How to force a Kenmore Elite washer to drain?
To force your Kenmore Elite washer model 11028087700 to drain, cancel the cycle and run the built-in drain and spin routine: press STOP twice, press POWER, select RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN, press 2nd Rinse, then press START (the lid unlocks after the spin completes). See the steps in the 11028087700 owner's manual.
Fast drain steps (control panel method)
- Press STOP twice to cancel the current cycle and start draining.
- Press POWER.
- Select RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN.
- Press 2nd Rinse.
- Press START.
- Wait for the cycle to finish; the Lid Lock light turns off and the lid unlocks.
If it still will not drain
These checks solve most “won’t drain” complaints on this Kenmore top-load platform.
- Make sure the drain hose is not kinked, crushed, or pinched behind the washer.
- Confirm the standpipe or laundry tub has an air gap; do not seal the hose tightly into the pipe.
- Verify the drain hose is not shoved too far down the standpipe (this can cause siphoning or slow drain).
- Check for a clog in the household drain (standpipe or laundry tub) before assuming a washer failure.
- If you hear the pump humming but water barely moves, the drain pump or hose path is typically restricted.
Quick symptom guide
| What you notice | Most common cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No pump sound at all | Lid not locking or control not starting drain | Run the drain routine again and watch Lid Lock |
| Pump hums, little or no water exits | Clog in pump or hose path | Inspect hose routing; consider replacing the water pump W10536347 |
| Drains slowly, then stops | Partial blockage or standpipe issue | Clear standpipe; recheck hose depth and air gap |
Why it matters
A washer that cannot drain will not spin correctly, leaving clothes soaking wet and putting extra strain on the drive system. Getting the drain routine working first helps you separate a simple hose or drain issue from a failing drain pump.
Last updated: January 2026
How to do a hard reset on a Kenmore washer?
For the Kenmore Elite washer model 11028087700, a hard reset is simple: unplug the washer (or switch off the breaker) for 2 minutes, restore power, then press POWER and start a cycle. This clears many temporary control glitches without changing your settings.
Hard reset steps (recommended first)
- Press POWER to turn the washer off.
- Unplug the washer (or turn the breaker off).
- Wait 2 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Press POWER.
- Select a cycle and press START.
- If the washer was paused, press STOP once, then START to resume.
- If you need to cancel a cycle completely, press STOP twice; the washer drains. (This is a control reset for the current cycle.)
- If the lid is locked, wait for the Lid Lock light to turn off before opening.
Control reset for a stuck cycle or locked-in selection
If the washer is unresponsive during a cycle, use the built-in cancel procedure:
- Press STOP twice to cancel the cycle and drain the tub.
- Press POWER.
- Re-select the wash cycle, modifiers, and options.
- Press START.
This matches the normal cycle-change process described in the 11028087700 owner's manual.
What a hard reset fixes (and what it does not)
| Symptom | Hard reset helps? | What usually fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Display or buttons acting “frozen” | Yes | Power reset, then POWER + START |
| Cycle will not restart after pause | Often | STOP once, then START |
| Washer will not drain/spin | Sometimes | RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN; check drain system |
| Lid will not lock/unlock | Sometimes | Power reset; inspect lid lock |
If the problem comes back right away
A repeating issue usually points to a failing component, not the control needing a reset.
Check these common causes:
- Lid will not lock: inspect the washer lid lock WPW10619844.
- Won’t drain or stops mid-cycle: check the water pump W10536347 and drain path.
- Out-of-balance or banging: inspect the washer suspension W10820048.
- Spin issues or unusual motor behavior: drive system components like the rotor/stator can be involved.
Why it matters
Resetting the control is the fastest way to clear a temporary glitch, but using STOP and POWER correctly also prevents repeated interruptions that can leave water in the tub or keep the lid locked.
Last updated: January 2026
Is Kenmore Elite high end?
Yes. Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium appliance line; it’s positioned above standard Kenmore models and is built around higher-end features, stronger performance, and upgraded fit and finish. For your Kenmore Elite washer model 11028087700, that typically means more cycle options and durability-focused design.
What “high end” means for Kenmore Elite washers
Kenmore Elite washers are generally considered high end because they focus on a better ownership experience, not just basic wash and spin.
- More specialized wash cycles and options for different fabric types
- Better vibration control and smoother operation (when properly leveled)
- Higher-efficiency cleaning with the correct HE detergent
- More robust components in key wear areas (drive, suspension, lid/lock systems)
- Longer-term serviceability with replaceable parts
How to confirm what your specific model includes
The fastest way to verify the exact features, cycles, and care recommendations for model 11028087700 is to use the 11028087700 owner’s manual. It covers operation, cycle selection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Quick check: premium features you can look for
| Feature area | What you may see on Elite models | Why it’s “high end” |
|---|---|---|
| Cycles/options | More cycle choices and modifiers | Better fabric care and flexibility |
| Efficiency | Lower water use with proper detergent | Lower operating cost over time |
| Build/service | More replaceable assemblies | Easier repairs vs. replacing the washer |
Why it matters
If you are comparing repair vs. replace, “high end” usually means the washer is worth maintaining longer. Common repairs (like a lid lock or drain pump) can restore performance without replacing the whole unit.
If you’re troubleshooting a no-start or won’t-drain issue, these model-matched parts are often involved:
Last updated: January 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore Elite washer?
The cubic-foot capacity for your Kenmore Elite washer model 11028087700 is listed in the product specifications for this model; the quickest way to confirm it is to check the 11028087700 owner's manual. For front-load washers, capacity is typically shown as “cu. ft.” or “drum volume.”
Where to find the capacity for model 11028087700
In the 11028087700 owner's manual, check these common locations:
- Specifications or Product dimensions section
- Features section (sometimes lists “capacity” or “drum size”)
- A table that lists electrical, water, and installation requirements along with key specs
Typical capacity range (front-load washers)
If you are comparing models or planning load sizes, most Kenmore-style front-load washers are commonly in this range:
- 3.5 to 4.5 cu. ft. for standard-size front-load units
- Larger “extra capacity” front-load units can be higher
- Compact front-load units are typically lower
| Washer type | Typical capacity (cu. ft.) | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Compact front-load | 2.0 to 2.8 | Small households, tight spaces |
| Standard front-load | 3.5 to 4.5 | Everyday family laundry |
| Large front-load | 4.6+ | Bulky loads, fewer loads per week |
A practical way to use capacity (without measuring the drum)
Front-load drums are not easy to measure accurately at home, so we recommend using capacity to guide loading:
- Load items loosely; do not pack them down
- Fill the drum to about 3/4 full for cottons and mixed loads
- Wash bulky items (comforters, jackets) one at a time when possible
- If the washer bangs or walks, reduce load size and check leveling
Why it matters
Using the right load size helps prevent out-of-balance spinning, reduces vibration, and lowers wear on moving parts such as the washer suspension W10820048.
Last updated: January 2026





