Whirlpool Washer Drainage Woes? Get The Answers You Need

If your Whirlpool washer has suddenly stopped draining, don’t panic. This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors, and most of them are relatively easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons why Whirlpool washers won’t drain and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve each issue.

Why Whirlpool Washer Won’t Drain

Here are the most common reasons why your Whirlpool washer may not be draining properly:

1. Clogged Drain Hose: Over time, lint, hair, and other debris can accumulate in the drain hose, causing it to become clogged.
2. Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the washer. If the pump fails, the washer will not be able to drain properly.
3. Blocked Drain Filter: The drain filter is designed to trap small objects that may enter the washer, such as coins or buttons. If the filter becomes clogged, it can prevent water from draining out.
4. Lid Switch Failure: The lid switch is a safety feature that prevents the washer from operating when the lid is open. If the lid switch fails, the washer may not be able to start or drain properly.
5. Faulty Pressure Switch: The pressure switch monitors the water level in the washer. If the switch fails, the washer may not be able to determine when to drain the water.
6. Control Board Malfunction: The control board is the brain of the washer. If the control board malfunctions, it may not be able to send the correct signals to the drain pump.
7. Faulty Wiring: Loose or damaged wiring can also prevent the drain pump from operating properly.

Troubleshooting Whirlpool Washer Drainage Issues

Now that you know the most common reasons why Whirlpool washers won‘t drain, let’s explore how to troubleshoot and fix each issue:

1. Clogged Drain Hose

Symptoms: Water backs up in the washer tub and does not drain out.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer.
3. Disconnect the drain hose from the washer and the drain pipe.
4. Check the drain hose for any clogs or obstructions.
5. If the drain hose is clogged, use a drain snake or a wet/dry vacuum to clear the blockage.
6. Reconnect the drain hose to the washer and the drain pipe.
7. Plug the washer back into the power outlet and test it.

2. Faulty Drain Pump

Symptoms: The washer makes a humming noise but does not drain water.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
3. Remove the back panel of the washer.
4. Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the washer.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors and the hoses from the drain pump.
6. Remove the drain pump from the washer.
7. Inspect the drain pump for any damage or wear.
8. If the drain pump is faulty, replace it with a new one.
9. Reinstall the drain pump, connect the electrical connectors and the hoses, and replace the back panel of the washer.
10. Turn on the water supply and plug the washer back into the power outlet.

3. Blocked Drain Filter

Symptoms: Water drains slowly or not at all.

Solution:

1. Open the washer door and remove the drain filter cover.
2. Remove the drain filter and clean it thoroughly.
3. Reinstall the drain filter and the cover.
4. Test the washer to see if the issue has been resolved.

4. Lid Switch Failure

Symptoms: The washer does not start or drain properly.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the top panel of the washer.
3. Locate the lid switch at the top of the washer.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the lid switch.
5. Use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity.
6. If the lid switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
7. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the lid switch and replace the top panel of the washer.
8. Plug the washer back into the power outlet and test it.

5. Faulty Pressure Switch

Symptoms: The washer does not fill with water or does not drain properly.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
3. Remove the back panel of the washer.
4. Locate the pressure switch at the bottom of the washer.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors and the hose from the pressure switch.
6. Remove the pressure switch from the washer.
7. Inspect the pressure switch for any damage or wear.
8. If the pressure switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
9. Reinstall the pressure switch, connect the electrical connectors and the hose, and replace the back panel of the washer.
10. Turn on the water supply and plug the washer back into the power outlet.

6. Control Board Malfunction

Symptoms: The washer does not respond to commands or does not operate properly.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the top panel of the washer.
3. Locate the control board at the top of the washer.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the control board.
5. Remove the control board from the washer.
6. Inspect the control board for any damage or burn marks.
7. If the control board is faulty, replace it with a new one.
8. Reinstall the control board, connect the electrical connectors, and replace the top panel of the washer.
9. Plug the washer back into the power outlet and test it.

7. Faulty Wiring

Symptoms: The washer does not operate properly or does not respond to commands.

Solution:

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the washer.
3. Inspect the wiring for any loose connections, damage, or corrosion.
4. If any wiring is damaged or loose, repair or replace it.
5. Reconnect the wiring and replace the back panel of the washer.
6. Plug the washer back into the power outlet and test it.

Takeaways: Troubleshooting Whirlpool Washer Drainage Issues

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve most common drainage issues with your Whirlpool washer. If you are unable to fix the issue on your own, or if the issue is more complex, you may need to call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Why is my Whirlpool washer not draining all the water out?

A: There are several reasons why your Whirlpool washer may not be draining all the water out. The most common causes include a clogged drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or a blocked drain filter.

Q: How do I unclog a clogged drain hose in my Whirlpool washer?

A: To unclog a clogged drain hose in your Whirlpool washer, you will need to disconnect the hose from the washer and the drain pipe. Once the hose is disconnected, use a drain snake or a wet/dry vacuum to clear the blockage.

Q: How do I replace a faulty drain pump in my Whirlpool washer?

A: To replace a faulty drain pump in your Whirlpool washer, you will need to unplug the washer from the power outlet, turn off the water supply, and remove the back panel of the washer. Once the back panel is removed, locate the drain pump and disconnect the electrical connectors and the hoses. Remove the drain pump from the washer and replace it with a new one.

Q: How do I clean a blocked drain filter in my Whirlpool washer?

A: To clean a blocked drain filter in your Whirlpool washer, open the washer door and remove the drain filter cover. Remove the drain filter and clean it thoroughly with water and a mild detergent. Reinstall the drain filter and the cover.

Q: How do I test a lid switch on my Whirlpool washer?

A: To test a lid switch on your Whirlpool washer, unplug the washer from the power outlet and remove the top panel. Locate the lid switch and disconnect the electrical connectors. Use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. If the lid switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.