Kenmore Washing Machine: not draining properly
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine not draining properly? If water remains in the drum after a cycle, you're likely facing issues like a clogged drain hose, a blocked pump filter, or a faulty drain pump. These problems can cause slow drainage and unusual humming sounds. Addressing these issues promptly can save you time and money.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- Some Kenmore models have unique coin traps or front access pump filters; consult model manual for exact location
- Elite models may include diagnostic modes to help identify drain issues; refer to manual for diagnostics
Possible Causes
Clogged drain hose
How to Identify: Water remains after cycle; hose visibly kinked or debris seen when removed; slow or no water flow even when pump runs
Part: Drain hose
Blocked drain pump filter/coin trap
How to Identify: Small debris like coins/lint visible in pump area; water fails to drain even after hose cleared
Part: Pump filter/coin trap
Faulty drain pump or pump motor
How to Identify: Washer makes humming or unusual noises but no water exits; pump impeller damaged or no electrical continuity
Part: Drain pump / pump motor
Malfunctioning lid/door switch
How to Identify: Top-load model won’t initiate drain cycle even when power applied; continuity test fails
Part: Lid switch assembly
Drive belt worn or broken
How to Identify: Belt shows wear/cracks; pump doesn’t spin though motor runs
Part: Drive belt
Control board/timer not sending signal
How to Identify: No pump activation despite correct hose and pump condition; error codes related to electrical faults
Part: Control board/washer timer
DIY Solutions
Clear a clogged drain hose
- Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the washer and drain line into a bucket.
- Inspect hose for visible blockages or kinks with a flashlight.
- Use a long brush or flexible tool to clear debris; flush with water if needed.
- Reattach hose ensuring no kinks and proper height/secure fit.
- Run a drain cycle to verify water flows out correctly.
Clean the drain pump filter/coin trap
- Unplug washer and locate the pump filter (front/bottom access panel).
- Remove panel and place towels to catch water.
- Unscrew and remove pump filter; clear lint/objects by hand.
- Rinse filter under water and reinsert securely.
- Replace access panel and run a test drain cycle.
Test and replace a faulty lid/door switch
- Unplug washer and locate lid/door switch per model manual.
- Remove switch and test for continuity with a multimeter.
- If no continuity when actuated, replace with equivalent part.
- Reinstall switch and secure panels.
- Restore power and test drain cycle.
Next step
Choose the next step for not draining properly
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.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
Door or Lid Switch
Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
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
Replace drain pump or pump motor
Replace control board or timer
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain pump filter: Blockages leading to draining issues
Frequency: monthly -
Inspect and clear drain hose: Clogs and kinks that impede water flow
Frequency: every 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not draining properly?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not draining properly myself?
How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?
When should I call a technician for not draining properly?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Too many suds leading to continuous draining (1 mentions)
- Shifter malfunction causing water retention (1 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
-
Replace shifter as recommended by technician
-
Address excessive suds by using less detergent
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
water remains in the bottom of the washer between use, clothes soggy, lid light flashing
The appliance repair technician suggested a shifter is needed, and the water remaining in the bottom is considered normal.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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