Inspect The Washing Machine Belts
If you have completed every step and still find that your washing machine wont drain, check if damaged belts are the cause of your drain problem. The manufacturers washing machine instruction manual should indicate the location of the belts. To check your belts, unscrew your washing machines access panel and check the main belt and the pump belt. Be on the lookout for any corroded, broken, or otherwise damaged parts.
Are Excessive Suds Present
Use only HE High Efficiency detergent. Using non-HE detergent or more than the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent can cause excessive suds. The excess suds can cause the washer to run at a reduced spin speed, which will result in very wet loads.
for more information on using HE Detergent
Whirlpool Washer Not Draining And Making Noise
There are a few things that could be causing this. First, check to see if there is anything blocking the washers drain hose.
If there is, clear it out and try again. If that doesnt work, then the issue may be with the washers pump. To clean the pump, remove it from the washer and disassemble it.
Clean any debris that may be caught in it and then reassemble the pump. If the pump is still not working, then it may need to be replaced.
Finally, if none of these solutions work, then the issue may be with the washers control board. If this is the case, then you will need to contact a qualified repair person to fix it.
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Confirm The Lid Switch Is Working
Many washers will not perform most of their functions without a latched lid switch. The lid switch tells the washer that the door is securely closed and locked tight. It wont spin or drain for safety purposes. This can mean that a loose or broken lid switch will prevent your washer from draining when its time.
Test your lid or door switch, depending on if your washer is top or front loading. See if the door switch affects the light. See if your washer will start with the door switch depressed with your finger. If you can prove the door switch is working correctly, look elsewhere. If the door switch feels loose, secure it. If the door switch is broken, replace it.
Washer Won’t Drain Causes

First, make sure to consult your washing machine’s owner’s manual. The troubleshooting section may give you suggestions for likely reasons for drain problems. Some modern washing machines display error codes that will identify the problem for you. If this doesn’t identify the problem, observe your washing machine as it runs through one of its drain cycles. As you watch the machine in action, one of the following problems will likely be identified:
- Clog in the rubber drain tube leading from the washing machine to the drain standpipe
- Material obstructing the water pump filter or impellers
- A mechanical failure of the water pump
- Loose or broken drive belt
- Faulty lid switch
- Clog in the drain system
The Spruce / Alison Czinkota
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Clear The Drain Hose And Pump Of Clogs
Now its time to check for clogs. Looking for clogs requires a bit of disassembly and mess. Have towels handy and make sure to shut the water connection off. Then detach the drain hose and check it for internal blockages. If there is something blocking, clear the entire drain hose with a combination of techniques. You can snake or clear. You can run high-pressure hot water through the line. You can clean it out with brushes and cleaning products.
Then check the drain pump. Open up the washer cabinet to access the drain pump. Look for signs of both clogging and damage. The drain pump can sometimes get clogged with lightweight laundry that got sucked in. Clear the pump of blockages and check all the valves and seals. If there are signs of damage, replace the drain pump.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter
If you find that your washer isnt draining water at all, the first thing you should check is the pump. Take off the top of the washer, remove the pump filter, and look inside to see if there are any obstructions. If there are, try to remove them with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If they wont budge, spray some compressed air through the filter.
Unplug the washer from the outlet and pull it away from the wall to access the back panel. Locate the drain pump filter, which resides behind your machine, but on most front-loaders youll find the filter on the front.
Remove the access panel. Located the drain pump and remove the hose at the inlet side of the pump. Now hold back the pressure of the hose by blocking off one end of it with your finger. If water is still not draining, check for debris in the filter clear debris away, and reattach hose to the inlet side of the pump. If no water drains, attempt to flush out the remaining water with a garden hose.
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How To Fix A Whirlpool Washer Not Draining
Whirlpool has been making washers since 1906. Since then, their washer range has grown to include front-loaders, gas washers, high-efficiency washers, and now smart washers that can be operated with your phone. Of course, the type of washer you have is not going to matter if it does not drain!
If your Whirlpool washer is not draining, the drain hose, drain pump, door lock, or lid switch are likely causing the issue. If these components are working correctly, the control panel or timer may be causing the issue. First, there are some simple solutions to check that may solve the issue.
This guide applies to the following models:
2LA5700XMW0
Whirlpool Washer Door Lock Is Defective
In front load models, a defective door lock causes a washing machine not to drain or spin. This lock is a safety feature that secures the door once its closed. Once engaged, the lock triggers the door switch, which signals the washer to start the wash cycle. If the lock is defective, it wont signal the switch and the washer wont be able to start, drain or spin.
Inspect the door lock for signs of damage. Even if theres no visible damage, the lock may have failed electronically, requiring testing and replacement from a professional service.
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Is The Drain Hose Too High
Make sure that the drain hose does not extend more than 5″ into the Standpipe or laundry tub . Using the U-shape drain hose form , will provide the correct length of drain hose in the drainpipe or laundry tub.
The drain hose cannot extend higher than 96″ from the floor.
Do not tape the drain hose to the drain pipe.
Set Up The Bucket And Drain Hose
Ensure that the bucket is in a place where you wont accidentally knock it over you may want to place it firmly on or between several towels. Then, drop the house lower than the washer tub and into the bucket. If the bucket fills up, simply raise the hose back above the washer tub until you can empty the bucket. Drop the hose to start to fill it again.
If water doesnt flow freely from the washing machine tub through the drain hose and into the bucket, the filter may be blocked, so youll need to clear it before continuing.
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Was A Gentle Or Delicate Cycle Or Low Spin Speed Selected
Gentle cycles, such as gentle, delicate, or handwash, use slow spins to keep fabrics from stretching and wrinkling. Slow spinning also leaves more water in the load. To remove more water, select a cycle that uses high spin speeds. A cycle or fabric selection such heavy duty or super has higher spin speeds and will leave less water in loads. Always follow your clothing care label to determine what cycle to use that is best for the garments being washed.
Drain Pump Filter Is Clogged

The drain pump filter collects dirt and debris as water drains from the tub, preventing it from clogging the drain pump. However, the filter itself can become clogged with these byproducts and prevent water from draining, leaving clothes still wet after wash cycle. Cleaning the drain pump filter can fix a Whirlpool washer not draining, while regular cleanings can prevent blockages from forming.
Heres how to clean the drain pump filter:
- Open the drawer on the bottom of the washer. Remove the drawer by pushing up on the left side tab while pushing the right side tab down.
- Place a pan or tray under the drain pump filter to catch draining water.
- Remove the black hose from its clip, take out the plug and drain the hose into the pan. Once the hose is drained, replace the plug, clip the hose in place and empty the pan.
- Lay a towel in front of the filter and turn it slowly counterclockwise to remove.
- Remove any debris and rinse the filter under running water.
- Turn the filter clockwise to replace it.
- Replace the drawer by placing it on both rails simultaneously. Listen for a clicking sound that indicates the rails are fully engaged.
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What Does The Drain Function On A Washing Machine Do
A washing machines drain function removes water from the tub during the spin cycle. The washer pump forces water from the bottom of the appliance into the drain hose. The washer drain hose loops to the top of the machine and then down to the drain, enabling the tub to fill. When the water reaches the bend in the hose, it goes out of the drain.
Is The End Of The Drain Hose More Than 96 Above The Floor
The drainpipe height requirements are 96″ maximum and 39″ minimum. Your washer will not be able to adequately pump the water out of the washer if the drainpipe exceeds 96″ . In this case, the water may flow back into the washer. See the Installation Instructions for details enter your product model number in the search tool below to find them online.
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Look For The Clog And Pull It Out
The pump has a translucent housing, so you might even see the offending piece of clothing wrapped up in the pump.
- Loosen the clamp that holds the hose to the bottom of the tub and remove the hose.
- Pro tip: Have a bucket and sponge handy. Any water thats left in the machine will run out.
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Three: Access The Whirlpool Washers Drive Motor And Drive Belt
Tilt the machine and lay it down on its back use a buddy for safety. Use the 5/16 socket wrench to remove the screws attaching the belt guard. Then disconnect the drive motor wire connector and drive belt.
Note: This is a good time to inspect the drive belt. The belt may be busted or worn out, and you can simply replace it. A new drive belt costs between $5 and $15.
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Check The Door Latch Switch
The door latch on the Whirlpool washing machine is designed to prevent the door from opening during the wash cycle.
The washer safety system will continue operating if the door is closed correctly. When the door is closed, a feedback switch sends a signal to the washer control board. If this switch is faulty, your Whirlpool washer wont operate and drain the water, no matter if the door is closed.
The door latch switch is located beneath the control board on Whirlpool washing. So if your washer is under warranty, do not try to test it yourself, as it will void its warranty.
Even if your washer warranty period is over, Id recommend seeking a professional help to test or replace the door latch switch on your Whirlpool washer.
Check For And Remove All Clogs In The Drain Hose
Once the water has fully drained out of the tub, check the drain hose for any debris, clothing, or soap blockages, all of which can make the washing machine drain clogged. To check for clogs, loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the bottom of the tub, then inspect the inside. If you see something blocking the hose or its connecting parts, remove it with the pliers, then reconnect the hose.
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Kinked Or Blocked Drain Hose
If the washer will not drain, the drain hose may be kinked, pinched, or obstructed by a small object. If you are unable to straighten the hose or clear an obstruction, you will need to replace the hose. Also check the height. Whirlpool advises that the height of the drain hose should not exceed 96 inches, as this will cause water to flow back into the tub.
The drain hose can be checked for a blockage by disconnecting it from the washer at the rear of the machine. On most models, it can be unscrewed, or pliers can be used to remove the clamp that secures it. The hose can be unblocked with a drain snake tool and washed with a mixture of hot water, white vinegar, and baking soda. The washers internal drain hose can also be checked by following the drain pump instructions below.
Replacing A Damaged Pump

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Do You See A Lot Of Suds
High amounts of detergent can create too many suds. In some cases, the suds can stop the washer from pumping out water and spinning. Always measure detergent and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the amount to use. If you have very soft water, use less detergent. Use only HE High Efficiency detergent in this washer.
for more information about using HE detergent
What To Do If Whirlpool Washer Wont Drain
It can be difficult to decide how to approach a problem with any appliance, but when it comes to handing washers, this can be especially daunting as one wrong move could leave you with water at your feet, rather than water in the drum. It is important to note though that there are ways owners can work on their washers without needing the assistance of a professional, but you must know what to do first before tackling the challenge.
If your Whirlpool washer wont drain, take some time to inspect if the drain pump is clogged, if the drain hose is kinked, or if the lid switch assembly needs to be replaced. To tackle each of these, read through the previous sections to find a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot these problems.
A lesser likely problem, but sometimes the culprit, is a coin trap that is too full within your washer. Located at the lower front of the washer, some Whirlpool washer models have a small access door that is easily opened and cleaned. If this is the case for you, open the access door and remove any items that you find within the coin trap to see if draining happens more easily and more completely.
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Was The Wrong Wash Cycle Selected
Choosing the wrong wash cycle or spin speed is one of the most common reasons for a Whirlpool washer not draining. Delicate or Hand wash cycles may use lower spin speeds to treat certain fabrics more gently. This can leave clothes wetter at the end of a cycle or sitting in residual water.
In addition, some washers offer the ability to select a spin speed. Choosing Low or No Spin will also leave clothes wetter and some water in the machine. Be sure to choose the right cycle for your particular wash load or adjust the spin speed higher for better draining.