3 Steps to Take When Your Whirlpool Washer Won’t Drain

Like all appliances, your washing machine may stop working from time to time. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to wash your laundry, but you’re faced with a washing machine that won’t drain. If your Whirlpool washing machine is not draining, here are three potential causes to check for. To ensure your safety, always disconnect the washing machine from power before you attempt to make repairs.

Drain Pump

Occasionally, small objects may become caught in your washer’s drain pump. You can remove the drain pump to find out if anything is blocking it. If your washing machine will not drain, but your drain pump is not obstructed, the pump may need to be replaced.

Drain Hose

If your washer’s drain hose is kinked or bent, the washer will not be able to drain properly. The drain hose may also be obstructed by a small article of clothing. Check your drain hose and remove any obstructions, and straighten it if it’s bent. Make sure the hose is placed less than eight feet above the floor. Placing it higher than 96 inches above the floor can interfere with draining. 

Lid Switch Assembly

When the washer’s lid is open, the switch assembly prevents the washing machine from spinning. The washer will not drain if the lid switch assembly is damaged. You can test your lid switch using the following steps.

• Unplug the washing machine.
• Open the control panel.
• The lid switch is a three-wire plug, found either in the center or on the left-hand side. Disconnect the lid switch.
• Make sure the lid is closed. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the plug’s two outside wires. The lid switch is faulty if the circuit is open.

For more assistance with your Whirlpool washer, and additional appliance repair tips, contact us at Twin Cities Appliance.