Few things are more frustrating than opening your washer to find a tub full of water and soaked laundry. If your Whirlpool washer isn’t draining properly, don’t panic — the issue is often minor and fixable at home. Here are the most common reasons your washer won’t drain and how to get it working again.

1. Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose

If the drain hose is bent or blocked, water won’t be able to exit the tub during the drain cycle.

How to fix it:

• Check the hose behind the washer for kinks or pinches.
• Gently straighten it — if the hose is cracked or brittle, replace it.
• Detach the hose from the washer and drainpipe to inspect for clogs. Flush it with water to remove debris.
• Make sure the hose is installed correctly, typically between 39–96 inches above the floor.

2. Incorrect Spin Speed or Wash Setting

Using a gentle cycle or low spin speed can leave more water in the clothes than expected.

What to do:

• Select a standard or high-spin cycle for heavier loads.
• Avoid “delicate” or “hand wash” settings when you want maximum water removal.
• Check that the cycle matches the fabric type and load size for optimal drainage.

3. Unbalanced Load

When the washer senses an uneven load, it automatically slows or skips the spin cycle to prevent damage. This can leave extra water in the drum.

Quick fix:

• Pause the washer and redistribute the clothes evenly.
• Add one or two small items to balance a bulky load.
• Don’t overload — a full drum restricts movement and affects spin efficiency.

4. Too Much or Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong type or too much soap can create excess suds that interfere with draining.

Fix and prevent it:

• Always use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in HE washers.
• Follow the recommended amount — more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.
• If you suspect buildup, run an empty hot wash cycle with a cup of white vinegar to clear residue.

5. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

Most Whirlpool front-load washers have a filter or coin trap designed to catch lint and debris. When clogged, it can block water flow.

How to clean it:

1. Open the small panel at the bottom front of the washer.
2. Place a towel or shallow pan underneath.
3. Twist out the filter and remove lint, coins, or buildup.
4. Rinse thoroughly and reinstall before running another cycle.

If the filter is clear but the washer still won’t drain, the pump itself may need service.

6. Faulty Parts

If you’ve checked everything above and your Whirlpool washer still isn’t draining, one of these components might be failing:

• Drain pump: May be jammed or the motor could have burned out.
• Door lock assembly: If it fails to engage, the washer won’t enter the drain cycle.
• Lid switch (top-load models): A broken switch prevents the cycle from advancing.

These parts can be tested for continuity and replaced if defective.

Keep Your Washer Draining Smoothly

To prevent future problems:

• Clean the pump filter every few weeks.
• Check the drain hose during routine cleaning.
• Use the right detergent and correct cycle settings.

With these quick checks and simple fixes, most Whirlpool washer drainage issues can be resolved without a service call — keeping your laundry day stress-free.