Roper Washing Machine: not draining completely

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Roper washing machine not draining completely? This common issue often leaves water in the drum after a wash cycle, resulting in soaked clothes. The problem may arise from a clogged drain hose, debris in the drain pump, or a faulty drain pump itself. Addressing these causes promptly ensures your laundry routine remains hassle-free.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Roper Models

  • Roper-specific troubleshooting lists drain pump, lid switch, hose clogs, control board/timer issues as common causes for not draining.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose

How to Identify: Water drains slowly or not at all; visible kinks or bends in the hose; debris or lint detected when inspecting hose

Part: Drain hose

Debris in drain pump or pump housing

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle; rattling or unusual noises during drain; removal of pump reveals lint, coins, socks blocking impeller or inlet

Part: Drain pump/pump housing

Faulty or worn drain pump

How to Identify: Pump runs but no water movement; humming without water flow; multimeter shows pump motor electrical issues

Part: Drain pump

Improper drain hose installation height or siphoning

How to Identify: Washer drain hose inserted too far into standpipe or too low, leading to siphoning and incomplete draining

Part: Drain hose/standpipe setup

DIY Solutions

Inspect and clear the drain hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall.
  2. Disconnect the drain hose from the washer and inspect for kinks or visible blockages.
  3. Flush the hose with water or use a flexible brush to remove debris.
  4. Reattach the hose, ensuring it’s properly positioned at the correct height and not kinked.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug the washer before accessing hoses to avoid electric shock.

Clean debris from the drain pump

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Unplug washer and access pump (bottom front or back panel).
  2. Place bucket under pump area to catch residual water.
  3. Remove hoses from pump and inspect inside housing for lint, coins, or foreign objects.
  4. Clear debris and reassemble hoses, ensuring secure connections before testing.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected at the outlet; avoid placing hands in tight spaces without tools.

Test lid switch function (top-load models)

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter (optional)
  1. With power unplugged, locate the lid switch near the lid hinge.
  2. Check for obvious damage or loose connections.
  3. Use a multimeter to test continuity across switch terminals.
  4. Replace switch if it fails continuity and symptoms persist.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing; electrical components can be dangerous.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Replace control board or timer

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Water still not draining after clearing hose and pump blockages
Electrical faults suspected (burnt electronics or no power to pump)
Uncertain diagnosis after basic DIY steps

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect and clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs and incomplete draining
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Check pockets before washing: Foreign objects entering drainage system
    Frequency: every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Roper Washing Machine not draining completely?
Common causes include a clogged drain hose, debris in the pump, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Roper Washing Machine not draining completely myself?
Inspect and clear the drain hose, clean the drain pump, or test the lid switch for proper function.
How much does it cost to fix not draining completely?
Professional repairs can cost between $50–$300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining completely?
If DIY solutions fail or the problem persists, it's time to consult 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: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain hose
  • Faulty lid switch
  • Defective pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear the drain hose. Disconnect the hose from the back of the machine and inspect for clogs. Use a long brush or water to clear any blockages. Reattach the hose securely.

  2. Test the lid switch. Open the lid and press the switch manually to see if the machine starts draining. If it doesn't, replace the lid switch. This may require disassembling the top panel.

  3. Inspect and replace the drain pump. Unplug the washer, remove the front panel, and check the pump for blockages or damage. If defective, replace the pump with a new one.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. 15 year old Roper Washing Machine holding some water?

Community Discussions

holding some water in the bottom of the drum

The sound of sloshing water is normal; consider using washer cleaner and running hot loads with bleach to address odor.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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