Is your Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer not draining? If water remains in the tub after the wash cycle, the problem may be caused by a clogged or restricted drain hose, drain pump, lid-lock issue, wiring problem, or another component in the washer’s drain system.
The good news is that some WTW5000DW drain problems can be diagnosed with a few basic checks before replacing any parts.
If your WTW5000DW won’t drain, check the drain hose and drain system first before replacing expensive parts.
This guide explains the most common reasons a Whirlpool WTW5000DW won’t drain, what to check first, possible error codes, and which parts may need further diagnosis.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Drain: Quick Troubleshooting
Before replacing a part, try these basic checks:
- Check the drain hose for kinks, bends, or visible restrictions.
- Check the drain hose installation and make sure it is positioned correctly.
- Check for a clogged drain system that could prevent water from leaving the washer.
- Check the lid and make sure it closes properly.
- Look for flashing indicator lights or error codes.
- Listen to the washer during the drain portion of the cycle.
- Disconnect power before inspecting internal components.
- If the washer still won’t drain, inspect the drain pump, wiring, connectors, and control system as appropriate.
Why Is My Whirlpool WTW5000DW Not Draining?
Several problems can cause a WTW5000DW washer to stop draining.
The most common possibilities include:
- Clogged drain hose
- Kinked or restricted drain hose
- Blocked household drain
- Drain pump problem
- Foreign object restricting the drain system
- Lid-lock or lid-sensing problem
- Damaged wiring or loose connector
- Control-related problem
- Other mechanical or electrical faults
Start with the easiest checks before moving on to component diagnosis.
1. Check the Drain Hose
A restricted drain hose is one of the first things to check when a Whirlpool WTW5000DW won’t drain.
Inspect the hose behind the washer for:
- Kinks
- Sharp bends
- Crushing
- Blockages
- Improper positioning
A restricted hose can slow or completely prevent water from leaving the washer.
What to do
Carefully inspect the entire visible drain hose and make sure it is not pinched behind the washer.
Also check the connection to the household drain.
2. Check the Household Drain
The problem may not actually be inside the washing machine.
A blocked or restricted household drain can prevent the washer from draining properly.
If possible, check whether the drain itself is flowing normally.
Look for:
- Slow drainage
- Standing water
- Overflowing drain
- Unusual backup
If the household drain is blocked, the washer may appear to have a drain-pump problem even when the appliance itself is working correctly.
3. Check for a Clogged Drain System
Small objects can sometimes enter the washer’s drainage system.
Possible obstructions may include:
- Coins
- Small clothing items
- Lint
- Fabric pieces
- Other foreign objects
A restriction can cause the washer to drain slowly, make unusual noises, or fail to drain completely.
Disconnect the washer from electrical power before inspecting internal components.
Do not reach into moving or energized components.
4. Listen to the Washer During Drain
Pay attention to what happens when the washer should begin draining.
You hear the pump running but water doesn’t drain
This may indicate a restriction in the drain path or a problem involving the pump or hose.
You hear a humming or unusual noise
A foreign object or pump problem may need to be investigated.
You hear nothing
The problem could involve the drain pump, wiring, control system, or another component that prevents the pump from operating.
Sound alone cannot confirm which part has failed, so further diagnosis may be necessary.
5. Check the Lid
The washer’s lid-sensing or lid-lock system can affect washer operation.
Make sure:
- The lid closes completely.
- Nothing is preventing the lid from closing.
- The lid strike is not visibly damaged.
- The washer recognizes the lid condition correctly.
If the washer stops during a cycle and won’t continue to drain, check for flashing lights or an error code that may provide additional information.
6. Check for Error Codes
If your WTW5000DW won’t drain, check the control panel for an error code or flashing indicator sequence.
An error code can help identify the area requiring further troubleshooting.
However, an error code is usually a diagnostic clue rather than proof that one specific part has failed.
Always verify the complete model number and the appropriate technical documentation before replacing a component.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Drain Error Codes
One commonly associated drain-related code is F9 E1, which indicates a drain-system problem on applicable Whirlpool washer models.
F9 E1 — Drain Problem
Possible areas to check include:
- Drain hose
- Household drain
- Drain pump
- Drain system restrictions
- Wiring and connections
- Related control functions
If your washer displays F9 E1, start by checking the easiest and most accessible parts of the drain system.
7. Check the Drain Pump
If the drain hose and household drain are clear but the washer still won’t drain, the drain pump may require further inspection.
Possible drain-pump symptoms include:
- Washer won’t drain
- Washer drains very slowly
- Pump makes unusual noises
- Washer leaves water in the tub
- Pump does not appear to operate during the drain cycle
Before replacing the pump, check for restrictions and inspect the related hose and wiring.
A failed pump is only one possible cause of a no-drain problem.
8. Inspect the Drain Pump for Obstructions
A foreign object can interfere with pump operation.
Depending on the washer’s design, an obstruction may cause:
- Humming
- Grinding
- Slow draining
- No draining
- Intermittent draining
Disconnect power before inspecting the pump or internal washer components.
If you are not comfortable opening the washer, consider having a qualified appliance technician perform the inspection.
9. Check Wiring and Connectors
If the drain system appears clear, inspect the electrical connections associated with the drain system.
Look for:
- Loose connectors
- Damaged wires
- Broken terminals
- Corrosion
- Burn marks
- Disconnected wiring
A wiring problem can prevent a properly functioning drain pump from receiving the required electrical signal.
10. Could the Control Board Cause a Drain Problem?
Yes, an electronic control problem can potentially affect washer operation, including the drain function.
However, do not replace the control board simply because the washer won’t drain.
A blocked hose, drain-pump problem, wiring issue, or other component can produce similar symptoms.
A better troubleshooting approach is:
Check → Inspect → Test → Confirm → Replace
This can help prevent unnecessary parts replacement.
🚨 Whirlpool Washer Won’t Drain? Watch This Before Replacing Parts!
Is your Whirlpool washer full of water and refusing to drain? This helpful video by Bens Appliances and Junk shows how to drain the washer, diagnose the problem, and identify possible fixes.
▶️ Watch the video to learn what to check when your Whirlpool washer won’t drain.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Drain but Spins
If your WTW5000DW spins but won’t drain, focus your troubleshooting on the drain system.
Check:
- Drain hose
- Household drain
- Drain pump
- Pump and hose restrictions
- Wiring and connectors
- Error codes
- Control system
Because the washer can spin, the problem may be isolated to the drainage portion of the cycle, but proper diagnosis is still important.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Drain or Spin
If the washer won’t drain and won’t spin, investigate the problem more broadly.
Possible causes include:
- Drain-system restriction
- Drain pump problem
- Lid-sensing or lid-lock issue
- Motor or drive-related problem
- Wiring problem
- Control-related problem
- Other washer faults
Start with the drain hose, lid, and error codes before moving to more advanced diagnosis.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Makes Noise but Won’t Drain
A noisy washer can provide useful diagnostic information.
Humming
A humming sound may indicate that a component is attempting to operate but cannot function normally.
Grinding
Grinding may indicate a foreign object or mechanical problem.
Clicking
Clicking may be associated with a relay, actuator, control, or another component.
No sound
If the washer should be draining but there is no pump sound, inspect the drain pump, wiring, and control system as appropriate.
Noise alone is not enough to identify a failed part.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Drains Slowly
A slow-draining washer may have a partial restriction rather than a complete blockage.
Check:
- Drain hose
- Hose connections
- Household drain
- Pump
- Pump inlet
- Foreign objects
If the washer drains slowly and repeatedly, further inspection is recommended rather than continuing to operate the washer with the same problem.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Leaves Water in the Tub
If water remains in the washer after the cycle, first determine whether the washer is:
- Not draining at all
- Draining slowly
- Stopping before the drain cycle
- Making unusual pump noises
- Displaying an error code
These details can help narrow down the problem.
A remaining-water problem does not automatically mean that the drain pump needs to be replaced.
How to Diagnose a Whirlpool WTW5000DW That Won’t Drain
Use this basic troubleshooting sequence:
WTW5000DW won’t drain
↓
Check drain hose
↓
Check household drain
↓
Check for restrictions
↓
Check lid and error codes
↓
Listen for drain-pump operation
↓
Inspect pump
↓
Check wiring and connectors
↓
Test related components
↓
Confirm the failed part
↓
Replace the correct component
This step-by-step approach can help avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
Parts That May Cause a WTW5000DW Drain Problem
Depending on the symptoms and diagnostic results, the following components may need to be investigated:
- Drain pump
- Drain hose
- Pump-related components
- Lid-lock or lid-sensing components
- Wiring harness
- Electrical connectors
- Main electronic control
- Other related washer components
The correct replacement part depends on the complete model number and washer revision.
Find Whirlpool WTW5000DW Parts on eBay
If your Whirlpool WTW5000DW won’t drain and a component needs to be replaced, you can search online marketplaces such as eBay for compatible Whirlpool washer parts.
Possible parts may include:
- Drain pumps
- Control boards
- Drain hoses
- Lid-lock components
- Actuators
- Motors
- Wiring components
- Other WTW5000DW replacement parts
Check WTW5000DW Parts on eBay
Shipping availability, prices, and return terms vary by individual eBay listing and seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Whirlpool WTW5000DW drain?
Common causes include a restricted drain hose, blocked household drain, drain-pump problem, foreign object, wiring issue, lid-related problem, or control-system fault.
How do I fix a Whirlpool WTW5000DW that won’t drain?
Start by checking the drain hose and household drain. Then check for restrictions, inspect the lid, look for error codes, and investigate the drain pump and wiring if necessary.
Why does my WTW5000DW have water left in it?
Water may remain in the tub because the washer cannot drain properly. Check the drain hose, household drain, pump, and possible restrictions.
What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F9 E1 is associated with a drain-system problem on applicable Whirlpool washer models. Check the drain path, pump, hose, and related components.
Can a bad drain pump cause a WTW5000DW not to drain?
Yes. A failed or restricted drain pump can prevent the washer from removing water. However, check the drain hose and other possible restrictions before replacing the pump.
Should I replace the control board if my WTW5000DW won’t drain?
Not necessarily. A drain hose restriction, pump problem, wiring issue, or another component may be responsible. Diagnose the problem before replacing the control board.
How do I find the correct WTW5000DW drain pump?
Use the complete model number from the washer’s identification label and verify the replacement pump’s part number and compatibility information before purchasing.
When your Whirlpool WTW5000DW won’t drain, start with the simplest possibilities: check the drain hose, household drain, restrictions, lid, and error codes.
If those checks don’t solve the problem, the drain pump, wiring, connectors, or control system may require further diagnosis.
The key is to identify the actual cause before replacing a part. This can save money and prevent unnecessary repairs.
Always disconnect the washer from electrical power before inspecting internal components, and follow the appropriate service information for your specific WTW5000DW model revision.
Related Useful Articles:
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Spin: Causes, Troubleshooting & Fixes
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Start: Causes, Troubleshooting & Fixes
- Whirlpool Washer Error Code F3E5 – Temperature Sensor Error
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