Kenmore Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not draining? This issue often leads to standing water in the tub and may prevent spinning. Commonly, you'll see an 'nd' error code on front-load models. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore front-load washers may display the 'nd' error code when the washer cannot drain. Sears PartsDirect identifies the most likely causes as a stopped-up washer drain or a clogged drain pump filter.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter / coin trap (front-load and some newer designs)

How to Identify: Washer stops with standing water; may show 'nd' (Kenmore or 'OE' (some Kenmore models built by LG. Filter access door at lower front; debris such as coins, lint, hairpins found; draining improves immediately after cleaning.

Part: Drain pump filter / debris trap

Blocked / kinked / improperly installed drain hose or house standpipe (slow or no drain)

How to Identify: Hose visibly kinked behind washer; washer drains partially/slowly; gurgling/backup in standpipe; problem may appear after moving washer or recent plumbing work; 'nd' may occur on front-loaders when the drain path is restricted.

Part: Drain hose and household drain/standpipe

Drain pump clogged with debris or pump impeller jammed (pump runs but no water flow) OR pump motor failed (pump silent/hums)

How to Identify: Pump hums but little/no water exits; unusual grinding noise; intermittent draining; burning smell; pump does not run when it should; water remains after cycle even with clean filter and clear hose.

Part: Drain pump (pump + motor assembly)

Lid switch / door lock switch not engaging (top-load lid switch, front-load door lock) preventing drain/spin sequence

How to Identify: Top-load: washer agitates but will not drain/spin and lid does not click/lock; Front-load: door lock error or door will not lock; drain/spin does not start even though water should be pumping out.

Part: Lid switch (top-load) or door lock/latch switch (front-load)

Control board / timer not sending power to drain pump (pump never energizes)

How to Identify: Drain pump never runs (no sound/no vibration despite clear filter/hoses and good pump continuity; washer may stall at drain step; requires electrical testing to confirm no voltage to pump when draining should occur.

Part: Main control board or timer/control module (model dependent)

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain pump filter / coin trap (front-load and some designs)

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Towels, Shallow pan or tray, Gloves (optional), Flat screwdriver (optional for access door)
  1. Unplug the washer to avoid electrical shock.
  2. Locate the small access door at the lower front of the washer (drain filter area).
  3. Place towels and a shallow pan under the filter area to catch water.
  4. Slowly open the filter cap to let water drain out; pause as needed to avoid spills.
  5. Remove the filter completely and clear debris (coins, lint, buttons, hair).
  6. Check inside the filter housing for obstructions and ensure the impeller area is clear (do not force the impeller).
  7. Reinstall the filter tightly, close the access door, then run a Drain/Spin cycle to confirm normal draining.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before opening the filter access area.

Inspect and clear the drain hose and household standpipe for kinks/clogs

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Towel, Bucket (optional)
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Pull the washer forward and inspect the drain hose for kinks, crushing, or sharp bends.
  3. Confirm the drain hose is not inserted too far into the standpipe (can cause siphoning or restricted flow).
  4. Check the standpipe/house drain for backup by running water briefly in a nearby sink/tub drain line if connected; clear clogs if present.
  5. Reposition the hose with a smooth curve and secure it, then run a Drain/Spin to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid running the washer with the hose loose—water can discharge rapidly.

Check drain pump for debris (top-load and front-load) and remove obstructions

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Pliers, Towels, Bucket, Flashlight
  1. Unplug the washer and shut off water supply if you need to tip or move the unit.
  2. Access the drain pump.
  3. Prepare towels and a bucket to catch water from pump hoses.
  4. Disconnect pump hoses and check for socks, lint clumps, or small items lodged in the pump inlet/outlet.
  5. Clear any debris, reattach hoses securely, and run a Drain/Spin test.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before accessing pump wiring.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump (pump + motor assembly)

Estimated Cost: $55 - $180 (part only) + labor

Replace lid switch (top-load) or door lock/latch assembly (front-load)

Estimated Cost: $25 - $120 (part only) + labor

Diagnose/replace main control board or timer/control module

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350 (part only) + labor

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump is not running at all and electrical testing is required to determine whether the pump, wiring, or control board is at fault.
Washer repeatedly shows 'nd' (or similar drain error) even after cleaning the drain pump filter/coin trap and confirming the drain hose/standpipe is clear.
You hear grinding or loud buzzing from the pump area (possible impeller damage) or see leaking around the pump housing.
You cannot safely access the pump or remove hoses without risking flooding (tight installation, stacked units, or limited access).

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean the drain pump filter / coin trap and remove debris (coins, lint, hairpins).: Drain errors (nd/OE), slow draining, and pump clogs
    Frequency: every 1-3 months (or sooner if you wash heavily soiled items)
  • Check and straighten the drain hose path behind the washer and ensure proper standpipe insertion depth.: Restricted drain flow, siphoning issues, and recurring drain faults
    Frequency: every 6 months or after moving the washer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not draining?
Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, blocked drain hose, or a malfunctioning drain pump.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not draining myself?
You can clean the drain pump filter, inspect the drain hose for kinks, or check for debris in the drain pump.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs can range from $55 to $350, depending on whether you need a new pump, switch, or control board.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex components like the control board, it's best to call a technician.

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

  • Drain pump failure (4 mentions)
  • Lid switch malfunction (3 mentions)
  • Clogged drain hose (2 mentions)
  • Timer issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replacing the drain pump

    Success rate: 7.0%

  2. Replacing the lid switch

    Success rate: 7.0%

  3. Unclogging the drain hose

    Success rate: 7.0%

  4. Repairing or replacing the timer

    Success rate: 7.0%
Analysis based on 10 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore washing machine not draining
  2. Washing Machine Won’t Drain
  3. Kenmore wash machine won’t drain
  4. Old kenmore washing machine won't drain
  5. kenmore 800 washing machine won't drain
  6. Kenmore 80 Series Not draining or Spinning (already replaced...
  7. Older top-loading Kenmore washing machine draining slowly, i...
  8. Kenmore 80 series washing machine won’t drain
  9. Kenmore washing machine MOD 110.26492503 is filling up with ...
  10. Kenmore washing machine water filter tube doesnt let the wat...

Community Discussions

not draining and does not spin

A baby sock was jammed in the pump, causing the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Filter hose not draining

Used an air compressor to unclog the hose.

DIY View on Reddit →

filling up with water but not draining

replacing the lid switch

DIY View on Reddit →

water filter tube doesn't let the water out

The hose used to drain the rubber seal was clogged, and unblocking it resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't drain

The timer was found to have burnt and welded switches, which may be causing the issue. Attempting to repair the timer or replace it.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!