Moving a Whirlpool washing machine can be more complicated than it seems. While everything might appear intact on the outside, internal systems—especially the drain pump—are sensitive and can easily become misaligned or damaged during relocation. If your Whirlpool washer suddenly stops draining water after being moved, don’t panic. It’s a common issue, and in many cases, the problem stems from the way the pump “winds up” or gets blocked. Here’s why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why Your Whirlpool Washer Won’t Drain After a Move
After transportation, you might expect your washer to function just as before. However, the washer’s drain pump can become affected in several ways:- Air Lock in the Pump: When the machine is tilted or placed on its side during a move, air can get trapped in the pump. This airlock prevents the impeller from spinning properly, stopping the drainage process entirely.
- Dislodged or Kinked Drain Hose: The hose may have become pinched or crushed during the move. If the water cannot exit through the hose, the washer will either stop mid-cycle or display a drainage error code.
- Clogged Pump or Filter: Sometimes, residual debris from previous loads shifts and blocks the pump. If the filter wasn’t cleaned before the move, this buildup can prevent the pump from spinning, effectively “winding it up” and locking it in place.
- Electrical Connection Issues: A jolt during transportation can loosen wiring connected to the drain pump. If the pump isn’t receiving the correct voltage, it can’t function.
- Mechanical Lock of the Pump Impeller: During a move, small objects such as coins, buttons, or even bits of plastic might shift into the pump housing. These can jam the impeller, causing a complete block and emitting a humming sound when the washer attempts to drain.
What It Means When the Pump “Winds Up”
The phrase “winding up” in relation to a Whirlpool washer pump refers to the pump motor spinning without achieving proper drainage—either because it’s air-locked, jammed, or damaged internally. You might hear a low hum or buzzing, but no water leaves the machine. In other words, the motor is running, but the mechanism responsible for pushing water out is stuck. This can damage the pump over time if not corrected. Continuous running without drainage may overheat the motor or trigger error codes that interrupt the washer’s cycles.How to Fix It
Here are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly fix the issue:- Check the Drain Hose:
- Ensure it’s not kinked or crushed.
- Verify it’s installed at the correct height—around 30 to 40 inches from the ground.
- Detach and flush it out to check for obstructions.
- Inspect and Clean the Filter:
- Locate the filter (usually at the bottom front panel).
- Unscrew and remove any lint, debris, or foreign objects.
- Reattach securely before running another cycle.
- Manually Drain the Machine:
- Unplug the washer.
- Use gravity to drain via the emergency drain hose or by lowering the drain hose into a bucket.
- Check the Pump:
- If you’re handy, remove the back panel and inspect the pump.
- Look for visible signs of damage or foreign objects blocking the impeller.
- Reset the Washer:
- Sometimes, the control board needs to reset. Unplug for five minutes and plug it back in to test.
- Call a Professional: If you’ve tried all of the above and the washer still won’t drain, it’s time to contact a certified technician. An expert will be able to diagnose the problem precisely and repair or replace the faulty pump.