Front-loading Whirlpool washer won’t drain: How to fix it without a technician

If your Whirlpool front load washer isn’t draining properly, it can be frustrating and may leave your laundry soaking wet. We’ll help you identify the cause of this common problem and walk you through the steps to get your washer draining again, so you can keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with WFW95HEXW. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: HE Washer: Learning to Love Your High Efficiency Machine

Tools and materials needed

• 1/4 Inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Channel-lock pliers
• T25 torx driver
• Multimeter. 

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Expert tips for using & maintaining a washing machine

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1: Test the main control

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Unplug the washer or turn off the breaker for safety.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws on the back of the top panel.
3. Slide the top panel back and lift it off to access the main control unit.
4. Squeeze the two tabs on the side of the main control to open the cover.
5. Plug the washer back in, as you’ll be testing live voltage.
6. Set your multimeter to Volts AC (look for a “V” with a squiggly line).
7. Find the DP2 connection on the main control and test the two black wires for 120 Volts AC.
8. Turn the washer on, set it to drain and spin, and start the cycle. You should see voltage within a minute after the door locks.

If there’s no voltage, the main control needs to be replaced. If there is voltage, cancel the cycle and move on to the next step.

Step 2: Test the drain pump

1. Unplug the washer again.
2. Disconnect the wires from the DP2 connection.
3. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms, symbolized by an upside-down horseshoe).
4. Test the black wires at the DP2 connection for resistance.
5. If you get a reading around 16 Ohms, the drain pump motor is working. If the reading is way off, the drain pump has failed and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Drain water and access the front panel

1. If there’s water in the tub, use a drain hose to empty it into a bowl or container.
2. Remove the detergent drawer, then use a T25 Torx driver to take out the screws behind it.
3. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws from the top corners of the user interface panel.
4. Lift the locking tabs with a flathead screwdriver, disconnect the wires, and set the panel aside.
5. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the door boot spring.
6. Use the T25 Torx driver to take out the screws holding the door lock.
7. Remove the screws at the bottom of the front panel with a 1/4-inch nut driver, then lift the panel off.
8. Check the coin catch filter inside the drain pump for any debris like coins or small objects. 

If the filter is clean and water flows out freely, the pump itself may need to be replaced.

Step 4: Check the tub-to-pump hose

1. Use channel lock pliers to remove the spring clamp holding the hose to the bottom of the tub.
2. Look inside the hose and the tub port for any blockages.
3. If everything looks clear, move on to the drain hose. If it’s clogged, clean it out and reassemble.

Step 5: Check the internal drain hose

1. Use channel lock pliers to remove the clamp holding the drain hose to the pump housing.
2. Inspect the entire hose for clogs or kinks.
3. If the hose is clear, the drain pump might be faulty and needs replacing.
4. If you find any blockages or kinks, clean or replace the hose.

Read more: How does a front load washer work?

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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