WHIRLPOOL WASHER NOT DRAINING – EASY FIXES

Whirlpool is a big brand when it comes to washers, but this doesn’t mean that their machines never fall into problems. Clothes sitting in a dirty tub of water leads to your whirlpool washer not draining.

Maybe a kink or clog restricts water flow. Wrong spin cycle settings cause water to rest in your clothes. A drain hose, pump, or filter also cause draining issue. The faulty door lock or switch also prevents draining of water.

For those who don’t know the reasons behind the Whirlpool washer not draining, let’s discuss them.

Whirlpool Washer Not Draining

If your washer like the Cabrio Platinum washer is not draining, you have to find solutions. Let’s see the causes and solutions behind less or no draining issues.

A Clogged Drain Hose

The most common reason for the washer not draining issue is a clogged drain hose. Blockage mostly happens due to socks, clothing tags, coins and other small objects. If you see the washer leaking, the reason may be the drain hose blockage or any other fault.

When the washer begins its drain process, the hose is responsible for the water exit. If the hose is kinked or has any other fault, water cannot drain properly. You have to fix the hose to regain your proper washing process. The process of checking and fixing the issue in Whirlpool and Maytag Neptune washer is as follows:

1. First, check the hose for visible kinks and gently straighten them. If you find a major issue, then replace it.
2. To fix it, detach the hose from the washer and remove the clog. Check the user washer manual for correct procedure for removing and reconnecting the hose.
3. Make sure that the hose is correctly placed in the drainpipe. It should be between 39 to 96 inches above the floor.
4. You can use the user manual for specific instructions on how to disconnect and rearrange the washer drain hose.

Defective Drain Pump

Blockage in the drain pump or defective pump will cause major issues. Clothing tags, small objects and a damaged impeller can be a cause of the pump to fail mechanically. If these may not be a cause it can be an electrical failure.

Use a Multi-meter to check the problem of the drain pump. If the motor tests negative for continuity, it needs fixation and replacement.

One of the signs of a defective drain pump is that it expels water from the washtub into the drain hose, where it exits via standpipe or sink. Your washer will sound louder than usual during the washing process. Let’s check the process of drain pump.

1. First, disconnect the washer from power source for safety reasons.
2. If you have a front load washer, remove the rear access panel.
3. On top load washers, secure the lid first with tape so that it will not open. You can get access to the drain pump underneath the washer. So lay the washer on its front to access the pump.
4. Disconnect the drain pump wire connector, and use pliers to release the clamp that secures the drain hose to the pump.
5. Remove drain pump mounting screws by using 5/16 inch sockets. Remove the pump and check for blockage.
6. You can use the multi-meter to check for continuity. You have to replace the drain pump in case of no continuity.

Failed Lid Switch Assembly

A failed lid switch can be a cause of top load whirlpool washer not draining in both Agitator and impeller washers. A lid switch is a safety feature that stops the washer from spinning if lid is open. If switch fails, it will affect the spinning process of the washer.

In case of closed lid switch, it can give a clicking sound. Test the lid switch with a multi-meter; if it is defective replace it. Let’s learn how to check and replace the lid switch.

1. Unplug the washer to be on safe side.
2. Find the location of two screws that holds the lid switch in place. It is usually in the top right corner where the lid would close.
3. Remove the screw with the screw driver. In some models you have to remove the top panel to get access to the lid switch. If it is still inaccessible, remove the washer cabinet to get lid switch access.
4. Remove the lid switch from the washer and test it with a multi-meter. In case of no continuity, replace the lid switch for proper washing process.

Whirlpool Washer Door Lock Is Defective

A defective door lock can also be a cause of the whirlpool washer not draining. The lock provides security once the door is closed. The lock triggers the door switch and signals the washer to start a  wash cycle. The defective lock won’t signal the washer to start the wash cycle.

If you feel that the door lock is defective or failed electronically, first test and then replace it.

Front load whirlpool washer defective door lock also causes the washer not to drain, but it is less common. In most models, you have to pull back the door boot to access the door lock. The boot is in its place by metal ring clamp with a spring. You can reach underneath the door seal to remove the tension and lift it off by using screw driver. The proper process to fix it is as follows:

• First disconnect the washer from the power source.
• Get access to the door lock by pulling back the door boot.
• Hold the door lock assembly in place and remove the screw with a screw driver.
• Carefully lift the door lock assembly off the mounting bracket inside the washer.
• Before removing the door lock from washer, disconnect wires attached to the door lock assembly. Some models have shields over the connector. You can remove it by popping it out with screw driver.
• You can test the door lock continuity with a multi-meter. If it is defective, replace it.
• In some models, top panel on washer needs to be removed to get access to the door lock.

Unbalanced Load:

One of the major reasons for the whirlpool washer not draining is an unbalanced load. It can interfere with your washer’s ability to drain properly. Overloading strains the motor and other parts that disturb the washing and draining process.

Many people wash bulk items and never think about overloading. If you have a large load to wash you can check the Maytag Bravos XL washer. Your whirlpool washer has sensors that automatically adjust spin speed according to load. However, automatic adjustment leaves some water in the tub. You can adjust the washer performance and fix the problem.

1. Reduce the load if it is more than recommended load.
2. If you have less load in the washer, add more clothes to balance the load.
3. Regularly check the washer load balance before starting the wash cycle.
4. Sometimes laundry twist in a way that washer stop spinning. Stop the machine, rearrange your laundry in the drum. Spread the clothes evenly inside the drum and again start the washer.
5. To balance load with large items make sure to add some small items as well.

Wrong Whirlpool Wash Cycle Selected

The wrong whirlpool wash cycle settings will leave clothes still wet after the wash cycle ends. Hand wash settings spin at lower speed will protect your delicate clothes. If these settings are used for other loads of laundry, the machine will not spin efficiently and leave clothes wet. Be careful about clothing tags and check your washer settings before starting it. You must select the right cycle for your laundry.

Spin speed is an important aspect to consider for proper draining in the washer. Therefore, you have to select the appropriate spin speed and cycle according to cloth type and load size. If your Samsung washer not spinning, pay attention to find its causes and solutions.

Failed Whirlpool Washer Parts

Sometimes one of the major reasons for a washer that won’t drain is failed washer parts. These washer part includes:

Door Lock Assembly:

If the door lock is not working properly, it can cause washer starting issues. This issue also affects draining process. So, you will need to replace it if it is damaged or testing shows lack of continuity.

Lid Switch:

A lid switch might be a problem, if your washer doesn’t drain or spin. The reason may be faulty lid switch. It will not signal the start of the wash cycle, so you have to replace it.

Drain pump:

The drain pump expels water from washtub into the drain hose. If there is any blockage or the motor has failed, it needs replacement.

You can solve the problem of a Whirlpool washer not draining by solving the issue with washer parts. However, complex problem needs professional attention.

Whirlpool Washer Not Draining: Too Much Soap

One reason for a Whirlpool washer not draining is the use of too much soap. Detergent type and quantity affect washer draining performance. Most modern age washers, like Kenmore 80 series washers and Whirlpool washers suggest using high quality detergent. Use detergents that produce fewer suds. More suds slow the spin speed and slower the process of proper drainage. You can enhance the washing machine draining performance by following these steps.

1. Use high quality detergent type and recommended amount of detergent to prevent excessive suds.
2. Clean your washer regularly, so that the detergent residue build up may not interfere with draining process.
3. If you are using non efficiency detergent, use it less than normal to avoid suds.

Whirlpool Washer Not Draining: Defective Timer or Control Board

If you find no issues that are discussed above, then it may be a timer or control board may be defective. It is not sending signals to drain pump to pump out the water. You can check the timer with a multi-meter. If there is an issue with the timer or control board, ask for help from experts. Find A Pro Near You Here!

FAQs

Does the spin cycle drain water?

Yes, the spin cycle drains water. When the washer spins the drum at high speed, it forces water out through the drainage holes.

What are the most common problems with Whirlpool washers?

The common problems of Whirlpool washers are not starting, spinning and draining issues. Other problems include making loud noises, showing error codes, etc.

What is a Whirlpool washer’s average life expectancy?

10 to 15 years is the average life expectancy depending upon the washer model type and upkeep.

Conclusion

A Whirlpool washer not draining may be due to many reasons. By following our guide, you can solve the draining issue.