Kenmore washer won't drain
Common reasons your Kenmore washer won't drain
The most common reasons your Kenmore washer won't drain are a broken motor, cracked drain hose or a jammed door lock assembly.
68% of the time it's the
Motor
3% of the time it's the
Drain Hose
3% of the time it's the
Door Lock Assembly
26% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore washer
Motor Replacement
A broken washer motor will prevent the spin basket from rotating or agitating, and can also cause a variety of other issues that affect the washer’s ability to function properly. Signs that the motor is wearing out include unusual noises during operation, such as grinding or squealing sounds. The washer may also exhibit erratic spinning or agitation, with clothes not being properly rinsed or still soaking wet after the spin cycle. Additionally, a worn-out motor may lead to the washer not completing its cycles, stopping abruptly, or not starting at all. Burnt smells or overheating around the motor area can be indicative of internal problems. In some cases, visible damage to the motor itself may be apparent.
Drain Hose Replacement
A cracked washer drain hose produces leaks, and if the crack is small it can often go undetected until water is seen pooling around the bottom of the washer. Additionally, a cracked hose may also collapse, preventing water from efficiently draining from the tub. Water may accumulate inside the drum, resulting in prolonged washing cycles. If you suspect your washer drain hose is cracked, have it replaced by a Sears Home Services professional
Door Lock Assembly Replacement
When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.
What to expect when you experience a Kenmore washer won't drain issue
How is the won't drain problem fixed?
Correcting most won't drain problems usually involves replacing the motor, drain hose or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that won't drain
When the washer won't drain it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.
What to look out for with a washer won't drain diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Reasons Why a Kenmore 80 Series Washer Won’t Drain or Spin
A clog in the washer drain system or a damaged drain pump will often prevent a Kenmore 80 Series washer from draining and spinning.
Check the house drain for your washer. If water won’t flow freely through the house washer drain, use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain clog or have a plumber fix the drain.
Look for a clog in the washer drain hose. Clear lint and debris from the end of the drain hose. If you suspect an internal drain hose clog, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint and debris from the washer drain hose.
Run the spin portion of the cycle to drain water out of the washer and spin the clothes after clearing the washer drain path.
A problem with the lid switch can also cause the issue when your Kenmore 80 Series washer won’t drain or spin.
Check the strike on the lid that pushes in on the lid switch when you close the washer lid. Adjust or replace that lid strike if it isn’t pushing down on the lid switch so the washer will drain and spin.
If you find no problems with the lid strike, then a damaged door switch or wiring failure may be preventing the washing machine from spinning. Schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem with your Kenmore Series 80 washer that won’t drain or spin.
Kenmore Series 80 Washer Won’t Drain Troubleshooting
A Kenmore Series 80 washer uses a drain pump connected directly to the drive motor shaft to pump water out of the washing machine during the drain portion of the cycle. A broken drain pump or clog in the drain system could be preventing your washer from draining out water.
Check for clog in the drain system first.
- Pull the drain hose and check the end of the drain hose for lint and debris clogging the end of the drain hose. Clear the drain hose and see if the washer drains properly.
- Check the house washer drain for a clog. Pour water down the stand pipe to see if it flows down through the washer drain freely. If the house drain is clogged, use a plumber’s snake to clear the house drain or have a plumber clear that drain.
- If you suspect an internal clog in the washer drain hose, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint and debris from the drain hose.
If the drain hose for the washer is clear and working, then you’ll likely need to have a service technician fix the washer. Schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to resolve the drain problem with your Kenmore Series 80 washer.
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Repair Washer Resources
Learn how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in a washing machine.
Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.
Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.
Learn why your washer drum is loose and banging around and get professional advice on fixing it. Contact Sears Home Services for a reliable repair service.
Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.