Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain - How to Drain the Washer, Diagnose and Fix

If you are having an issue with your washer draining, you'll never be able to get your clothes washed. However, figuring out how to drain and repair a Whirlpool top load washing machine is pretty easy. Today, lets go over a few ideas on how to drain the machine "by hand" then look at a few causes of why the machine wouldn't drain water.
DP1 Drain Pump (most Whirlpool & Electrolux/Frigidaire units): bit.ly/3zJQ7z8
DP2 Drain Pump (most Samsung and GE): bit.ly/3O7sN2I
Need the manual, tech sheet, schematics and more? This is the company I use to buy all my manuals from: appliancetechmanuals.com?aff=BensAppliances
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** Links to external websites and parts may result in me receiving a commission on sales.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

If in case you need a drain pump for your Whirlpool washer, this is the kind we typically use since it covers a TON of various Whirlpool models: bit.ly/3zJQ7z8

[@define83]

Is a new drain pump expensive? Even a universal drain pump how much does it usually cost?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@@define83 there's a link in the post you replied to with the universal pump and the price...

[@roylawson4395]

Bb0b 🎉😮

[@barbarac3971]

I have a question. When you took off the old pump, it had a flop top cover for where you attach the power cables (the old was white @5:21). When you showed the new one @6:24, it is grey where the power cables attach, and it doesn't have a flop top. But when you reassembled the pump @7:18, the white end to attach the power cable was back, with flop top, which is fully visible @7:24. How did you get the flop top off the old and onto the new since the new did not have a white top? I'm curious if that flop top cover needs to be on there.

[@pgruntz]

This may seem odd, but I went through your entire process never finding a sock or any blockage. When I got everything back together a give it test run and everything was working perfect!!!!!! I don't feel as if I fixed or accomplished anything but my wife is over the moon, now I can get back to my normally scheduled Sunday of occupying couches and loafing. Thanks for the tutorial!!!!!!!

[@build2break]

May our efforts forever be in our favor! 😂 here goes nothing

[@markrusso9235]

I don't know how many times I've taken something apart and put it back together only to discover it working again for no apparent reason, never makes me feel better.

[@fubufb420]

So true... "Fixed" my moms LG dryer that way! Sometimes your appliances just need some TLC. ❤️😘 They get tired and dirty from working all the time. 😢 Open it up and give it a good loving clean! 🪥 🧼 Then they feel appreciated again and get right back to work! 😂😂

[@mamax2617]

You saved me from having to buy a new washer! There was a gigantic plug of crud in the drain right under the drum. I pulled it out with needle nosed pliers and it fixed the draining problem. I'm excited to be washing clothes in my own home again. My King!

[@sKid-ry1ne]

What was wrong with your washer at first? Mine stopped working during cycle to find that it had water. And now my washer does not want to start like how it used to

[@RyanJRoman]

You saved me like $600, for now. Lol. Gotta replace it eventually but it's working again. 👍

[@destructivecactus]

Thanks for this. This helped me solve something a repair person couldn't, and it was a lot cheaper, too.

[@roandunn7783]

Super helpful. We didn't have to replace the pump :) Even if your whirlpool is slightly different (the location of our pump/hose was underneath but toward the front when we tilted) it's the same general idea! We undid the hose and lo and behold a sock in the actual pump!! Thank you so much !!!

[@DSteel5408]

Wow, I had this exact same experience. Crazy how a sock can get in the pump. I didn’t even take the pump out, just undid the hoses and found that a sock was wrapped around the pump. I took some pliers and twisted the sock around then until it forced it out. Now the washer works great again.👍

[@myfootballteamisravens5237]

I had mine on soak... How do I get it to spin now?

[@carolchristiansen635]

You help me purchase my next refrigerator thank you. And you made me know that I bought the right washer and dryer thank you again

[@dalepete2854]

Awesome video I am not having any problems right now but I have the same washer great info

[@joschmo1007]

Thank you so much!! This tutorial couldn't have been any better. And many, many thanks for the links to the replacement parts. You are a doll!!

[@19_96tyler]

Thanks for the informative video! Helped me diagnose that the control board/ panel or lock switch might be my issue. Appliance repair man is scheduled to come Monday to check it out.

[@CadillacM]

Thanks for the video, I had a wire that got stuck in the pump. Change the pump, and now good to go

[@kennethread5637]

You are great at teaching You should have a lot more subscribers. In my younger days. I worked on my family and my appliances Wish you had been around thanks

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Just hit 100k subs, I'm happy with where I am honestly. I didn't have any mentors, thats why I started these videos.

[@jlamb199]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Well the videos are SUPER but this chick thinks the fancy uniform has a little something to do with your success. What girl doesn't love a guy in uniform?💕😂

[@speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783]

​@@bensappliancesandjunk God bless you. I pray he blesses you abundantly! 💯 People who have financial ability might not realize for others, if their second hand appliance goes out, that costs anything to repair, that repair isn't ever going to happen. Especially on a fixed income. Ever. There's no money to get by let alone for repairs, including auto. I don't know how disabled and elderly are supposed to live like this. You're literally not allowed to make a little income to make your bills. I tried. I worked a few days a month as I was able. It's embarrassing to be on this after cancer then see people online angry for what food you buy or other shaming. The gov took all that money back from me out of my allotment, and warned me I'll be in big trouble if I do it again. I was in tears I really didn't know. Now I'm even more behind. Sorry. I just want to tell you sincerely thank you. Your work given freely helps me work on our things and teach the kids. I'm going to attempt getting to that pump area this week with their help. I'm betting I find at least a sock, maybe treasure! 😂 At least we have hope now and something to try. God bless your soul! ❤🦋👩🏻‍🌾🌿

[@street1111]

Thank you for the right to the point vid and washer fixed

[@paulbrown4539]

Ben Thanks for the awesome content !! Love the hat and jacket 👍🏿😆

[@tshirtartdesignqueenleo3855]

best video ever thank you dear. had one not work in my apartment I own . xo

[@pinkbananamilk01]

Hey Ben I am stuck on trying to figure out how to clean my drain filter? Do you happen to know how to do that?

[@alexander2685]

Thank you Ben I just bought a new lg washer with agatior and dryer your videos come in handy.

[@eliannamizrachi3415]

Hi there ~ great video! I installed a new drain pump on my Whirlpool wtw48500xq0 washing machine using this video, it was really easy to follow. The thing is, after installing it, the washing machine is dripping water from the drain pump and making a big mess. What's the best way to combat this?

[@JohnJohn-ts6ux]

Thanks for your review you have interesting videos keep up the KZbin, I have one good question I'm about to buy every a fridge is Hitachi made in Japan good quality fridge thanks

[@DavidLopez-wy6xz]

THANKS for your time. Difernt case I have a whirlpool Cabrio ,do not estates,kicking, I guess is the clutch magneto , I allready tried. Another, keep the same,

[@christinajones7319]

Thank you!

[@Imafatkid27]

Great stuff!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks!

[@minecrafter001channel5]

You are the best

[@garytice73]

Ben if I have a Bravo’s washer model # MVWV865GW0 with a broken UI or Main board can I replace it with a UI or main board from the MVWB835DW0 model?

[@luispalomino5514]

Muchas gracias 👍

[@paulinekamau1564]

U really saved me

[@photolabguy]

I have a maytag mvw7230hw. The pump will drain water out at the beginning of the cycle. The unit will stop draining during the cycle. If I tilt the washer forwards or backwards, then the pump will kick on. What causes that?

[@wgoode505]

Love the hat and uniform. Adds a lot to your channel. Please keep it up.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The logo is replicable so it'll be a staple!

[@wgoode505]

@@bensappliancesandjunk great, keep it for sure. People love it.

[@stephanielu7694]

Thanks for the tip of how to drain it! Was dreading having the water leak out of the hose as soon as I unhook it and the mess that would have ensued. You just saved me from an afternoon of angry mopping 😅 👍

[@ronoel315]

Hi Ben, thanks for the video! I replaced my pump and checked for blockage and didn't find any. The washer still won't drain. The pump does not run when I perform a manual test. What else could it be? Also changed actuator and capacitor.

[@ilovephotos1919]

same problem ronoel315...so what to do next Ben? Help us please!

[@Romicarter25]

How do you replace the wire that comes with it? The one in the washer now is wider than the one the pump came with.

[@toddrodriguez6388]

When I removed the outlet hose from the pump the small rubber flap was lodge in the pump outlet. Is is held by small piece of rubber that has split. After cleaning out hose and removing the broken flap my washer is draining correctly. Question now is…do I need the rubber flap that was removed?

[@sonandmum]

Absolutely helpful and funny enough I had a hair pin in it 😅

[@itzamee6941]

QUESTION: Two weeks ago the agitator on my GE top load washer was replaced. Now the water level is very low even though it set in extra large. It still washed and rinses. Do I have a washer or plumbing problem? I haven't noticed any change in water pressure through out the house.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Check for derbis in pressure port / pressure hose. I got a video on that soon coming out

[@dustynbanks9986]

Is this information useful for whirlpool washers that have the electric control panel? I have a 2020 whirlpool washer and it is having issues draining. We have narrowed it down to the drain pump malfunctioning. The drain hoses are clear and installed properly so my next resort is going to be to follow this tutorial and clean or replace the drain pump. Thanks for the video and thanks in advance for the advice

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

...yes? This has electronic controls. Just with regular dials. All the ideas are going to generally be the same

[@Max_Maximus_69]

Thanks man, saved me from buying a new washer :)

[@brucej99820]

There were no sods, but some of my clothes, and especially my blankets/towel still be pretty wet. Also has a good weight to it. Does it still apply to use vinegar?

[@jlamb199]

Having the same issue. Some models you can replace the load sensor switch. One video on YT about WET CLOTHES and Kenmore machines shows you about it.

[@dracojensei1141]

Is it same for a portable washer also

[@sonnyskustoms]

Mine is the same make of whirlpool But the model number is WTW5000DW1 would this work for mine?

[@dewayneg5473]

I have a question about a drum I removed from a top loader whirlpool washer. The washer has been shaking violently after checking all the usual failures I took the machine apart to find the drum sounds like it is full of water in the inner linning. I have turned it upside down and still will not drain. I feel like I should drill some holes but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. What should I do?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

There's water in the ring as a counterbalance. Totally normal, and actually a bad thing if it drains out as it will shake far more violently. For the love of God, DONT drill the holes.

[@jonnyfive2383]

Great video 👏

[@mariebee3146]

I have the same washer. Mine won't spin and drain during a normal cycle, but will drain and spin during the drain and spin cycle. Any idea what's wrong?

[@traciestacy9325]

@bensappliancesandjunk what setting do I use for a multimeter to check? ACV 200?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

if its live voltage, yes

[@traciestacy9325]

@@bensappliancesandjunk I have it removed. Everything was clean. I just want to check with multimeter to rule it out. Wondering if an actuator is my problem next. Just don't know which option to use for multimeter.

[@alexplayz4249]

Where is the filter located on this washer?

[@lisacyr8636]

Love your channel, but I’m hoping you can do some videos on LG front loader problems. Ours sounds like a jet engine when it spins, but my husband has dragged his feet about trying to take it apart to figure out what the issues could be. Also could you show a video on how to deep clean the front loaders. We dry it when we aren’t using it, clean the gasket, leave it open, with a little fan blowing in it, but there has to be a lot of hard stuff stuck between the layers. We use the washer cleaning tablets, but I feel like there’s got to be hidden crude.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I bought a pair of LG frontloaders just for videos so that's planned for sure. Sadly though if there's a loud constant noise in spin it's probably going to be the bearing

[@Android_Warrior]

@@bensappliancesandjunk : And check also the 3 point spider too.

[@jlamb199]

@@bensappliancesandjunk So glad I found you! Where you BEN all my life?? 😂 Spin cycle is working but clothes are still real soggy. I had pulled apart the controls thinking it was the load sensor switch (couldn't find it on my model) but now I suspect the pump might be a bit clogged. I think I'm gonna put it back together, clean everything, run a cycle with vinegar and try to listen hard for weird stuff before I tackle the pump. Gonna need help getting this beast up and down off the floor...and the washing machine, too! 🤣Cheers! Judy

[@babyluna7414]

Is there anyway you could do a video showing how to take apart the whole washer and cleaning the drum… I am a 20 year old trying to make my appliance last longer. I have clothes that smell great when they come out of the washer and dryer but smell after a few days. But my mom uses a lot of fabric softener so I’m assuming I need to clean the washer. We’ve had it for 10+ years so it could use a clean. This looks to be the same washer so this would be very helpful if you could. 😊 also loving your videos thank you.

[@mosab7]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it You're not going to make it last longer if you take it apart for cleaning There is a " clean the washer" programme on the washing machine for a reason

[@babyluna7414]

@@mosab7 do you have a recommendation for cleaning products that you put in the washer for that setting? I usually just do some white vinegar and run the cleaning setting.

[@mosab7]

@@babyluna7414 Dr Beckmann

[@muhammadaslamranjha9561]

I am the user of whirlpool washing machine model No 3LWTW4815FW0. I have to change the motor belt . Can you please tell me the No of motor belt. Thanks

[@trunkingham]

Hi Ben, love your videos. No drain on one of these Cabrio washers. I did the physical checks and the pump shows 16ohms resistance. When I use drain and spin, though, the voltage varies widely from 95-150 volts. I assume this is likely a board issue and not the pump? Have you encountered the same?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I haven't, but cabrios can definitely have that problem where the pump relay contacts are intermittent causing voltage to fluctuate resulting in a myriad of issues.

[@3RAN7ON]

Mine will drain fine on a normal cycle but if I select the extra rinse cycle at the end it will not drain the second time. Any ideas?

[@keyaconnections3925]

Hello! I have the same exact washer. My issue is that there is water left under the washer tub after washing. Once my clothes are done washing, I can hear water underneath if I move the drum, however the drum is completely drained.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Virtually all washers operate that way. The pump will always have some level of water in it. The 10-30gal of water will cycle any residual water multiple times over each cycle.

[@keyaconnections3925]

@@bensappliancesandjunk thank you!

[@madravenpr]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Mine has the same thing and it kind of smells like stagnant water, will try your video and see… any other suggestion?

[@Strider-Ragnarok]

@@bensappliancesandjunk So, you're saying that is normal? I have the same issue where there's water left under the tub. If I shake it you can hear it. Otherwise the washer works perfectly it, pumps the water out of the tub without any issue. At one time, it became stagnant and started to smell similar to what @madravenpr said. I took machine washer cleaner and took care of the smell.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@@madravenpr yes, 100% normal. If you have a bad odor, use an affresh tablet, vinegar, or our wash bomb formula to remove any gunk underneath.

[@cintowin]

The way this is clipped - I keep thinking it's going into an ad. Very helpful video though thank you

[@El-Meowblo]

Thank you, your video saved me! My girlfriend's thong was caught in the inlet to the pump! Your video perfectly helped me solve this, thank you :)

[@irockgemstones2460]

Can you tell me how to use this... My new home has this and IDK what's going on . The website has no instructions smh

[@chipcakewaffroblox]

Can you do that with front loaders?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I will soon yes, absolutely

[@MrSupermadcow]

I have this washer and it shakes really bad. I leveled it out. Anyone have any idea what it could be.

[@mathswithtmc3849]

Does this have a dispenser?

[@sudimamadouwayne7812]

My washer is whirlpool WTW5057LWa I can't found how to drain

[@DianesW0rld]

ours just hums and doesn’t drain. hose is clear and the pump too. is it the motor or should we just replace the pump first?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Most likely pump

[@robertcrittenden497]

I have the smallest waterfall/sump pump. From harbor freight

[@jamesjustice859]

HELP Ben, my Whirlpool washer has two issues now probably because I let it sit for 6 months. 1 it would fill with water slowly and then spin and drain but wouldn't go on to the next step of washing agitating. 2 I have extremely hard water and I think it has clogged the solenoid but now it won't fill but trickle in even when it's off and unplugged the water still trickles in. Please HELP

[@MommyLifeWithAdrienne]

Unlock lid by unplugging 30 secs then pressing start 10 times within 10 seconds

[@trave7644]

I had this exact same washer, and this a low quality, light-duty machine. It stopped darining the water, and I had to replace it. Repairing it would have cost more than a new one.

[@traciestacy9325]

4:58 - you called it an inlet area. Mine isn't clear like yours. It's black, guessing grease clog. What is this called and what's my next step?

[@traciestacy9325]

@bensappliancesandjunk

[@marioalberto9466]

My washer spins I check the voltage to pump and is good I replace lid lock but when I hook the pump it looses the voltage and it will not drain

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Probably a bad relay in board

[@frijoli9579]

Where is the link to the pump?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Shoot my bad! bit.ly/3zJQ7z8

[@ashlytyson8380]

I was looking on your website and do you know if you sell this model drain pump motor? WTW5057LWO

[@Andres-ft7ky]

👍🏻

[@legendaryshinobigamer526]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@abujabi]

Mine drains, but doesn't drain completely. As a result, if the spin cycle is too high, the shaking causes some water to pour out.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Sounds like there's a major problem somewhere. It shouldn't pour out at all. Is it a Whirlpool like this?

[@Payitforward42]

All top load washers have a water balance ring. If there is no visible standing water. Don't worry about it.

[@matthewcush570]

What if it seems like there is water UNDER the drum. It’s like floating on top of water. There’s 0 water inside the drum but I can hear the water under the drum.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Its water in the drum as a counterbalance weight as well as some water in the drain pump. 100% of washers have that.

[@hunglikefish]

So my parents washer wouldn't drain, wondered if timer, or pump. Opened lid and pressed down on the lid switch, drained, rinsed, drained, spun dry. So new lid switch? Would have never guessed that to be a draining issue.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Lid switch tends to stop everything from running. If it's an older whirlpool, the lid switch is tied to the motor and that's physically tied to drain pump

[@barbarac3971]

Bought my washer and dryer in 2016. In April 2023 we moved into this house that has a little cut out area and a low set spot for the washer, and NOW it decides not to drain in September 2023. I won't be able to drain to a bucket or remove the back until I pump out all the water so I can get this thing out of the stupid hole it sits in. Oh have mercy 🤦‍♀️! Wish me luck!!! I'll come back and let you know if I got it out or took a sledge hammer to it!

[@barbarac3971]

We got the pump motor changed out, and tried to recalibrate. Ended up calling someone to reset and recalibrate. Very happy to have a working washer again

[@TheAbulletAway]

How do we get to that on this machine. When you turn it over, I don't even see one in this video.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Literally lift the washer and tilt. You'll see it right under neath

[@TheAbulletAway]

@@bensappliancesandjunk I mean the filter not the pump, I'm sorry. I also read that maybe this doesn't have a separate filter. Thanks for the quick response.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@@TheAbulletAway The filter on this style is underneath the drum in between the pump and tub. Its not easily removable. You basically have to remove the pump to get to it. Its more of a coin trap

[@TheAbulletAway]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Thank you. Truly appreciated.

[@nicknicknick1159]

So whirlpools don’t have filters then?

[@cryptoidmonkey3985]

You might want to teach people how to go through the reset before tearing into the machine....?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

reset wont fix a drain issue almost ever. that, and i made a reser video 3 months before this one

[@Lizzy_333]

I washed a rug, the backing came off and I was able to get it out of the washer but I don’t think I got the entire thing. The water will not drain and where could that leftover piece have gone? 👀

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Drain pump almost certainly.

[@Lizzy_333]

@@bensappliancesandjunk thank you for your quick reply! I thought my washer “died” and was about to spend $450 for another used one… the hose is at an angle at the top and bottom but nothing happens if I lower the top down so I think that must be it then! Too bad I don’t have the tools to take that off right now lol hubby has a job to do when he comes home with the work truck that has all the necessary tools to get that thing off! I stuck my fingers in and eewweeeee!🤣black stinky gookie stuff all over my fingers 🤢

[@lyricgibson3885]

Chris is coming home he's mine

[@Turtle206]

We just got the same type of washer in our building and it wont drain.

[@rstjohnw]

You're right that washer is junk. Mine shuts off when it starts to spin it appears to be out of balance and shuts down..

[@lyricgibson3885]

With me

[@nomebear]

A form of Chinese tax!. I've replaced them in three year old Whirlpool washers, two year old Frigidaire dishwashers, and even older Maytag Neptune clothes washers. A throw away item, hen they burn up there's no fixing them. They'll jam because of string, long thread, piece of fabric, or an item the filters don't catch, and then they'll burn up. I always replace with one that has a larger motor than the one that I took out.,

[@luketamoncannon3795]

I can hear my pump running but no water flow out of my washer..

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Its either an obstruction to where the water cannot flush out the hose, or the pump is actually shot to where the motor runs, but its not spinning the impeller to push the water out.

[@luketamoncannon3795]

@@bensappliancesandjunk thanks man, I'm trying to drain it now by small buckets & fixing to inspect the pump when I get all the water out.. had sewer problems lately to, thinking it backed up & trashed my pump or I have an obstruction on the in-side of pump

[@joelreyes2734]

Ben I need your help

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Ok?

[@joelreyes2734]

@@bensappliancesandjunk just bought the universal pump from you. But my mounting bracket is to small for the old one and the wire connectors are different. You did send me the new hook up but which is which? They're both black but the wires on my machine are black with a white line and the other is blue with a black line. So which wire is which?

[@joelreyes2734]

Bracket is to small for the new pump

[@joelreyes2734]

​@@bensappliancesandjunk did I just but the wrong pump?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@@joelreyes2734 black is the same on both units

[@prorityfeed3210]

Dude. Check the lid switch first. If I had pulled the pump when all that was wrong was my lid switch, I would have been pissed.

[@lewisgoodleaf1979]

THE BODHI 12345

[@ldontcaree]

HUNK OF JUNK INDEED

[@lyricgibson3885]

Unless Chris mama wants to have problems

[@marlowstanfield6815]

Why is there never a simple way to fix appliances, every time its always gotta be complicated..smh

[@onehitterquitter2130]

What if you can see crud or lint in the bottom of the drum where you took the pump off? How can I get inside to clean that out?