Whirlpool · Washer Moderate

F9E1 — Long Drain (Water Not Draining)

The washer started the drain phase but the water level didn't drop to empty in the time allowed. Usually a clogged pump filter, hose, or a worn drain pump.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Easy
Typical cost
$40-80
Verified against
producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

The fix

Drain pump

Long drain / drain pump fault

$40-80 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, nut driver, pliers

Diagnose first: Check drain pump filter/trap first (front-load models) for coins, lint, or debris. Most F9E1 calls turn out to be a clogged filter, not a dead pump.

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How to fix it

  1. Lay a towel down and open the lower front access panel (front-load) or remove the drain hose end into a low bucket.
  2. Open the pump filter (twist-out cap) and clear anything in it — expect cold water to spill.
  3. Inspect the drain hose end-to-end for kinks and pull out any debris.
  4. Check that the hose's highest point sits 24-96 inches above the floor.
  5. Power up and run Drain & Spin. If still failing, listen at the pump — humming with no flow means the impeller is broken; silence means an open winding.
  6. Replace the drain pump if confirmed bad.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Tub still has water at the end of the cycle · Clothes are soaking wet at the end · F9 E1 around 8-10 minutes into spin · Pump runs continuously without water level dropping

  • Clogged drain pump filter Coins, hair pins, lint felted into the filter (front-loaders have an accessible filter behind the lower kickplate).
  • Kinked or clogged drain hose Hose pinched behind the washer or socks stuck in it.
  • Drain hose installed too high or too low Must be between 24 and 96 inches off the floor at the highest point.
  • Failed drain pump Impeller broken or motor windings open.
  • Clogged standpipe / building drain House drain is the bottleneck — washer is fine.

Other parts sometimes needed

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

More Whirlpool washer codes

dET dET — Detergent Cartridge Empty F0E2 F0E2 — Over Suds Detected F0E3 F0E3 — Load Too Heavy / Basket Blocked F0E5 F0E5 — Off-Balance Load F0E7 F0E7 — Motor Control Unit Fault F1E1 F1E1 — Main Control Board (CCU) Fault

All Whirlpool codes → All washer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.