Whirlpool Dryer: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Whirlpool dryer not draining? This common problem can lead to water buildup in the condenser reservoir or prevent proper drainage through the connected hose. If you notice moisture lingering after a cycle, follow our guide to identify the causes and solutions for this frustrating issue.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Compact heat pump dryers have a removable water tank which must be emptied and seated properly; Whirlpoolâ€™s official guidance covers this maintenance step.

Possible Causes

Blocked or kinked drain hose or drainage path

How to Identify: Water remains in reservoir or does not exit drain; hose may appear kinked or restricted

Part: Drain hose / drainage pathway

Faulty or clogged drain pump

How to Identify: No sound from pump when water should be drained; water stays in tank/hose; blockage suspected

Part: Drain pump

DIY Solutions

Check and clear the drain hose and connections

Moderate 15-45 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, bucket or towels

Unplug the dryer and locate the drain hose at the rear.
Inspect the hose for kinks, bends, debris or clogs; straighten or clear as needed.
If connected to a house drain, disconnect from the dryer and flush the hose with water.
Reconnect securely, ensuring no sharp bends impede flow.
Test a drying cycle to confirm water drains as expected.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before handling hose; avoid sharp debris

Empty and properly reseat the water tank/reservoir

Easy 5-10 minutes

After cycle end, pull out the water tank.
Empty collected water into a sink or bucket.
Ensure the tank is clean and dry.
Push the tank fully home until it locks into place.
Run a short cycle to verify drainage.

Clean lint and condenser filters

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: Vacuum with brush attachment (optional)

Locate lint filter and any condenser filters.
Remove and clean thoroughly of lint and debris.
Vacuum condenser area if accessible.
Reinstall filters and run dryer.
Verify improved drainage and drying.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power off before cleaning internal filters

Professional Repairs

Drain pump inspection and replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Control board / sensor diagnostics and repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If pump inspection suggests electrical failure

Repeated drainage failure after hose and tank cleaning

Water pooling inside or around dryer despite user steps

Preventive Maintenance

Clean drain hose and drain connections: Blockages leading to drainage issues
Frequency: annually
Empty water tank after each load: Overflow and improper drainage indicators
Frequency: per cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dryer not draining?

Your Whirlpool dryer may not be draining due to a blocked or kinked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.

How do I fix Whirlpool Dryer not draining myself?

Check and clear the drain hose, empty and reseat the water tank, and clean the lint and condenser filters.

How much does it cost to fix not draining?

Professional repairs for a non-draining dryer typically range from $80 to $400, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the drain pump or control board seems faulty, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Emptying the Water Tank - Whirlpool Official
Not Draining - Allâ€‘Inâ€‘One Washer Dryer - Whirlpool Official

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 or filter
Faulty drain pump
Electrical issue at the pump connection

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clear the drain hose and filter. Disconnect the dryer, remove the drain hose, and inspect for clogs. Clean the filter thoroughly. Reassemble and test the dryer.
Test the drain pump for functionality. Disconnect the dryer, access the pump, and check for blockages or damage. If faulty, replace the drain pump with a new one.
Inspect electrical connections at the drain pump. Use a multimeter to check for 120 volts at the pump connection. Repair any faulty wiring or connections.

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

not draining

Check for 120 volts at the pump connection and inspect for clogs or a faulty drain motor.