Whirlpool Top Load Washer Won't Stop Draining

Quick Answer

The most frequent culprit is a siphon effect caused by the drain hose being pushed too far into the standpipe. If that is not the issue, check the thin pressure switch tube for clogs or holes, as a 'false full' signal will force the pump to run constantly.

Look, when a washer won't stop pumping, it's almost always panicking about water it thinks is still in the tub. I've seen this exact issue probably four times this month. The pressure sensor tube gets gummed up with soap scum, the machine thinks it's about to flood your laundry room, and it just keeps going. Leave it like this for a few weeks and you'll burn out the pump motor, turning a cheap fix into a $120 parts bill.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$12 – $85

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver

What Does the DRAINING-CONSTANTLY Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal. Nine times out of ten this is either a siphon problem from the drain hose being shoved too far into the wall pipe, or a clogged air tube screwing with the pressure sensor. Both are cheap fixes. Don't jump straight to the control board. I can't tell you how many times someone's dropped $200 on a new board when a $12 tube replacement would've done the same job.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Drain hose siphoning35%

Clogged or pinched pressure tube25%

Faulty water level switch20%

Control board relay failure15%

Debris in pump check valve5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Pump runs the instant you plug the washer in, before you've touched a single button on the panel
Water drains right back out while the tub is still trying to fill, so the water level never actually rises and the fill cycle just runs and runs
Cycle gets frozen at exactly 1 minute remaining on the display and just sits there humming with nothing happening
Lid locks and you can hear the motor running but no other part of the cycle moves forward
F9 E1 or LD error flashes on the display, or the machine just loops endlessly through the drain portion of the cycle without ever moving on

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the DRAINING-CONSTANTLY code?

Pull the actual power cord from the wall outlet, not just the power button. Set a timer for a full 10 minutes to let the board capacitors discharge completely. When you plug back in, open and close the lid six times within about 12 seconds, deliberate not frantic. That signals a position sensor reset to the control board. After that the pump should stay quiet until you start a cycle. If it runs the moment you plug in, you've got a hardware failure and no reset sequence is going to fix it.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverDigital multimeterNeedle-nose pliersFlashlightSmall bucket or old towels

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the washer in standby, turn the dial: Left (one click), Right (three clicks), Left (one click), Right (one click). All lights should flash.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–50 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Water Level Pressure SwitchWPW10448876 · $45–$85	WPW10448876	$45 – $85
Pressure Switch HoseW11438742 · $12–$25	W11438742	$12 – $25

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washer drain while it is filling up?

That's almost always a siphon. If the drain hose is pushed too far into the standpipe, or the connection is sealed with no air gap around it, water gets pulled right back out of the tub by vacuum suction even while the inlet valve is running. It's one of the most common install mistakes I see. Pull the hose back so it only goes in about 6 to 8 inches and make sure there's a visible gap around it in the standpipe. That air gap breaks the siphon. Honestly try this fix first before anything else because it costs nothing and takes two minutes.

Can a clogged filter cause constant draining?

Usually a clog causes the washer NOT to drain or to drain slowly. But here's what can happen: if the pump's working against a partial clog and the control board detects the tub isn't emptying fast enough, some models will keep the pump energized way longer than normal trying to force the water through. From the outside that can absolutely look like it won't stop draining. Check the coin trap or pump filter if your model has one, usually behind a small access door on the lower front panel. Worth a look before you start testing sensors.

Is there a reset for a Whirlpool washer stuck in drain mode?

Yeah. Unplug it from the wall for 10 full minutes, then plug back in and open and close the lid six times within 12 seconds. That's the standard calibration reset for most Whirlpool top-loaders. Some VMW models also respond to turning the dial Left, Right, Right, Right, Left, then pressing Start. But be honest with yourself: if the pump starts running the instant you plug the machine back in before you've touched anything, no reset sequence is going to fix that. That's a hardware problem, either the pressure switch or the control board.

How much does it cost to fix a constant drain issue?

Depends completely on what's actually wrong. Siphon fix from repositioning the hose is $0. New pressure switch tube is $8 to $12. Standalone pressure switch replacement runs $40 to $55 for the part, add $50 to $80 if you're hiring someone. Main control board if the relay is welded shut is $150 to $220 for the part, and closer to $350 all-in with labor. Most of the time you're looking at under $20 if you catch it early and it turns out to be the tube or just the hose position.

How do I know if it is the pressure switch or the control board?

Here's a quick test. Unplug the washer. Disconnect the wire harness from the pressure switch. Now plug the washer back in without the pressure switch connected at all. If the pump still fires up immediately, the board's relay is welded shut and the board is your problem, because nothing is even telling it to run the pump. If the pump stays quiet with the switch disconnected, then the switch was sending a bad signal and that's your fix. Takes two minutes to check and it'll save you from buying the wrong $200 part.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: SudWhirlpool Washer Suds Error

Same Fix on Other Brands

Kenmore washerDRAIN-LOOP: Kenmore Top Load Washer Constant Drain

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience DRAINING-CONSTANTLY Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW4800XQ, WTW5000DW, WTW4950HW, WTW5000DW1, MVWC415EW, MVWC565FW, WTW4616FW, MVWC555DW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024