Solved! How to Fix Whirlpool Washer not Draining

Your washing machine breaking down unexpectedly can be frustrating and stressful especially when you have a large heap of dirty clothes to wash and dry-clean. The truth is your washer will always encounter one issue or the other from time to time but the saving grace is knowing the cause so you can fix it earnestly. This article has been compiled for you to fix the Whirlpool washer not draining issue.

Whirlpool washer not draining is a common problem but it’s also easy to fix. Most times, this is caused by a blocked drain hose which can be solved by disconnecting your washing machine to remove the hose, and then pouring the water away. Although doing it yourself might be quite messy but it’s usually very easy to fix.

You can as well check for any blocks and ensure your filters are crystal-clear as well. Depending on the type of washing machine you have, whether top loader or front loader, this post will show you common washing machine problems, causes of the washer not draining or spinning, how to clear a clogged hose, how to fix Whirlpool washer not draining, and so on. Read on!

common washing machine problems

Common Washing Machine Problems

The following are the likeable problems most washing machine owners encounter and most of them can be easily fixed by doing it yourself before you involve a professional. The common washing machine problems are:

  • The washer bounced around.
  • Washing machine becoming Noisy.
  • Your clothes are getting ripped instead of being washed.
  • Not draining used water properly or slow draining.
  • The washing machine refused to spin.
  • The top or front loader door won’t open.
  • The washer is smelly.
  • The washer won’t turn on.
  • The washing machine won’t drain.

All these problems can be solved by following the troubleshooting steps below.

What causes a Whirlpool washer not to drain or spin?

In case your Whirlpool washer won’t drain or spin well, you might need to check the pump. Here are the causes of the Whirlpool washer not draining or spinning problem. 

  • The pump could be clogged with debris or dirt and might need a replacement. 
  • The drain hose has been kinked, stuck, or clogged with something.
  • Incorrect Whirlpool Wash cycle selection.
  • The drain pump is spoilt or broken.
  • The Whirlpool washer door lock is faulty.
  • Lid Switch Assembly malfunction.

Before you can find a solution to a problem, you need to discover the problem itself or probably find the cause of the problem and fix it!Whirlpool Washer not Draining

How do I know if my Whirlpool drain pump is bad?

To check if your Whirlpool drain pump is bad, follow the steps below:

  • Place your finger into the drain outlet to feel the impellers if the pump freely turns. 
  • If one or more of them are broken, you will be able to feel them while you are turning the pump flywheel with your second hand. 
  • Broken pieces of plastic might also be seen at the bottom of the pump housing.

Once you see any of the signs stated above, then know that your Whirlpool drain pump is bad.

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

To know if your washing machine drain hose has been clogged or not, follow the steps below:

  • Check the pump, disconnect the drain line and remove the back panel of your machine. 
  • Check out for debris with a flashlight or using a special tool.
  • To be sure the hose is clear, blow air through it.
  • If nothing is blocking the drain tube, then the issue is most likely related to the washing machine pump. 
  • In case the hose is worn out or badly clogged, a hose replacement may improve the ability of the machine to pump water.
  • Run your washer through a drain cycle. 
  • Observe the washer as it pumps water into the hoses and up into the standpipe.
  •  Once you see water back up and out of the standpipe, your washer’s drain hose is most likely the problem.

 That’s it! Now you can be sure if your washing machine drain hose is clogged or not.Whirlpool Washer Drain Filter Location

Whirlpool Washer Drain Filter Location

Looking for where the drain filter is located on your Whirlpool washer? Look no further and follow the steps below to locate the drain filter on a top load washer:

  • Top loaders usually have filters on the valves.
  • The valve filters help in sieving the water going in and out of the pump and hoses.
  • There are 2 crescent-shaped fine mesh plastic lint filters located at the bottom of the wash basket under the agitator.
  • While draining down and spinning, the water forces the lint off the bottom of the filters and down the drain.
  • These drain filters should never require cleaning or replacement.

To locate where the drain pump filter is on Whirlpool Duet, follow the steps below:

  • Pull the bottom of the access panel close to you and pull it down to release it from the washer. 
  • The drain pump is beneath the Duet washer drum and it has two hoses.
  • While the filter on a Whirlpool Duet can be found under the front kick plate.
  • A washer filter stockpiles lint that falls from clothes during every washing process.
  • The lint filter should be cleaned at least once every 6 months. It makes the washer clean and free of germs when water is poured into it.

In case your Whirlpool washer brand happens to have a removable filter, you can consult your owner’s manual on how to properly remove it.New Whirlpool Washer not draining

New Whirlpool Washer not draining

Did you just purchase a brand new Whirlpool washer and it is not draining water? Your washer may have a clogged drain hose or the pump may be broken. A broken lid switch or belt could also cause your new washer not to drain.

Likewise, the hose may be jammed as simple as that sounds it’s worth checking it out. Whatever might be the cause, you need to drain the water from the washing machine before any work or diagnosis can be performed.

Then you can follow the guideline below to resolve the issue without consulting the professionals yet:

  • Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged.
  • Straighten the hose for easy flow of water.
  • Remove any material obstructing the drain hose, drain pipe, or utility sink.
  • Make use of the U-shaped drain hose form on the drain hose, and secure the drain hose.

This should fix the issue of the new Whirlpool washer not draining.Whirlpool Washer not Draining

How to fix Whirlpool Washer not Draining

Here’s what to do when your washing machine won’t drain. Follow the steps below to fix the Whirlpool washer not draining issues:

  • Do a Master Reset by disconnecting your washer using the control panel for about 3 minutes. Plug in the washer back, and wait for about thirty seconds before turning the washer back on.
  • Test-run the Lid Switch Assembly.
  • Check if the drain hose is kinked or clogged.
  • Check the drain pump for clogs.
  • Clean out the coin trap.
  • Ensure you check the water level control.
  • You can go ahead to schedule a washing machine repair.

If your washing machine won’t drain, there is probably a fault inside the appliance. You can always call on professionals to help with Repair Aid for emergency repairs.

Whirlpool Washer not draining and making Noise

Is your Whirlpool washer not draining and making noise? Then, the drain pump might be clogged or faulty. Small objects or particles of clothing might have blocked the drain pump. 

To be sure nothing is obstructing the drain pump, ensure you remove the drain pump to check the pump for any possible blockage.

The gentle humming and buzzing noises are very common with Whirlpool washers. This noise is caused by a jammed drain pump trying to turn, broken motor coupling, locked up the motor, or an inlet valve not receiving any water.

The most feasible explanation for the pump not spinning is a small garment has been caught in the pump. The only way to fix this issue is to take the washer apart so that you can remove the stuck materials.

Whirlpool top loader Washer not Draining

Whirlpool Washer not draining Top load

There are two types of washing machines; one with a top load and the other with a front load. Do you have a top load Whirlpool washer not draining? Then, you can drain the water manually by simply following the steps below:

  • Switch off the power and lay down thick towels.
  • Search for the drain hose behind the washing machine.
  • Drain the waste water.
  • Scrub the filter.

That’s it! Your Whirlpool washer not draining top load should start draining now. Whirlpool Washer not draining Top load

Whirlpool Front Load Washer won’t drain or spin

Several reasons could cause the Whirlpool front load washer not to drain or spin. Some of the common factors are:

  • The drain hose is twisted or the drain is clogged.
  • Wrong Drain Height.
  • Obstructed pump filter.
  • A dainty or handwash cycle is chosen.
  • Too Low, Low, or No Spin option chosen.
  • Poor load distribution
  • Faulty Lid Switch Assembly
  • Washing a bulky item.
  • Too much suds.
  • The drain hose is more than 96 inches above the floor.
  • Outlet voltage may be low.

Any of the aforementioned problems may be the reason why your front load washer won’t drain or spin. To fix the problems, follow the steps below:

  • Ensure to check the back of the washer to straighten any kinked hose.
  • Disconnect and clean the drain hose to remove any residue left in there.
  • If the drain hose is too far down inside the drainpipe (standpipe) or laundry tub, it may inhibit the free flow of water.
  • Drained water can siphon back into the washer if the drain hose extends too far.
  • Ensure that the drain hose does not extend more than 4.5″ (113 mm) into the drainpipe or laundry tub.
  • Check out the water level control too, it may be faulty.
  • Open the washing machine’s control panel and search for a plastic tube attached to the water level valve.
  • If the plastic tube is clogged, clear it out with vinegar.
  • In case the valve itself is corroded, it may need a replacement.

Your front load washer should drain and spin now after checking out the possible problems and the likely solutions to fix the issue of the Whirpool washer not draining.Whirlpool Front Load Washer won't drain or spin

How to fix Whirlpool Washer not draining completely

If your Whirlpool washer won’t drain completely, then you might have to check your washer’s drain hose if it has been twisted or bent. Apart from the drain hose, the drain pump can also be blocked by small items, which can cause your washer to drain halfway rather than all of the way.

Follow the steps below to fix the Whirlpool washer not draining completely issue:

  • After checking for kinks or bends in the actual drain hose, and you see them, ensure that neither of these has caused wearing or tears within the hose itself.
  • Also, ensure that the hose is higher than at least 96 inches off of the floor.
  • In the case where the drain hose is placed too high, it can cause water to remain in the drum because gravity can’t work well enough to drain the washer properly and completely.

All the aforementioned steps should help fix Whirlpool Washer not draining completely.

Whirlpool duet washer not draining

To fix the Whirlpool duet washer not draining issues, you need to ensure that the drain hose has not been kinked at all. However, in case it has, you might need to follow the steps below to solve the issue:

  • Straighten the hose to make sure that there is enough easy flow of water. 
  • Remove all obstructions from the drainpipe well. 
  • Ensure that you are using a U-shaped drain and secure it properly (Consult your manual for further instructions to show you how to do this).Whirlpool duet washer not draining

Is there a reset button on a washing machine?

Most latest washing machine brands come with a reset feature that allows you to restart the washer after a malfunction or an error code or fault occurs. Some machines have a button you can push to reset the motor.

Can you hard reset a washing machine?

Yes, if there’s no feasible change even after trying all the possible troubleshooting tips. You can try a Master Reset, also known as a hard reset. This process will help reset all of the onboard componentry and it’s often successfully used by appliance technicians. Follow the steps below:

  • Open and close the washing machine door 6 times within 12 seconds.
  • Run the rinse/spin cycle without clothing to see if the issue has been resolved.Whirlpool Washer not Draining

How do you force drain a Whirlpool washer?

In case you have tried all possible steps to solve the issue of the Whirpool washer not draining, but none is working for you, you may want to try force draining a Whirlpool washer, here’s how to do it below:

  • Locate the “Pause/Cancel” button on the control panel.
  • Tap this button twice to drain the washer. 
  • Click on the “Power” button and rotate the cycle selection knob to “Drain and Spin” to remove the remaining water from the load.

That’s it! You have successfully force drained a Whirlpool washer. 

I hope this article has helped you solve the issue of the Whirlpool washer not draining? If yes, kindly drop your comment in the section below and let us know which of the troubleshooting fixes worked for you. 

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