How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Top-Load Washing Machine That Won't Drain

WhirlpoolWhirlpool Washing MachineModerate⏱ 45 minutes - 2 hours

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If a Whirlpool top-load washer won’t drain, water can get trapped in the tub and leave clothes soaking wet. This guide shows safe ways to remove the water using the drain hose or a wet-dry vacuum, how to open a locked lid, and what to check for common drain problems like a bad hose setup, clogs, or excess suds.

🧰 Tools

Bucket
Towels
Wet Dry Vacuum
1/4 inch nut driver
Slip-joint pliers
5/16 Inch Nut Driver
Drain Snake
cardboard box
Multimeter

ШагиSteps

Prepare the area and power down

Unplug the washing machine to prevent electric shock while working around water.
Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves to avoid accidental filling while you work.
Put towels down and keep a bucket nearby because water may spill onto the floor.
Move the washer only as far as needed, and get help if you have to tilt it to avoid tipping hazards.

Drain the tub using the drain hose and a bucket

Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe or sink drain.
Place the end of the drain hose into a bucket positioned below the washer’s water level.
Use a shallow bucket if needed so the hose end can sit closer to the floor for better draining.
Let the water siphon out, and empty the bucket as it fills.
Keep the hose as low as practical to help drain water from the tub and even the pump housing.

Open a locked lid

Use a 1/4 inch hex driver to remove the three screws at the back of the washer top.
Remove the metal cover plate after removing the screw that retains it.
Pull the washer top toward the front, lift it up, and push it toward the back to release the hidden bracket.
Tilt the top backward, but support it because it isn’t locked in place and can fall into the console.
Align the two small metal tabs with the lid slots, and shift the top slightly until the tabs seat properly.
Rest the opened top against a wall or another stable flat surface so it can’t fall.

Remove remaining water with a wet-dry vacuum

Use a wet-dry vacuum to suction water out of the tub until the water level is low enough to work safely.
Use only a vacuum rated for liquids, and keep the vacuum’s electrical parts away from standing water.

Check the drain hose for common problems

Check whether the drain hose is stuck deep down inside the standpipe, which can cause a backflow issue.
Inspect the drain hose for kinks or visible obstructions that could block water flow.
Straighten the hose and clear any visible blockage before trying to drain again.

Clear excess suds that can prevent draining

Look for a lot of suds left in the drum after the water is out.
If there are heavy suds, run a cycle with no clothes and use one cap full of fabric softener in place of detergent.
Use a cup of vinegar in a no-clothes clean cycle as another way to purge persistent suds.
Add a teaspoon of cooking oil in the next cycle if suds are still a problem.
Switch to a high-efficiency detergent if suds keep returning, especially if using an older detergent style.

Set up the washer safely to inspect underneath

Unplug the washing machine before tipping it back or sliding it to access the bottom.
Tilt the washer backward or slide it until the bottom is fully accessible.
Keep the drain hose higher than the washer so remaining water doesn’t drain onto the floor.
Set the washer on a cardboard box if needed, and suspend the drain hose above the washer to prevent draining.

Inspect the drain pump and hoses for obstructions

Locate the drain pump on the right side underneath the washer.
Wait for the drain pump to cool if it has been running, because it can be extremely hot.
Use slip-joint pliers to remove the hose clamp from the pump hose, and twist the hose while pulling to remove it.
Be ready for water to drain out as soon as the hose comes off.
Disconnect the wire harness, and pivot the housing protector off if it covers the connector.
Remove the five 5/16 inch screws holding the pump, and expect possible dripping from the tub or hoses.
Inspect the pump inlet, the outlet hose, and the pump housing for debris like bobby pins, toothpicks, or other blockages.
Check the outlet hose with a snake or run water through it to confirm it flows freely, then reinstall everything the same way it was removed.

Know when the problem is electrical

If the hose is clear and there are no obstructions, the drain pump may not be receiving 120 volts from the control board.
Use a multimeter and the washer’s tech sheet to check for 120 volts to the drain pump only if you’re comfortable working around live electricity.
Stop and contact a professional if you’re unsure, because electrical testing can be hazardous.

If the hose routing, clogs, and suds issues check out but the washer still won’t drain, the next fault is often the drain pump or the control circuit feeding it. After reassembly, run a drain or rinse-and-spin cycle and watch closely for leaks before pushing the washer fully back into place. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

«How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Top-Load Washing Machine That Won't Drain» — автор Ben Schlichter, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →