Kenmore Washing Machine: stuck alternating between rinsing and draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine stuck alternating between rinsing and draining? This common issue may signal a blockage in the drain pathway or a faulty drain pump. If the cycle cannot complete due to water not draining properly, it’s essential to identify the cause for a quick resolution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Drain problems on Kenmore washers are frequently linked to clogged drain hoses or filters needing regular cleaning.

Possible Causes

Drain pathway blockage

How to Identify: Machine fails to fully drain, water remains in tub, hose or filter visibly clogged

Part: Drain hose / drain filter

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: No water removal even after checking hose clear, unusual noises or failure to drain

Part: Drain pump assembly

Control board/timer malfunction

How to Identify: Cycle advancement irregular, electronics not switching correctly, diagnostics show no component faults

Part: Main control board / timer

DIY Solutions

Clean drain hose and filter

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, gloves
  1. Turn off and unplug washer
  2. Locate and detach drain hose and access filter
  3. Remove debris from hose and filter, rinse with water
  4. Reinstall parts and test drain cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before servicing

Check and adjust drain hose routing

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Ensure drain hose isn’t kinked or looped too high or low
  2. Adjust to manufacturer‑recommended height/shape
  3. Run a drain test
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure stable hose placement to avoid leaks

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Control board diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent inability to drain after cleaning clogs
Unusual noises from pump area
Electronic error codes or no cycle advancement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain filter/hose: Clogs leading to drain issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Use proper detergent amount: Excess suds that can hinder draining
    Frequency: each wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine stuck alternating between rinsing and draining?
This issue is often caused by a blockage in the drain pathway, a faulty drain pump, or a malfunctioning control board.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine stuck alternating between rinsing and draining myself?
You can clean the drain hose and filter, or check the drain hose routing to ensure it's not kinked or improperly positioned.
How much does it cost to fix stuck alternating between rinsing and draining?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $200 for a drain pump replacement or $150 to $350 for control board diagnosis and replacement.
When should I call a technician for stuck alternating between rinsing and draining?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, 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?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain hose causing improper drainage
  • Faulty water level sensor preventing proper cycle progression
  • Malfunctioning control board causing erratic cycle behavior

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clear the drain hose. Ensure it is not kinked or clogged and is positioned correctly to avoid siphoning.

  2. Test and replace the water level sensor if it is malfunctioning. This involves accessing the control panel and checking the sensor's resistance.

  3. Inspect the control board for any visible damage or burnt components. If damaged, replace the control board.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Washing Machine - Getting stuck alternating between ...

Community Discussions

getting stuck alternating between rinsing and draining

Check the drain hose for proper placement to avoid water vacuum.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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