Whirlpool Washer Error Code F11

Whirlpool Washer Error Code F11 — What It Means

The Whirlpool F11 code typically indicates a long-drain condition: the washer is not emptying water within the expected time. When the machine detects that water remains in the tub past the normal drain interval it will pause the cycle and display F11. This can occur because of a clogged pump or hose, a failing drain pump motor, restricted plumbing, or an electrical/control problem that prevents the pump from running. Common user impacts include clothes left soaking at the end of a cycle, canceled or paused wash cycles, musty odors from standing water, longer laundry times, potential water overflow if the problem worsens, and — in rare cases — electrical faults if wiring or the control board is damaged.

Common causes

• Clogged drain pump filter or coin trap (debris, lint, small objects)
• Blocked, kinked, or improperly installed drain hose
• Failed or failing drain pump motor (mechanical or electrical failure)
• Obstruction in the tub-to-pump passage or foreign object stuck in impeller
• Faulty drain pump capacitor or relay on the control board
• Wiring harness damage or loose electrical connections to the pump
• Control board (PCB) failure or incorrect pump control signals
• Excessive load or imbalance preventing proper pump operation
• Plumbing or standpipe issues (house drain is clogged or too high)

Troubleshooting steps

1. Safety first — unplug the washer and shut off the water supply before you start inspecting anything.
2. Clear obvious obstructions: check the pump filter or coin trap (if your model has one) and remove lint, coins, or small garments that may be blocking flow.
3. Inspect the drain hose: look for kinks, sharp bends, clogs, or crimped sections. Remove and blow through the hose or run water through it to confirm flow.
4. Check the house plumbing: ensure the standpipe isn’t clogged and that the drain height follows Whirlpool recommendations (usually 39″–96″ from floor; check your manual).
5. Run a drain/spin cycle: after clearing debris and reconnecting power, select a drain/spin or drain-only option to test whether the pump evacuates water.
6. Listen for the pump: during a drain test you should hear the pump motor. If it’s silent, humming, or making grinding noises, the pump may be jammed or failed.
7. Remove and inspect the drain pump: check the impeller for obstruction and spin it by hand (with power off). If stiff or seized, the pump likely needs replacement.
8. Test pump electrical continuity: use a multimeter to measure resistance across the pump motor terminals. Compare to your model’s service spec; an open circuit indicates a failed pump.
9. Inspect wiring and connectors: look for burned, corroded, or disconnected wires between the pump and control board. Repair or reseat connectors as needed.
10. Reset the washer: sometimes a control error can be cleared by unplugging the machine for 1–5 minutes, then reconnecting and trying a cycle.
11. Check for control board faults: if the pump has power but does not run, and the pump checks okay electrically, the main control board or pump relay may be defective.
12. If unsure, capture error history or run diagnostic mode (refer to your model’s tech sheet) and contact a qualified service technician with the results.

Maintenance / Prevention Tips

• Clean the pump filter/coin trap monthly (if present) to remove lint and debris.
• Inspect and straighten the drain hose periodically to prevent kinks.
• Run a maintenance wash (hot cycle with washer cleaner) monthly to remove residue that can clog drains.
• Use HE detergent in recommended amounts to reduce suds that can impede draining.
• Empty pockets and use mesh bags for small items (socks, coins, hairpins) to keep them from entering the drain system.
• Keep the washer level — an unbalanced machine can hamper proper pumping and spinning.
• Avoid overloading the washer; large, heavy loads make it harder for the pump to clear water.
• Secure hose clamps and connections to prevent leaks and poor drainage.
• Inspect the standpipe and home plumbing for slow drainage; a clogged home drain can look like an appliance fault.
• Replace aged or brittle drain hoses every 5–7 years to avoid collapse or kinking.
• Listen for unusual noises during drain cycles and investigate promptly rather than letting small problems grow.
• Keep the area around the washer free of lint buildup and debris that can be drawn into vents or hoses.
• Schedule periodic professional maintenance if you run the washer heavily (multi-family homes, rental units).

FAQs

Conclusion & Safety Notice

Your safety is important. Always disconnect power and water before inspecting or servicing internal components. If troubleshooting steps above do not resolve F11, or if you find damaged wiring, a seized pump, or control board issues, stop and contact a qualified appliance repair technician. Attempting complex electrical repairs without the right tools and knowledge can cause injury or further damage to the machine.

If you’re comfortable doing simple checks (clearing the filter, checking the hose), take those first steps. For pump replacement, wiring faults, or control board diagnosis, it’s best to call a professional to ensure the repair is done safely and correctly.