Stuck with a washer full of water and clothes? You’re not alone—many face this dilemma when their Whirlpool top load washing machine refuses to drain. Ignoring the problem can lead to soggy laundry, stubborn odors, or even water damage.

Luckily, draining your washer is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step, offer helpful tips, and highlight what to watch out for, so you can get back to hassle-free laundry.

Related Video

How to Drain Water from a Whirlpool Top Load Washing Machine

Is your Whirlpool top load washing machine full of water and refusing to drain? Don’t panic—this is a common issue that can often be solved with a bit of patience and some simple steps. Whether your washer stopped mid-cycle or there’s a stubborn clog, knowing how to manually drain your washing machine can help you avoid further damage and get back to your laundry routine quickly.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about draining water from your Whirlpool top load washer in a clear, step-by-step way.

---

Why Would You Need to Manually Drain Your Washing Machine?

Normally, your washer automatically drains itself after each cycle. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Common reasons you might need to manually drain water include:

• A power outage causing the cycle to stop.
• A blocked or clogged drain hose.
• Washer malfunctions or errors.
• Objects (like coins or socks) stuck in the drain pump.
• Routine maintenance or cleaning needs.

Understanding the possible causes will help you solve the issue and prevent it from happening again.

---

Safety First: What to Do Before You Start

Before touching your washing machine or attempting any water drainage, keep these safety steps in mind:

1. Unplug the Washer

2. Always disconnect the washing machine from power to prevent electrical shocks.

3. Turn Off Water Supplies

4. Shut off the water valves connected to the washer. This prevents accidental flooding.

5. Prepare Towels and a Bucket

6. Lay towels around the unit in case of spills and have a large bucket or bowl ready to catch draining water.

Taking a few moments to set up your work area can save you a lot of cleanup later!

---

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Manually Drain Water from Your Whirlpool Top Load Washer

Let’s walk through the entire process in simple steps.

1. Assess the Situation

• Check the washer’s display panel (if available) for any error codes.
• Open the lid and look for visible obstructions or tangled laundry that could be blocking the drain holes in the drum.

2. Prepare Your Supplies

Have these items at hand:

• A large bucket or several smaller containers
• Old towels or rags
• Screwdriver (if needed to access panels)
• Pliers (for stubborn hoses)
• Gloves (optional, but saves your hands)

3. Locate the Drain Hose

• The drain hose is usually found at the rear of your machine.
• You’ll see one or more hoses leading away from the washer—identify the larger hose designed for draining water.

4. Pull the Washer Away from the Wall

• Carefully slide your washer forward to provide working space behind it.
• Be cautious—enlist help if your machine is heavy.

5. Place the Bucket and Disconnect the Hose

• Position your bucket underneath the end of the drain hose.
• Using pliers, loosen the hose clamp if it’s tight.
• Gently detach the hose from the standpipe or wall drain.

6. Drain the Water

• Lower the end of the hose below the drum level; gravity will allow the water to flow into your bucket.
• If water drains slowly, there may be a clog—use your fingers or a long object to gently remove any blockage.

Tip:
If your washer is in a basement and gravity isn’t in your favor, you might need to gently tilt the washer or use a hand pump to extract the water.

7. Repeat as Needed

• Buckets fill quickly; as one gets full, close the hose opening (using your hand or a clamp) until you swap buckets.
• Continue until the washer is empty.

8. Check for Clogs and Clean the Filter

• Some Whirlpool models have filters or traps that can collect debris.
• Locate your filter (often at the bottom front or back, though not all models have one), and remove any lint or fabric caught there.

9. Reattach the Drain Hose

• Once the washer is emptied, securely reconnect the drain hose.
• Tighten the clamp with pliers if necessary and ensure there are no kinks in the hose.

10. Plug Back In and Test

• Plug in the washer and turn on the water supply.
• Run a short rinse and spin cycle to ensure everything works and there are no leaks.

---

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even after draining the washer, you might deal with recurring issues. Here’s what to look out for:

• Washer isn’t spinning or draining
  Check for any objects under the agitator or in the drum holes. Defective lid switches or faulty drain pumps may also be the cause.

• Strange noises during draining
  This often means there are objects caught in the pump or filter.

• Water leaks while draining
  Ensure the hose is properly reattached and the hose clamp is tight.

If you repeatedly have to drain your washer manually, it may be time to call a professional or schedule a repair.

---

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Draining a washer can be messy, but following these expert tips will make the process smoother:

• Check Your Clothes Before Washing
  Empty pockets and check for small items that could clog the pump.

• Clean the Filter Regularly
  Regularly check and clean your washer’s filter (if equipped), especially if you often wash items that shed lint.

• Inspect the Drain Hose
  Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked, crushed, or clogged.

• Don’t Overload the Washer
  Too much laundry can strain the machine and lead to malfunctions.

• Keep Your Washer Level
  A stable, level washer drains better and is less likely to suffer from mechanical issues.

Following a regular maintenance routine can prevent most drainage issues before they start.

---

Benefits of Knowing How to Manually Drain Your Washer

Being able to drain your Whirlpool washer yourself can:

• Save money on service calls and repairs.
• Prevent water damage to your home by acting quickly.
• Protect your clothes from sitting in soapy or dirty water.
• Help you identify minor issues before they become costly problems.

Learning this basic skill not only keeps your laundry routine on track but can also extend the life of your washing machine.

---

Challenges You May Encounter

Although draining your washer is straightforward, you might run into these challenges:

• Heavy, Awkward Movement
  Washers are heavy. Always ask for help if you need to move the unit.

• Persistent Clogs
  Some blockages are deep inside the machine or require tools to remove.

• Stuck or Rusted Hoses
  Use pliers gently and don’t force connections, which could cause leaks.

• Excess Water on the Floor
  Even with towels, expect some minor spills. Work slowly to minimize mess.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable, stop and consult a professional.

---

What To Do After Draining

Once the water is drained:

1. Investigate the Cause:
2. Perform a quick inspection for detached hoses, clogged pumps, or blocked filters.
3. Run an Empty Rinse Cycle:
4. Helps flush out any remaining debris.
5. Monitor for Recurrence:
6. If the problem recurs, seek expert repair to avoid further damage.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did my Whirlpool top load washer stop draining?
A Whirlpool washer may stop draining due to a power failure, a clogged drain hose or pump, a faulty lid switch, or a malfunctioning drain pump. Regular maintenance and checking for obstructions can often help resolve these issues.

2. Can I drain my washing machine without moving it?
In most cases, you’ll need access to the rear of your machine to disconnect the drain hose. If your hose is easily accessible from the side or front, you might not need to move the washer far.

3. Is it normal for some water to remain after draining?
Some residual water may linger at the bottom of the drum. This is typical, as the pump can’t remove every last drop. Use a towel or sponge to soak up any excess.

4. Do all Whirlpool washers have a removable filter?
Not all models have easily removable filters. If your model does, refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location and removal instructions.

5. When should I call a professional for help?
If you’ve drained your washer and the issue still persists—especially if you hear grinding noises, see error codes, or spot leaks—it’s best to contact a certified repair technician.

---

Final Thoughts

Draining water from your Whirlpool top load washing machine is a handy skill that every homeowner can master. By following the outlined steps, staying safe, and keeping up with regular maintenance, you’ll keep your washer running smoothly and cut down on unexpected repair costs. Remember, if the job feels too big or complicated, there’s no harm in calling an expert for peace of mind. Happy washing!