Is a 4.5 cu ft washer large?
Yes. A 4.5 cu. ft. washer is considered large capacity, and that size is typically big enough for family-size loads and bulkier items (like comforters) when loaded correctly. For Whirlpool model WTW5105HW3, “4.5 cu. ft.” falls into the large-capacity range.
A 4.5 cu. ft. top-load washer is usually a good fit if you regularly wash:
- Mixed family loads (everyday clothes plus towels)
- Bulky bedding (comforters, blankets, mattress pads)
- Larger weekly loads to reduce the number of cycles
- Heavier items (hoodies, jeans) without overpacking
Even with a large tub, performance depends on loading and cycle choice:
- Load loosely; don’t pack items down
- Keep items below the top rim so the load can circulate
- Balance bulky items (wash one comforter with a few towels, not alone)
- Use the correct water level or auto-sensing option for the load
- If you see poor cleaning or tangling, reduce load size slightly
| Washer capacity | Common label | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 to 4.4 cu. ft. | Standard | Couples, smaller households |
| 4.5 to 5.0 cu. ft. | Large | Families, bulky items |
| 5.1 cu. ft. and up | Extra-large | Very large households, frequent bedding |
Choosing the right capacity helps prevent overloading, which can lead to poor cleaning, out-of-balance spinning, and extra wear on drive components over time.
If you’re comparing capacity because your washer struggles to spin or agitate with larger loads, our washer slow or no agitation or spinning guide can help you narrow down whether it’s a loading issue or a repair symptom.
Last updated: January 2026
Is wtw5105hw discontinued?
Yes, Whirlpool model WTW5105HW is discontinued. For your specific washer model WTW5105HW3, discontinuation of the entire appliance cannot be confirmed from model-specific information alone; however, we still list compatible replacement parts for WTW5105HW3, which typically means you can continue repairing and maintaining it.
WTW5105HW is a model family name you may see in stores, while WTW5105HW3 is a specific revision/version. A family model can be discontinued while certain revisions still have parts support.
- WTW5105HW: base/family identifier used in listings
- WTW5105HW3: exact version used to match correct Whirlpool washer parts
- Parts compatibility is determined by the full model number, not just the family name
If your goal is to keep the washer running, focus on the symptom and match the part to WTW5105HW3.
- For no-spin, squealing, or burning-rubber smells, check the washer drive belt WPW10006384
- For drain problems (won’t drain, drains slowly, or leaves water in the tub), check the pump assembly, drain W11399437
- For lid won’t lock, won’t start, or stops mid-cycle, check the lid lock-sol W11700916
- For agitation or shifting issues, check the actuator, shift W11481722
| Situation | What it usually means for you | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance model is discontinued | New units may be hard to buy | Repair with compatible parts |
| Parts still listed for the model | Ongoing serviceability | Match parts to WTW5105HW3 |
| Parts are limited/backordered | Repairs may take longer | Identify the exact failed component |
If you use only “WTW5105HW” when searching, you can end up with a part that does not fit your exact Whirlpool washer revision. Using WTW5105HW3 helps ensure the right belt, drain pump, lid lock, or shifter is selected.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with Whirlpool washers?
The most common Whirlpool washer problems (including Whirlpool model WTW5105HW3) are “won’t drain” and “won’t spin” symptoms. In many cases, the root cause is a draining restriction, a lid lock issue, or a drive system problem such as a worn belt or a shifting fault.
- Won’t drain / leaves water in the tub: clogged drain path, failing drain pump, kinked drain hose
- Won’t spin / clothes still wet: out-of-balance load, lid lock not engaging, belt or drive pulley slipping
- Loud banging or shaking: unlevel washer, overloaded tub, worn suspension/dampers
- Grinding or rubbing noise: drive components, basket/tub wear, foreign object
- Leaks: loose fill hoses, cracked drain hose, tub-to-pump hose seepage
- Unplug the washer for 1 minute, then retry a Drain/Spin cycle.
- Redistribute the load (especially bulky items) and confirm the washer is level.
- Check the standpipe for a slow drain and make sure the drain hose is not kinked.
- Inspect fill hoses for seepage and tighten connections.
- If you have an error code, use Whirlpool belt drive top load washer error codes to narrow the failure.
If basic checks do not help, these model-compatible parts are common solutions:
| Symptom | Part to inspect | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain / humming | Pump assembly, drain W11399437 | Pumps water out during drain and spin |
| Won’t spin / lid won’t lock | Lid lock-sol W11700916 | Allows the control to run spin safely |
| Spins weakly / burning rubber smell | Washer drive belt WPW10006384 | Transfers motor power to the drive |
| Agitates but won’t shift to spin | Actuator, shift W11481722 | Shifts between agitation and spin |
Drain and spin problems are the most disruptive because they leave clothes soaking wet and can trigger repeated cycle stops. Catching a weak drain pump, slipping belt, or failing lid lock early helps prevent bigger drive-system wear and reduces leaks and vibration.
Last updated: January 2026





