Whirlpool Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not draining? This common issue often results in water remaining in the drum after the wash cycle, which can halt operations and trigger drain errors. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you restore your washer's functionality quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Official Whirlpool troubleshooting identifies drain/pump blockages as a primary factor for not draining and provides guidance to check these first.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter or obstruction in pump

How to Identify: Water remains after wash, sometimes strange noises during drain, blockage visible when accessing pump filter panel.

Part: Drain Pump / Pump Filter

Clogged household drain or standpipe

How to Identify: Other fixtures drain slowly; washing machine still fills and attempts drain but water backs up.

Part: Home plumbing drain

Faulty or failed drain pump motor

How to Identify: Pump makes no sound during drain cycle; may emit burning smell; no water movement even after clearing blockages.

Part: Drain Pump Motor

Internal electronic / control issue (e.g., sensor/board)

How to Identify: No error codes, or erratic behavior not resolved by fixing mechanical blockages.

Part: Control Board / water level sensor

DIY Solutions

Clean Drain Pump Filter and Remove Obstructions

Moderate 15-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Towel/Bucket, Gloves
  1. Unplug the washer and place towels/bucket under access panel.
  2. Open lower front access panel on Whirlpool washer.
  3. Locate drain pump filter cap and slowly unscrew to drain residual water.
  4. Pull out debris from filter and wash under running water.
  5. Inspect pump impeller for trapped objects, remove any obstructions, reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working.

Inspect and Straighten/Flush Drain Hose

Moderate 10-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Pliers, Bucket, Brush or Hose Cleaner
  1. Unplug machine and pull it away from wall.
  2. Disconnect drain hose from machine and standpipe/drain.
  3. Inspect for kinks, bends or debris inside; straighten hose.
  4. Flush hose with water to ensure flow.
  5. Reinstall hose ensuring correct height and no pinches.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid excessive force which may damage hose.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drain Pump Motor

Estimated Cost: $60 - $150 (parts) + service

Service Control Electronics or Water Level Sensor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300+ including labor

When to Call a Professional

After attempting mechanical block clearing and the washer still fails to drain.
If pump makes unusual noises or smells and appears to be failing.
If unable to access pump or electrical parts safely.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Blockages leading to not draining
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check drain hose for kinks or debris: Hose-related drainage issues
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not draining?
Common reasons include a clogged drain pump filter, a blocked household drain, or a faulty drain pump motor.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not draining myself?
You can clean the drain pump filter and check for obstructions or inspect and straighten the drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Replacing the drain pump motor costs $60 - $150, while servicing control electronics can range from $100 - $300+.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a complex electronic fault, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Drain pump issues (4 mentions)
  • Electrical harness problems (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for a break in the drain pump harness; replace the entire lower harness if mending doesn't last.

    Success rate: 11.0%

  2. Check for something caught in the pump.

    Success rate: 11.0%

  3. Whirlpool is covering the board repair for free; parts are on backorder.

    Success rate: 11.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Whirlpool WTW5010LW0 - sense, lid lock and done lights flash...
  2. Whirlpool "Water Cannot be Drained" error light when washer ...
  3. Whirlpool washer is not draining. Error Code: E01/F09
  4. Whirlpool dryer, making noise and not draining at the spin c...
  5. Whirlpool F9E1 Fault help
  6. Wait for Whirlpool 4855HW3 to be repaired or give up?

Community Discussions

stopped draining

A severed wire from the drain pump to the control board was fixed by reconnecting it.

DIY View on Reddit →

making noise and not draining at the spin cycle

Check for something caught in the pump; consider having an electrician run a new circuit for the Bosch washer/dryer combo.

DIY View on Reddit →

sense, lid lock and done lights flashing; machine won’t drain

Check for a break in the drain pump harness; replace the entire lower harness if mending doesn't last.

DIY View on Reddit →

continuous drain issue

Whirlpool is covering the board repair for free; parts are on backorder.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Long Drain Fault F9E1, won't drain

Changed out the drain pump, but the error persists.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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