Kenmore Washing Machine: not pumping water

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not pumping water? If the machine fills but fails to drain at the end of a cycle, leaving water in the tub, you're likely facing a common issue. This could be due to a clogged drain pump, a blocked drain hose, or other mechanical failures that prevent proper drainage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers commonly use the same drain pump designs as Sears models; debris blockages and pump failures are frequent community-reported issues for this brand.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump or debris in pump impeller

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, humming from pump area without expulsion of water, debris visible in pump intake when accessed.

Part: Drain pump and pump impeller

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Hose visibly bent, twisted, or clogged; water drains slowly when hose removed; water does not flow freely from hose.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty lid switch or safety interlock

How to Identify: Washer won’t start drain cycle or stops mid-cycle when lid opened/closed; no clicking of lid switch audible.

Part: Lid switch assembly

Control board or timer failure

How to Identify: Washer fails to initiate any drain functions despite functional pump and hose; irregular operation patterns.

Part: Control board / timer module

DIY Solutions

Clear debris from drain pump

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Unplug the washer from power.
  2. Access the drain pump by removing the lower front panel or back panel depending on model.
  3. Place towels and a bucket to catch residual water.
  4. Disconnect pump and inspect impeller area for debris (coins, lint, small clothing items).
  5. Remove any visible blockages and reassemble.
  6. Reconnect power and test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before accessing internal components.

Check and straighten drain hose

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: none (possibly pliers)
  1. Unplug washer and pull it out to access rear.
  2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or twists.
  3. Straighten out any bends and ensure hose isn’t crushed by objects.
  4. Optionally disconnect hose and flush water through to clear blockages.
  5. Reattach hose securely and restore power.
  6. Run a drain cycle to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid using excessive force that might damage hose.

Professional Repairs

Replace failed drain pump motor

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Replace lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $20 - $60

Control board/timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after DIY drain pump and hose checks
Water still not pumping and electrical tests show pump motor not powered
Visible damage to internal components or wiring

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect and clean drain hose and pump filter: Debris buildup that leads to clogging and pumping failure.
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Avoid overloading washer: Stress on pump and hoses that can contribute to failures.
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not pumping water?
Common causes include a clogged drain pump, blocked drain hose, or a faulty lid switch.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not pumping water myself?
Unplug the washer, clear debris from the drain pump, or check the drain hose for kinks.
How much does it cost to fix not pumping water?
Repair costs range from $20 for a lid switch to $250 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not pumping water?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you suspect a control board failure.

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
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear the drain hose and pump filter. Disconnect the washing machine from power, remove the drain hose, and inspect it for clogs. Clean the pump filter located near the bottom front of the machine, ensuring it is free of debris.

  2. Test the drain pump for functionality. If the pump is making a horrible noise, it may be defective. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it fails, replace the drain pump.

  3. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Ensure that the hose is not bent or pinched, which can restrict water flow. If damaged, replace the hose.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Worth repairing - 8 year old Kenmore front loading washing m...

Community Discussions

sounds horrible when trying to pump out water

The issue is likely the drain pump, which is worth repairing.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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