Washer shows F09 or F9, often with water left in the drum or repeated attempts to drain.

Safety first: Unplug the washer. Be prepared for water spillage when opening any hoses or pump filters.

Step-by-step:

• Check drain system: Inspect the drain hose for kinks, clogs, or being inserted too far into the standpipe. Ensure the standpipe is not sealed airtight around the hose.
• Clean pump filter: Access the drain pump (usually behind the lower front panel). Remove and clean the filter and pump housing of debris.
• Verify standpipe height: Confirm the drain hose height meets Whirlpool specifications (typically 39–96 inches). Too low can cause siphoning and overflow conditions.
• Inspect pressure hose: Check the pressure hose from the tub to the pressure switch for blockages or leaks that could cause incorrect water level readings.
• Test drain function: After cleaning, run a drain/spin cycle with no clothes and observe the drain flow at the standpipe. A weak flow may indicate a failing pump or house drain restriction.

When to call a technician: If the washer continues to overfill or cannot drain after these checks, or if you suspect a faulty pressure switch or control board, professional diagnosis is advised.