Roper Top Load Washer: Manually Draining Water (No Pump)... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

Roper top load washers use a Main Control Unit (MCU) to manage the wash cycles, including the drain cycle. The MCU sends 120V AC to the drain pump motor when the water level sensor indicates the tub needs to be emptied. A faulty sensor or wiring issue can prevent the pump from receiving power, or the pump itself can fail. The MCU monitors the pump's current draw and may shut down the cycle if it detects a problem.

Symptoms:

The washer is full of water, and the drain pump is not working. The washer may be displaying an error code related to draining or the pump. You may hear a humming noise from the pump area, indicating it is trying to operate but is blocked.

Possible Causes:

Clogged drain pump filter
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Failed drain pump motor
Faulty water level sensor
Control board malfunction

Solution:

1

Disconnect the washer from the power outlet. Unplug the power cord.
2

Locate the drain hose. It's usually at the back of the machine.
3

Place a shallow pan or towels on the floor near the drain hose connection.
4

Carefully detach the drain hose from the drain standpipe or sink drain.
5

Lower the drain hose into the pan to allow water to drain out by gravity. You may need to gently agitate the tub to start the flow. Be prepared for a large volume of water.
6

If the drain hose is clogged, try using a garden hose to flush out any debris. Reconnect the drain hose.
7

Once the washer is empty, inspect the drain pump filter (if accessible) for obstructions. Clean the filter if necessary.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect the power before working on any appliance. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be followed. High voltage components are present inside the control panel.

Prevention:

Regularly check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Clean the drain pump filter every 6 months, or more frequently if you wash items that produce a lot of lint. Avoid overloading the washer, as this can strain the drain pump.

Expert Tip:

Some Roper washers have a diagnostic mode. Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 3 seconds, then rapidly rotate the cycle selector knob three clicks clockwise, then one click counter-clockwise, then one click clockwise. This may display error codes to help pinpoint the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I access the drain pump filter on my Roper washer?

The drain pump filter is usually located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the washer. You may need a flathead screwdriver to open the panel. Be sure to have a towel ready, as some water may spill out.

•How can I test the drain pump motor with a multimeter?

After disconnecting power, locate the drain pump motor connector. Use a multimeter set to ohms to check the resistance across the motor terminals. A reading of infinity or zero indicates a faulty motor. The typical reading should be between 5-20 ohms.

•What voltage should I expect to see at the drain pump when it's supposed to be running?

You should expect to see 120V AC at the drain pump connector when the control board is signaling the pump to run. Use a multimeter set to AC voltage to measure the voltage across the connector terminals. If there's no voltage, the problem lies with the control board, wiring, or water level sensor.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I access the drain pump filter on my Roper washer?

•How can I test the drain pump motor with a multimeter?

•What voltage should I expect to see at the drain pump when it's supposed to be running?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: