How To Fix Slow Cycle Time For Whirlpool Duet Washers

My wife and I love our front-loading Whirlpool Duet washer/dryer.

Unfortunately, we started noticing that our washer was taking longer and longer to run as the time went on.

For example, tt should only take about 45 minutes to run a normal cycle but it was taking over 1.5 hours! To boot, the clothes didn’t quite smell clean either.

PROBLEM

Prolonged wash cycle time for 2+ year old Whirlpool washing machine ( model # GHW9400SU0 )

Solution

Simple internet search pointed to a clogged drain pump cap as the possible culprit. Whirlpool wanted to send a technician out for $175 so I decided to take it apart myself to find out what was going on inside.

Applicability

Most Whirlpool Duet washers (GHW9400)

Required Tools and Materials

• Owner’s Manual – don’t have one? Download a Whirlpool Duet Washers GHW9400 manual here (external link to Whirlpool)
• Socket, Ratchet, Socket extender
• Torx Bits – if you don’t own a set, I highly recommend the Anytime Tools 100+1 Piece Tamper Proof/security Screwdriver Bits and 1/4″ Reversible Ratchet Screwdriver Handle. I purchased Neiko 100-Piece Security Bits Set with Hard Storage Case because I already owned a ratchet screwdriver but it ended up breaking about a week after I got the bits. Lesson learned? You can’t have too many ratchet screwdrivers!!
• Ratchet Screwdriver – Any will do but I recommend a very sturdy with thick shaft – Klein Tools 32500 11-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut Driver with Cushion Grip) and
• Lots of towels
• Adjustable pliers (it looks like this ChannelLock)
• One, large plastic bag

step-by-step guide

1. Using a torx ratchet or screwdriver, carefully remove the bottom two nuts from the access panel;
2. There is a service manual taped on the bottom; carefully remove it and set it aside; if you don’t see one, you can download a copy by (clicking here)





3. Open up the plastic bag and position it under the drain cap (drain pump assembly will have approximately a cup of residual water inside);
4. Place few towels inside and outside the plastic bag;
5. Using the adjustable pliers, twist the drain cap counter-clockwise; this tool is needed to initially “break” the seal; the drain cap can be removed by hand afterwards
TIP: Be ready with extra rags to catch water and DO NOT unscrew the cap all the way yet! Unscrew the cap 1/2 turn, let the water trickle out, catch it with your rags, then repeat the cycle







6. Clean off all the debris;
7. Use some Clorox wipes to get the gunk off;
8. Clean around the drain cap and threads to ensure that they will mate properly without leaking;





9. Re-install the drain cap, using adjustable pliers to tighten the final quarter turn (do not over tighten)
10. Remove the wet towels and plastic bag and dry off the area;
11. Lay down 3 or 4 sheets of paper towels underneath the cap assembly;
12. Run a normal cycle and observe the papertowel to see if there is any leak (if there is a leak, repeat from Stepa #8-11);
13. Reinstall the access panel.

Final Words

I ran a normal cycle to wash out any small debris and was satisfied to see that my cycle time went back down to 45 minutes.

There is no way to avoid this from happening (well, I guess I can empty out my pockets before dumping the clothes into the washer 🙂 ) so I just need to check on this cap every month or so as a preventative step.

Please let me know if something is unclear and I will try my best to answer your questions.

Good luck and thanks for reading!

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