Troubleshooting Whirlpool Duet Washer (Step-by-Step Guide!)

As they say, you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s taken away from you—or in this case, until your washing machine breaks down. 

One of the most important appliances in a household, a washer reduces the physical work needed to clean your clothes. It can be quite frustrating when you have to wash your clothes by hand again, especially when you have a big household.

Not to worry, we’re here to help you troubleshoot your Whirlpool Duet washer. Hopefully, we can get it back up and running before you run out of clothes to wear.

What are the most common Whirlpool Duet washer problems?

Here are the most common problems of Whirlpool Duet washers.

• The washer won’t start.
• The washer has excess suds.
• The washer is slow to fill or won’t fill at all.
• The washer is slow to drain or won’t drain at all.

Now, let’s delve into these problems in our guide below to understand why they happen and how to resolve them. 

Troubleshooting Whirlpool Duet Washer

To troubleshoot a Whirlpool Duet washer, you need to confirm that it’s installed properly and cleaned regularly. If a faulty component is the underlying cause of an error, replace the part to restore your washer to optimal performance.

Before making any repairs to your Whirlpool Duet washer, here are a few troubleshooting tips that might resolve your problem.

• Reset the washer. Disconnect it from its power source for a few minutes, then reconnect it to check if it resolves the error.

• Clean the washer. A long, hot cleaning cycle can solve many problems on your washer; thus, give it a good clean to try and fix the error.

Keep reading our guide for helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting a Whirlpool Duet washing machine.

The washer won’t start.

Troubleshooting a washer that doesn’t start can be as easy as pressing a button or unplugging a power cord. However, if the underlying cause of the problem is the power source, professional services are a must. 

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons why a washer won’t start.

Causes	Solutions
Insufficient Power	• Plug the washer into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Never remove the ground prong. • Don’t use an adapter or an extension cord.
Tripped Circuit Breaker	• Locate the circuit breaker and identify the one that keeps tripping. The switch would be out of place when a breaker trips. • Move the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position. • After a few seconds, flip the switch back to the ON position. • Plug in your Whirlpool washer. Confirm that it can turn on and operate properly. • Turn on the lights and plug in the other appliances in the circuit.  • If the circuit trips, the appliance or light you plugged in may have faulty wiring or overloaded the circuit. • Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
Locked Control Panel	• To disable the Control Lock function on a Whirlpool Duet washing machine, push and hold the End of the Cycle Signal for 3 seconds.  • The Control Lock indicator light will turn off once the function is disabled.

Insufficient Power

A Whirlpool Duet washer has its own electrical requirements, which you must comply with to keep your appliance in good working condition. At the same time, it reduces the risks of electrical shock, fire, and death.

Solution: First, check if the Whirlpool Duet washer’s power plug is loose, then plug it in properly to prevent further delays. 

Make sure to meet the following electrical requirements.

• Plug the washer into a grounded 3-prong outlet. 
• Make sure it is a 120-volt, 60-Hz outlet.
• Never remove the ground prong.
• Never use an adapter or an extension cord.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

A tripped circuit breaker can cause a partial power outage in your household. If only one part of the house has no power while the rest of the house has, you most likely have a tripped circuit.

Resetting the breaker should resolve your problem. However, to prevent it from recurring, you must avoid overloading the circuit. 

You can start by moving major appliances like your washing machine to their own dedicated outlets. 

Solution: Turn off all the lights and unplug the appliances connected to the tripped circuit breaker. Follow these steps to reset the circuit.

• Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker in your household and identify the one that keeps tripping. The switch would be out of place when a breaker trips.
• Step 2: Move the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position.
• Step 3: After a few seconds, flip the switch back to the ON position.
• Step 4: Plug in your Whirlpool washer. Confirm that it turns on and operates properly.

If the circuit doesn’t trip, your washer isn’t the problem. It should function well if you plug it into a different circuit.

• Step 5: Turn on the lights and plug in the other appliances in the circuit. 

If the circuit trips, the appliance or light you plugged in may have faulty wiring. Or, it may have overloaded the circuit, causing it to trip.

Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Locked Control Panel

Your Whirlpool Duet washer has a Control Lock function that prevents unintentional changes to the settings. It is quite useful if you have kids or pets around.

If the Control Lock function is activated, the control panel will not respond to your functions. All the buttons on the panel will be disabled until you turn off the function.

You can check the Control Lock indicator light on the panel to confirm that the function is activated. 

Solution: To disable the Control Lock function on a Whirlpool Duet washing machine, push and hold the End of the Cycle Signal for 3 seconds. The Control Lock indicator light should turn off.

The washer has excess suds.

Do you notice excess suds in your drum? Your washing machine is most likely fine (for now), but you have to resolve the problem and prevent it from recurring to keep your appliance in peak condition.

Laundry errors like using too much detergent or using the wrong kind are often the cause of excess suds. When corrected, the problem should no longer recur. 

Causes	Solutions
Wrong Detergent	Only use high-efficiency detergent for your Whirlpool duet washer.
Too Much Detergent	• Follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions closely when determining how much detergent to use.  • Never go over the max line in the dispenser.

Wrong Detergent

High-efficiency washing machines like the Whirlpool Duet use about 80% less water compared to traditional top-load units. Since it uses lower water levels, it needs a low-sudsing and quick-dispersing formula.

Using regular detergent on an HE washer will create an excessive amount of suds, which will not clean your clothes. You’ll have to wash your clothes again and clean up all the foam in the drum.

Solution: Use a high-efficiency detergent for your Whirlpool Duet washing machine. Choose good quality detergent to prevent damage to your washer.

Too Much Detergent

Too much detergent won’t produce cleaner clothes. Unfortunately, it does quite the opposite because it prevents detergent from dissolving properly, leaving a slimy, chalky residue all over your clothes.

Solution: Follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions closely when determining how much detergent to use. Never go over the max line in the dispenser.

Type of Detergent	HE Washers
Pod	1 per cycle
Liquid	2 tablespoons
Powder	2 tablespoons

Run hot or warm water settings for cleaning purposes. Detergent dissolves easily in hot or warm water, which can help reduce the build-up of residue in your tub.

The washer is slow to fill or won’t fill at all.

If your Whirlpool Duet washer is slow to fill or not filling at all, you most likely have an obstruction caused by dirt or detergent build-up. A thorough cleaning cycle is often enough to resolve your problem.

However, if the root cause of the error is a faulty component, you must replace it to keep using your washer.

Here are the most common causes of filling errors on a Whirlpool Duet washer.

Causes	Solutions
Clogged Water Inlet Screens	• Turn off and unplug your washer. • Remove the hot water supply hose by rotating the coupling by hand. Use pliers, if necessary. • Repeat the same step for the cold-fill hose. Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves. • Wipe the mesh screens using cotton swabs or soak the screens in soapy water. • Wipe the screens with a soft cloth or let them air dry before reinstalling them into the washer. • Use pliers to reinsert the inlet screens. • Attach the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right.  • Rotate the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers. • Repeat the same step to attach the cold fill hose. • Restore power to the washer. Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the washer fills and starts.
Clogged Water Lines	• Disconnect the hot and cold fill hoses from the washer. Use pliers, if needed. • Place the hoses over a laundry tub, bucket, or drain pipe.  • Turn on the supply valves and run the water for a few seconds to clear the lines. • Reconnect the hot water fill hose to the red inlet valve. Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers. • Repeat the same step to reconnect the cold water-fill hose.
Poor Water Pressure	Call a licensed plumber who can resolve your household’s low water pressure problem.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve	• Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply. • Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary. • Move the washer away from the wall.  • Unthread the screws on the top panel using a ¼” nut driver. Slide the panel back and lift it to remove it. • Use a T20 Torx bit to unthread the inlet valve mounting screw. • Disconnect the wire retainer from the support brace. Then, slide the valve to the left to release it. • Disconnect the wires and the wire retainer from the valve. Use pliers to loosen the clamps on the hoses connected to the detergent dispenser. Then, disconnect the hoses. • Remove the old water inlet valve. • Install the new valve by attaching the hoses to the appropriate ports on the dispenser. Secure the connections using the clamps. • Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Then, secure the wire retainer. • Mount the valve on the rear panel. Thread the screw to secure it. • Snap the wire retainer on the support brace. • Slide the rear panel back into position and secure it using the screws. • Reattach the cold and hot water supply lines. • Turn on the water supply and restore power to your washer. • Run a test cycle to confirm that the washer fills with water.

Clogged Water Inlet Screens

Each supply hose has a small mesh screen that traps dirt and other foreign particles in the water supply. It prevents dirt from getting into the drum and soiling your clothes.

You should clean the inlet screens at least once a year, but more if you frequently use your washer. Over time, the trapped dirt will accumulate and restrict the flow of water into the tub, causing it to fill slowly or not fill at all.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Cotton swab
• Soft cloth

Solution: To clean the inlet screens of your washing machine, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug your washer.
• Step 2: Remove the hot water fill hose by rotating the coupling by hand. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Repeat the same step for the cold water fill hose.
• Step 4: Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves.
• Step 5: Wipe the mesh screens using cotton swabs, or soak the screens in soapy water.
• Step 6: Wipe the screens with a soft cloth or let them air dry before reinstalling them into the washer.
• Step 7: Use pliers to reinsert the inlet screens.
• Step 8: Attach the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Rotate the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers.
• Step 9: Repeat the same step to attach the cold water fill hose.
• Step 10: Restore power to the washer. 
• Step 11: Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the washer fills and starts.

Clogged Water Lines

Obstructions are common causes of filling problems in washing machines. Sometimes, dirt, lint, and other foreign substances can get lodged into the supply hoses, restricting the flow of water into the tub.

As a result, your washer will be slow to fill or will not fill at all. An error code should appear on your unit’s display to indicate this problem.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Bucket

Solution: To remove obstructions in your washer’s water lines, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Disconnect the hot and cold fill hoses from the washer. Use pliers, if needed.
• Step 2: Place the hoses over a laundry tub, bucket, or drain pipe. 
• Step 3: Turn on the supply valves and run the water for a few seconds to clear the lines.
• Step 4: Reconnect the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers.
• Step 5: Repeat the same step to connect the cold fill hose to the inlet valve on the left.

Poor Water Pressure

According to Whirlpool, your water pressure must range between 5-100 psi (34.5–690 kPa). If your household can’t meet the minimum requirement, you’re going to have trouble filling your washing machine.

On the bright side, there’s nothing wrong with your washer. You just have to fix the water pressure in your household to keep using your appliance.

Solution: Call a licensed plumber who can resolve your household’s low water pressure problem. Don’t attempt this fix yourself, if you have no experience or knowledge in this field.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve controls how much water flows into your washing machine. If this component is defective, you will experience leaks or filling issues.

There’s no way to fix a faulty water inlet valve, but you can replace the old part to resolve the problem. Just make sure to get the right part for your Whirlpool Duet model.

What you’ll need:

• ¼” nut driver
• Pliers
• T20 Torx bit
• Multimeter
• New water inlet valve

Solution: To replace a faulty water inlet valve on a Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 4: Unthread the screws on the top panel using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 5: Slide the top panel back and lift to remove it.
• Step 6: Use a T20 Torx bit to unthread the inlet valve mounting screw.
• Step 7: Disconnect the wire retainer from the support brace. Then, slide the valve to the left to release it.
• Step 8: Take note of the orientation of the wires on the valve.
• Step 9: Disconnect the wires and the wire retainer from the valve.
• Step 10: Remember the position of the hoses attached to the detergent dispenser. Use pliers to loosen the clamps, then disconnect the hoses.
• Step 11: Remove the old water inlet valve.
• Step 12: Install the new valve by attaching the hoses to the appropriate ports on the dispenser. Secure the connections using the clamps.
• Step 13: Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Then, secure the wire retainer.
• Step 14: Mount the valve on the rear panel. Thread the screw to secure it.
• Step 15: Snap the wire retainer on the support brace.
• Step 16: Slide the rear panel back into position and secure it using the screws.
• Step 17: Reattach the cold and hot water supply lines.
• Step 18: Turn on the water supply and restore power to your washer.
• Step 19: Run a test cycle to confirm that the washer fills with water.

The washer is slow to drain or won’t drain at all.

Most of the time, a washing machine won’t drain because the drain hose isn’t installed correctly. If it isn’t an installation problem, it’s probably a clog in the drain pump filter, which you can easily resolve with cleaning.

Although not as common, a drain error can be caused by a faulty drain pump. In such cases, you’ll have to replace the pump to fix the drain problem.

Here’s a list of the most common causes of drain errors on a Whirlpool Duet washer.

Causes	Solutions
Clogged Drain Pump Filter	• Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. • Open the dispenser drawer to access the drain pump filter.  • Depress the tab on the right side of the drawer and pull the tab on the left. Then, remove the drawer. • Set a small flat container underneath the drain pump filter to collect the water.  • Release the drain hose from the hose clip and remove the plug to start draining the water into the container.  • Empty the container and repeat the process until there’s no more water left to drain. • Replace the plug and secure the hose into the clip. • Place a towel underneath the drain pump filter to absorb any excess water. • Rotate the filter in a counterclockwise direction and pull it out for cleaning. • Remove any large clumps by hand. Rinse the filter under running water to get rid of smaller debris. • Insert the drain pump filter into the housing. Rotate it clockwise to secure it. • Insert the dispenser drawer until it snaps into place.
Incorrect Drain Installation	Standpipe Drain System: • Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe. Use the supplied drain hose clamp to keep the spout bent. • Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using a cable tie. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.
	Laundry Tub Drain System: • Set up the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub.  • Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub. • Use the supplied cable tie to secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg.
	Floor Drain System: • Remove the drain hose clamp and insert the hose around 4.5” into the drain pipe.  • Confirm that the siphon break is installed no less than 28” from the floor.
Faulty Drain Pump	• Unplug the washing machine. Move your unit away from the wall to access the rear panel. • Remove the 4 rear access panel plugs.  • Unfasten the screws securing the rear access panel using a ¼” nut driver. Slide the panel to the right to release it. • Unplug the drain pump wire connector. • Use pliers to loosen the clamp securing the drain hose to the pump. • Then, pull the hose off the pump. • Use a 5/16” socket to unthread the screws mounting the drain pump. • Then, remove the old drain pump.  • Get the new drain pump. Align the mounting tab with the slot on the tub. • Rethread the screws to secure the pump. • Attach the drain hose to the pump and secure the connection using the clamp. • Plug the wire connector into the new pump. • Mount the rear access panel. Then,  reinstall the panel plugs. • Restore power to your washer. Run a test cycle to check if the new pump works.

Clogged Drain Pump Filter

For front-load washing machines like your Whirlpool Duet, the drain pump has a filter that is usually accessible in front of the unit. Its location may vary per model, so you have to check the user manual to be sure.

A drain pump has a filter that protects the part from lint, grime, and other foreign objects. If it isn’t cleaned as recommended, dirt can accumulate on the filter and restrict the flow of water out of your drum.

Solution: If your drain pump filter is located in the dispenser drawer of your Whirlpool washer, follow these steps to clean it:

• Step 1: Locate the drain pump filter on your Whirlpool washer. Refer to your user manual, if necessary.

Depending on your washer model, the drain pump filter might be located behind a small access panel in front of your washer. On other models, it can be accessed from the back of the washer or the detergent dispenser.

• Step 2: Unplug the power cord of the washer.
• Step 3: Open the dispenser drawer to access the drain pump filter. To release the drawer, push down the tab on the right side of the drawer, then pull up the tab on the left side.
• Step 4: Set a small flat container underneath the drain pump filter to collect the water. 
• Step 5: Release the drain hose from the hose clip and remove the plug to start draining the water into the container. Empty the container and repeat the process until there’s no more water left to drain.
• Step 6: Once done, replace the plug and secure the hose into the clip.
• Step 7: Place a towel underneath the drain pump filter to absorb any excess water.
• Step 8: Turn the knob on the filter in a counterclockwise direction and pull to remove the filter.
• Step 9: Remove any large clumps by hand. Rinse the filter under running water to get rid of smaller debris.
• Step 10: Insert the drain pump filter into the housing. Rotate it clockwise to secure it.
• Step 11: Insert the dispenser drawer until it snaps into place. To check if it is secure, pull out the drawer all the way and check if the rails are locked in place.

Incorrect Drain Installation

You can use a standpipe, laundry tub, or floor drain system to drain the water from your Whirlpool washer. No matter what method you choose, you must meet the necessary requirements to ensure proper drainage.

Standpipe Drain System

If you’re going to use a standpipe drain system, the standpipe must measure at least 30 inches. It should also measure no longer than 96 inches from the bottom of the washer.

More importantly, your standpipe’s carry-away capacity must not be less than 17 gallons per minute.

Solution: To install a standpipe drain system, follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe. 
• Step 2: Use the supplied drain hose clamp to keep the spout bent.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using a cable tie. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.

Laundry Tub Drain System

If you have a laundry tub, you can hook your washer’s drain hose onto the tub for draining. Make sure the tub measures at least 39 inches from the hood and no more than 72 inches.

Similar to a standpipe drain system, a laundry tub drain system requires a carry-away capacity of 72 gallons per minute. This is important for permanent installations.

Solution: To set up a laundry tub drain system, follow these steps carefully:

• Step 1: Set up the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub. 
• Step 2: Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg using the supplied cable tie.

Floor Drain System

A floor drain system requires a floor break assembly, which you can purchase separately. To promote better drainage, your siphon break must measure at least 28 inches from the bottom of the washer.

Solution: To set up a floor drain system, remove the pre-installed drain hose clamp from the hose. Insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe. 

Confirm that the siphon break is installed no less than 28” from the floor.

Faulty Drain Pump

One of the most common components that break down in a washing machine is the drain pump. If it malfunctions, there’s nothing you can do to repair it, but you can replace it to get your washer back up and running.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• 1/4” nut driver
• 5/16” socket
• New drain pump

Solution: To replace a faulty drain pump, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washing machine. Move your unit away from the wall to access the back panel.
• Step 2: Remove the 4 rear access panel plugs. 
• Step 3: Unfasten the screws securing the rear access panel using a ¼” nut driver. Slide the panel to the right to release it.
• Step 4: Unplug the drain pump wire connector.
• Step 5: Use pliers to loosen the clamp securing the drain hose to the pump. Then, pull the hose off the pump.
• Step 6: Use a 5/16” socket to unthread the screws mounting the drain pump.
• Step 7: Remove the old drain pump. 
• Step 8: Get the new drain pump. Align the mounting tab with the slot on the tub.
• Step 9: Rethread the screws to secure the pump.
• Step 10: Attach the drain hose to the pump. Secure the connection using the clamp.
• Step 11: Plug the wire connector into the new pump.
• Step 12: Realign and mount the rear access panel. Rethread the screws to secure it.
• Step 13: Reinstall the panel plugs.
• Step 14: Restore power to your washer.
• Step 15: Run a test cycle to check if the new pump works.

Frequently Asked Questions