visible wear or snap on belt.

Part: Drive belt

Control board/timer malfunction

How to Identify: No response from controls, erratic cycle behavior, other causes ruled out.

Part: Control board/Timer

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose clogs

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket, Work gloves
  1. Unplug the washer and turn off water.
  2. Disconnect drain hose at back and check for kinks or visible debris.
  3. Flush hose with water or use a flexible brush to remove blockages.
  4. Reconnect hose securely and test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working on appliance.

Inspect and clean drain pump

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Bucket
  1. Disconnect power and remove access panel.
  2. Locate drain pump and check for debris or small objects blocking impeller.
  3. Manually turn pump to test movement; test electrical continuity with multimeter.
  4. Clean pump or replace if damaged, then reassemble and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal components.

Test and replace lid switch

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement lid switch
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Locate lid switch near lid hinge.
  3. Test switch continuity with a multimeter.
  4. Replace switch if no continuity, reconnect and test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off.

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Stop washer mid‑cycle.
  2. Evenly distribute clothes in drum.
  3. Restart to see if spin and drain complete.
  4. Avoid overloading in future loads.

Inspect drive belt

Moderate 30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight, Replacement belt
  1. Disconnect power and access back panel.
  2. Locate and inspect drive belt for wear or breakage.
  3. Install replacement belt if needed and reassemble.
  4. Test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before internal access.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Control board/timer diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after clearing hose and pump inspection
Electrical tests indicate motor or control board failure
You’re uncomfortable accessing internal components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs that impede draining
    Frequency: annually
  • Avoid overloading washer: Unbalanced load issues that stop spin
    Frequency: Each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not draining or spinning?
Common causes include a clogged drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or a malfunctioning lid switch.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not draining or spinning myself?
Try clearing the drain hose, inspecting the drain pump, or testing the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not draining or spinning?
Professional repairs can cost between $80 to $200 for pump replacement or $150 to $350 for control board diagnosis.
When should I call a technician for not draining or spinning?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem seems complex, it's advisable to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

25%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty lid switch (1 mentions)
  • Failing motor (1 mentions)
  • Broken coupling (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the lid switch

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Inspect and replace the motor if necessary

    Success rate: 0.0%

  3. Examine and fix or replace the coupling

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore model 110 washer - at wits end and I don't want to a...
  2. Kenmore 600 Series Top-Load Washer won't drain or spin
  3. Kenmore 600 Series Top-Load Washer won't drain or spin!!
  4. Kenmore washer fills, agitates, then nothing

Community Discussions

won't drain or spin

Possible issues include a faulty lid switch, failing motor, or broken coupling.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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