Opening the washer to find clothes sitting in a puddle of water is a telltale sign of draining problems. Why is my Whirlpool washer not draining? The wrong wash setting may use a slower spin cycle, leaving more water in your clothes. Determine the most common reasons a washer won’t drain with these troubleshooting tips.
5 Common Causes For a Whirlpool Washer Not Draining
How do you fix a Whirlpool washer that won’t drain? Some draining problems may have a DIY fix, while part malfunctions require a professional repair. Here’s how to pinpoint the problem and solution for a Whirlpool washer not draining properly.
#1. Drain Hose is Kinked or Clogged
A kinked or clogged drain hose is one of the most common reasons for a Whirlpool washer not draining. Kinks can occur if the washer moves or pushes the hose up against the wall. This twist in the hose restricts the flow of water, causing it to back up into the washer. While you may be able to gently straighten the hose to remove the kink, the hose must be replaced if damaged.
Clogs often occur if debris or a small article of clothing causes a blockage in the hose. Consult your user manual for specific instructions on how to disconnect the hose from your model washer and inspect it for clogs.
Once the hose is disconnected, follow these steps to remove the blockage:
- Allow the hose to drain any residual water into a bucket or sink.
- Carefully remove the obstruction with tweezers or a straightened wire hanger.
- If the blockage isn’t visible, the hose must also be disconnected from the standpipe or sink for inspection.
- Replace the hose if the blockage can’t be reached.
#2. Wrong Whirlpool Wash Cycle Selected
Using the wrong setting for your particular load will leave clothes still wet after wash cycle ends. For example, the delicate or hand wash settings spin at slower speeds to protect more fragile fabrics. If these cycles are selected for a typical load of laundry, you may find the washing machine isn’t spinning sufficiently, leaving clothes wet.
Always check your washer settings and clothing tags before starting your machine to ensure you’ve selected the right cycle for your laundry.
#3. Drain Pump Has Malfunctioned
A washer’s drain pump expels water from the washtub into the drain hose, where it exits via a standpipe or sink. Sometimes, small pieces of clothing or debris can find their way to the pump and block its impellers. A washer won’t spin out all the water if the pump’s impellers aren’t working properly. You may also hear the pump operating more loudly than usual during the draining process.
Consult your user manual to determine how to access the drain pump on your model washer. Once exposed, remove any visible blockages. If the pump is free of obstructions and still operates loudly while draining, it may be faulty and requires professional replacement.
#4. Whirlpool Washer Door Lock is Defective
In front load models, a defective door lock causes a washing machine not to drain or spin. This lock is a safety feature that secures the door once it’s closed. Once engaged, the lock triggers the door switch, which signals the washer to start the wash cycle. If the lock is defective, it won’t signal the switch and the washer won’t be able to start, drain or spin.
Inspect the door lock for signs of damage. Even if there’s no visible damage, the lock may have failed electronically, requiring testing and replacement from a professional service.
#5. Failed Lid Switch Assembly
Similarly, a top-loading Whirlpool washer not draining may have a failed lid switch. In top load models, the lid switch is a safety feature that stops the washer from spinning if the lid is open. However, if the lid switch fails, the washer won’t spin or drain even if the lid is closed. If the lid switch fails multimeter testing with a lack of continuity, it must be replaced.
GFY Appliance Repair can provide prompt and professional Whirlpool washer service for a variety of issues. Schedule your service with one of our experts today!
