If your Whirlpool washing machine just hums, don’t worry. In this detailed guide, we’ll be discussing the causes of this issue and giving you steps on how to resolve them…
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Whirlpool Washing Machine Just Hums — How To Fix
If your Whirlpool washing machine just hums, here are the issues to look for…
1. Machine Isn’t Filling
If your Whirlpool washing machine just hums instead of starting a cycle, it could indicate the drum hasn’t been filled with water. Here are the most common causes of this issue…
Water Faucets Aren’t On
If your washer isn’t filling, the first thing to do is check to ensure that the COLD and HOT water supply faucets are fully opened. In order to prevent any restriction of water flow, ensure that the hoses aren’t bent or kinked.
Inlet Filters Are Dirty
Your Whirlpool washing machine has two filters in the inlet ports at the back of the cabinet. Over time, dirt from your water supply can accumulate in the filters and clog them.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to turn the water faucets off and disconnect the inlet hoses. The inlet filters can be pulled out with needle-nosed pliers and rinsed in a sink.
Water Inlet Valve Is Damaged
The inlet valve assembly controls the water that flows into the drum. If your washing machine is overfilling or not filling at all, it could be the result of a failed valve. You’ll need to replace the inlet valve to fix this issue. Read this article for steps on how to do this: Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes.
2. Machine Hasn’t Drained
Another thing which can cause your washing machine to just hum is a failed drainage system. The following are the things which can prevent your washer from draining properly…
Pump Filter Is Clogged (Front Loaders)
If your front loader washing machine isn’t draining, the first thing you should do is check the pump filter. The filter is located at the lower front section of the machine. Over time, lint and dirt from clothes accumulate in the filter and can clog it.
For detailed steps on how to clean the pump filter, read this article: Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes. This guide also gives you steps on how to fix other issues in your washing machine.
Pump Has Failed
Another thing which can prevent your washer from draining is a failed drain pump. Before rushing to replace your washer’s pump, you’ll need to test it using a multimeter. Read this article for a detailed walkthrough: Whirlpool Washing Machine Stuck.
Damaged Pump Impeller
The impeller is a plastic fan-like piece inside the motor. The helps move the water through the pump. If it gets damaged, the pump will not function properly. Follow the steps below to inspect your drain pump for this fault…
Front Loaders
Check the pump impeller in your Whirlpool front loader washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Make sure to disconnect your washing machine from the electrical outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Go to the front of your washer, then loosen the three bolts holding the lower front access panel using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Place some towels and a container on the floor in front of the pump filter knob. Turn the filter knob, then let any water stuck in the machine drain out. Set the pump filter aside.
Step 4. Pry the cap off the drain pump assembly, then unplug the wire connector attached to it.
Step 5. Using pliers, release the spring clamps holding the two hoses to the drain pump assembly. Disconnect each hose from the pump (keep a rag nearby in case water spills out).
Step 6. With a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the pump assembly to the bottom of the cabinet. Carefully pull the pump out of the cabinet.
Step 7. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the pump filter opening, then try rotating the impeller blades. If the blades don’t turn or are broken, you’ll need to replace the entire pump assembly.
Step 8. If the impeller blades are in good condition, reinstall the drain pump in the cabinet, then apply the bolts using your 1/4 inch socket wrench.
Step 9. Reconnect the two hoses to their appropriate ports on the drain pump. Use your pliers to slide the retaining clamps into place.
Step 10. Plug the wire harness back into the drain pump terminal, then snap the cap back on. Put the pump filter back in place.
Step 11. Remount the lower front access panel on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the bolts at the bottom using a nut-driver. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet.
Top Loaders
Inspect the pump impeller in your Whirlpool top loader washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Prevent water leaks and electrical damage by unplugging your washing machine from the electrical outlet and turning the water taps off before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Spread a towel on the floor underneath the water supply hoses to catch any leaks. Using a pair of pliers, disconnect the two hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine.
Step 3. Use your pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp holding the drain hose to the port at the back of the cabinet, then slide it out of place. Disconnect the hose from the port.
Step 4. With someone assisting you, tip your appliance backwards carefully and set it on the floor.
Step 5. Using a 5/16 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the pump assembly to the bottom of the tub.
Step 6. With a pair of pliers, release the spring clamps holding the two hoses to the drain pump. Disconnect each hose from the pump (we recommend keeping a rag nearby to clean any water leaks).
Step 7. Unplug the wire harness attached to the pump assembly. Pull the drain pump out of the cabinet.
Step 8. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the port aligned with the pump motor. Using the screwdriver, try rotating the impeller blades. If the impeller doesn’t rotate or the blades are damaged, you’ll need to replace the drain pump assembly.
Step 9. If the impeller is in good condition, remount it on the outer tub, then tighten the bolts using the 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 10. Plug the wire connector into the drain pump. Reconnect the two hoses to their corresponding ports on the pump. With your pliers, slide the retaining clamp into place.
Step 11. Get someone to help you lift your washing machine onto its feet. Reconnect the main drain hose to the port at the back of the cabinet, then slide the retaining clamp into place.
Step 12. Reconnect the two water inlet hoses to their corresponding ports at the back of the washing machine (make sure to secure both hoses properly so water doesn’t leak).
Step 13. Turn your washer’s water supply faucets back on, then plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet.
Check out these other articles…
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Washer/Dryer Combo
To inspect the pump impeller in your Whirlpool washer/dryer combo machine, take the following steps…
Step 1. Avoid electrical damage by disconnecting your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Loosen the nuts holding the lower access panel to the dryer compartment using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Pull out the two access panel clips underneath the dryer compartment. Loosen the bolts holding the two access panels using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Take the panels off and set them aside.
Step 4. With a small flat-blade screwdriver, pry out the two retaining clips securing the top panel to the cabinet. Slide the top panel forwards, then lift it off the machine.
Step 5. With a 5/16 inch nut-driver, loosen the nut holding the support bar to the front panel. Move the bar out of place.
Step 6. Use your nut-driver to take out the screws at the back of the front panel. lift the front panel, then pull it off the cabinet.
Step 7. With pliers, release the spring clamps holding the two hoses to the pump assembly. Pull each hose off the drain pump (ensure that you keep a cloth nearby to clean any leaks).
Step 8. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the upper and lower retaining clips off the motor. Slide the pump assembly off the motor shaft.
Step 9. Insert a small screwdriver into the little hole at the back of the pump, then try rotating the impeller. If the impeller doesn’t rotate, you’ll need to change the pump.
Step 10. If the pump assembly is in good condition, remount it on the motor shaft, then snap the lower and upper retaining clips back on.
Step 11. Reconnect the sump hose and outlet hose to the appropriate ports on the drain pump. Use your pliers to slide the retaining clamp into place.
Step 12. Lift the front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Secure the panel by tightening the screws at the back using your 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 13. Move the support bar into place, then secure it by applying the bolt. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards.
Step 14. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, push the two retaining clips into the slots on the top panel.
Step 15. Put the two access panels back int place underneath the dryer compartment, then use a 1/4 inch socket wrench to tighten the bolts. Push the two access panel clips into the slots.
Step 16. Remount the dryer’s lower access panel, then tighten the bolts with your Philips screwdriver. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet.
3. Drive Belt Is Damaged
Your washing machine has a belt looped around the tub pulley and motor pulley. If this belt gets stretched out or damaged, the drum will not spin. As a result, the motor will simply hum without doing anything.
4. Motor Has Failed
A hum coming from your machine may also indicate a failed drive motor. For detailed steps on how to test and replace the drive motor in your Whirlpool washing machine, read this article: Whirlpool Washing Machine Motor.
5. Tub Shaft Is Broken
If your washing machine hums without spinning, the next thing you should check is the inner tub shaft. If the the inner tub shaft breaks, the tub will not be able to spin. As a result, the machine will simply hum.
Open the door of your washing machine and try rotating the drum by hand. If you can’t rotate the drum in either direction, it indicates that the shaft is damaged and needs to be replaced. Read this article to learn how to do this: Whirlpool Washing Machine Spinning.
