Not Draining
Whirlpool Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Whirlpool washer that won't drain is almost always caused by a blocked pump filter (coin trap) or a kinked drain hose. Cleaning the pump filter behind the small access panel at the front-bottom of the machine resolves most drainage failures.
Affected Models
- Whirlpool Duet series
- Whirlpool WFW series
- Whirlpool Cabrio front-load
- Whirlpool HE front-load washers
Common Causes
- Pump filter / coin trap clogged
- Drain hose kinked or inserted too far into standpipe
- Household drain pipe blocked
- Small garment (sock, bra pad) jamming the pump impeller
- Drain pump motor failed
- Lid switch or door latch not signalling cycle completion (top-loaders)
How to Fix It
-
Clean the pump filter.
The coin trap filter is behind a small rectangular door at the very bottom-front of the washer. Prepare a shallow tray and several towels — water will flow out. Unscrew the cap slowly. Remove all debris inside: coins, hairpins, bra underwires, lint. Rinse the filter under the tap. Screw the cap back on tightly and run a Drain & Spin cycle to confirm the drain is clear.
-
Check the drain hose position.
The drain hose should enter the standpipe or sink no more than 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). If pushed in too far, water siphons back into the machine. The hose should also have a high-loop at the back of the machine — it must rise to at least 30 inches (76 cm) above the floor before going down into the drain.
-
Listen for the pump during drain.
Start a Drain & Spin cycle and listen during the drain phase (about 2–3 minutes in). A humming sound that produces no drainage suggests the impeller is jammed — look for fabric around the filter cavity. Complete silence during drain suggests pump motor failure — the pump needs replacement.
-
Check for a F21 error code.
Whirlpool front-loaders often display F21 alongside or instead of a general 'not draining' indication. F21 is the long drain error — the same causes apply. Address the underlying blockage to clear both the symptom and the error code.
-
Have the drain pump serviced or replaced.
If the filter is clean, hoses are clear, and the pump is silent during drain, the pump motor has failed electrically. Whirlpool drain pumps cost £30–£80 in parts. Replacement requires disconnecting the machine from power and water — book a service engineer or experienced DIY repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool washer full of water and won't drain?
A drum full of water with no draining is almost always a blocked pump filter or a jammed pump impeller. The pump filter (behind the small door at the bottom-front of the machine) collects lint, coins, and small items over time. Cleaning it takes about 5 minutes and is the first thing to try. If the filter is clear and the pump is silent during drain, the pump motor has failed and needs replacement.