My Whirlpool Washer Drains As it Fills

Whirlpool Washer Operation

• Whirlpool washers, whether they're front loading or top loading, operate in the same fashion. A valve opens to allow water into the washer tub, where it mixes with soap liquid or powder. The clothes and soapy water in the tub are then spun around by an agitator to help expose all the surfaces of the clothes for cleaning. A pump then sucks out the water, and the process is repeated inside the tub, only with clean water and no soap. After the last of the water is pumped out, the clothes are spun rapidly in the tub to extract as much water as possible.

Washing Machine Pumps

• The pump on most Whirlpool washers is located directly beneath the wash tub. Electricity from the appliance powers the pump motor, which spins the pump rotor inside the pump body. A valve on the inside of the pump opens up to allow water inside the pump when signaled by the washer's control board. After the pump has done its job, the pump receives a signal to close the valve again.

Diagnosing the Problem

• If your Whirlpool washer is draining as it fills, this points to a problem with the pump. Instead of being idle during the fill cycle, the valve on the pump is open and the pump motor is spinning to pump out the water inside the tub. This points to a problem with either the pump itself, or a short in the main control board on the Whirlpool. Check the continuity across the pump with an ohmmeter to see if the connections are within specifications. If not, the problem is most likely with the pump. If the connections read fine with the meter, the problem could be the circuit board.

Replacing the Pump

• Disconnect the electricity to the washer. Remove the washer cabinet. How this is done will depend on your specific Whirlpool model, but for top-loading models, the top is pried off to reveal the cabinet screws. In front-loading models, remove the top and bottom panel. Remove the screws holding the door in place and then the front panel. Disconnect the drain hose connections from the pump, along with the electrical wiring harness. Loosen the bolts holding the pump in place on the cabinet. Replace with a new pump and secure with the mounting bolts. Reconnect the drain hoses and wiring harness. Secure the cabinet.

Circuit Board Replacement

• The main circuit board is usually located behind the control panel, although this can differ from washer to washer. If you've determined that the pump is all right and the fault might lie with the main board, your best bet is to contact a Whirlpool technician, as there's no guarantee that replacing the entire board will fix the problem right away. A technician will have the tools and service manuals available to better diagnose these types of problems.