What is the most common problem with Whirlpool washers?
The most common Whirlpool washer problems are not draining, not spinning/agitating, and leaking. On the Whirlpool WTW5100HC2, these symptoms usually trace back to the drain path, lid lock system, water inlet system, or drive components; our WTW5100HC2 owner's manual covers key care and setup checks that prevent many of these issues.
Most common symptoms and what typically causes them
- Washer will not drain: kinked/clogged drain hose, restricted standpipe, or a failing drain pump
- Washer will not spin or stops mid-cycle: lid lock not engaging, unbalanced load, or a shift/drive issue
- Washer leaks: loose inlet hose connections, worn hoses, or over-sudsing
- Washer will not fill: water supply valves off, clogged inlet screens, or a failing inlet valve
- Loud noise or burning smell: drive pulley or motor load issues
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Power and safety: Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet; do not use an extension cord.
- Drain setup: Make sure the drain hose is not kinked and the drain system is not backing up.
- Water supply: Confirm both faucets are fully open; check for restricted inlet flow.
- Load balance: Redistribute bulky items; an unbalanced load can prevent a full spin.
- Routine care: Run the washer’s Clean Washer cycle as directed and leave the lid open after to dry the interior.
Common parts that match these problems on WTW5100HC2
| Symptom | Likely system | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain / water left in tub | Drain system | Pump assembly, drain W11399437 |
| Won’t fill / fills slowly | Water inlet | Washer water inlet valve W11165546 |
| Won’t start or won’t spin because lid won’t lock | Lid lock | Lid lock-sol W11700916 |
| Grinding, squealing, poor agitation/spin | Drive system | Whirlpool washer drive pulley W10721967 |
Why it matters
Drain, spin, and leak problems are the most common because they are the most sensitive to installation (hose routing, leveling), load conditions (overloading, imbalance), and normal wear on high-use parts like pumps, valves, and lid locks. Fixing the root cause prevents repeat failures and protects the motor and control.
Ordering the right replacement part
We recommend matching parts by the full model number WTW5100HC2 and confirming the symptom first (drain vs. fill vs. lid lock). You can order model-matched parts from the list for this washer, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it safe to use a washer with an E2 error?
Using your Whirlpool WTW5100HC2 washer while it’s showing an E2-type error is not safe; the washer is signaling a condition that can stop normal operation and continuing to run it can lead to poor draining, no spin, or repeated shutdowns. Unplug the washer and follow the checks in the WTW5100HC2 owner's manual before running another cycle.
What to do right away
- Press Cancel/Drain (if the controls respond) and wait for the tub to stop moving.
- Unplug the washer for 1 minute to reset the control.
- Turn off both water faucets if the washer is overfilling or you see any leaking.
- Check that the washer is level; an unlevel cabinet can trigger abnormal operation.
- Run a short Rinse/Spin test cycle after checks, with the tub empty.
Most common causes on a top-load Whirlpool washer
E2 is often tied to a condition the control does not like (lid lock, draining, or load sensing). On the WTW5100HC2, these are the most common real-world causes to rule out first:
| Symptom you notice | Likely area to check | Part that commonly fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start or stops when trying to spin | Lid not locking or lid strike not engaging | Lid lock-sol W11700916 or washer lid strike W11457841 |
| Water stays in tub, won’t drain | Drain path restriction or weak drain pump | Pump assembly, drain W11399437 |
| Fills slowly or won’t fill correctly | Inlet screens clogged or inlet valve issue | Washer water inlet valve W11165546 |
Quick checks that prevent repeat errors
- Make sure the lid closes firmly and nothing is caught between lid and rim.
- Verify the drain hose is not kinked or shoved too far down the standpipe; use the routing guidance in the manual.
- Confirm the washer is plugged into a grounded 3-prong outlet (no extension cord).
- If the washer was recently installed or moved, confirm all shipping/packing materials were removed.
Why it matters
An E2 condition is the washer’s way of protecting the drive system and preventing unsafe operation. Stopping the cycle and correcting the underlying issue helps avoid repeated no-spin/no-drain events and reduces strain on the motor, actuator, and control.
You can order model-correct replacement parts for WTW5100HC2 from the parts list for this washer, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to clean the drain filter on a Whirlpool top load washing machine?
On the Whirlpool WTW5100HC2 top-load washer, the “drain filter” most people refer to is usually the inlet hose screen filters at the back of the washer. We shut off water, remove the hoses, gently clean the screens, then reconnect and check for leaks; see the WTW5100HC2 owner's manual.
Before you start
- Unplug the washer or switch off power at the breaker.
- Turn off both hot and cold water faucets.
- Keep a towel and shallow pan ready for hose water.
- Use a soft brush (toothbrush) and a flashlight.
- Do not use sharp tools that can tear the screens.
Steps to clean the inlet screen filters (back of washer)
- Shut off both water faucets.
- Unscrew the hot and cold inlet hoses from the washer.
- Look into the inlet ports; the small screen filters sit inside.
- Gently brush off debris and mineral scale; rinse hose washers.
- Reconnect hoses hand-tight, then snug about 2/3 turn with pliers.
- Turn water back on and check for drips.
If the washer will not drain (different issue)
A no-drain problem is usually a restriction in the drain path or a failing drain pump.
| Symptom | Likely cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Slow drain | Partial blockage | Drain hose routing, standpipe setup |
| Pump hums, no drain | Jammed pump/impeller | Debris in pump area |
| Loud or leaking pump | Worn pump | Pump housing and seals |
Parts commonly involved in drain problems
Why it matters
Clean inlet screens help the washer fill at the correct rate, preventing long fill times and cycle interruptions. Proper drain hose setup and a clear pump path help the WTW5100HC2 drain and spin normally.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the capacity of the Whirlpool washer model WTW5100HC2?
The Whirlpool washer model WTW5100HC2 has a 4.8 cu. ft. capacity. This is the wash basket volume used to describe how much laundry the tub is designed to handle in a typical load; use it to compare washer sizes and plan load amounts.
How to use the 4.8 cu. ft. capacity day to day
- Load items loosely so they can circulate; don’t pack the basket tight.
- For bulky items (comforters, jackets), choose a bulky/bedding-type cycle if available.
- Use HE detergent and measure carefully; too much detergent can reduce rinsing.
- If the washer senses an unbalanced load, pause and redistribute items evenly.
Where to confirm specs and load guidance
Your model’s cycle chart and loading recommendations are in the WTW5100HC2 owner's manual. That’s the best place to match capacity with the correct cycle, water level behavior, and fabric care guidance for this Whirlpool top-load washer.
Quick comparison: what 4.8 cu. ft. means
| Capacity class | Typical range (cu. ft.) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Compact top load | 3.0 to 3.8 | Small loads, tight spaces |
| Standard HE top load | 4.0 to 5.3 | Most households, mixed loads |
| Large-capacity top load | 5.4+ | Frequent bulky bedding |
Why it matters
Using the correct load size for a 4.8 cu. ft. washer helps cleaning performance, reduces out-of-balance spinning, and lowers wear on drive and drain components.
If you are troubleshooting issues that feel like “capacity” problems (not filling enough, not draining, not spinning), common related parts for this model include the washer water inlet valve W11165546 and the pump assembly, drain W11399437. You can order parts from the list for WTW5100HC2, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026


