How to hard reset a Kenmore 11028042700 washer?
To hard reset your Kenmore Elite 11028042700 washer, unplug it (or turn off the breaker) for about 1 minute, then restore power. This clears the control and lets you restart a cycle; use the STOP and POWER buttons to cancel or restart per the owner's manual.
Quick hard reset steps (power reset)
- Press POWER to turn the washer off.
- Unplug the washer (or switch the laundry circuit breaker off).
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug back in (or turn the breaker on).
- Press POWER, choose a cycle, then press START.
If you need to cancel a cycle and start over
On model 11028042700, the control panel buttons are the correct way to “reset” a running cycle.
- Press STOP twice to cancel the cycle and drain the washer.
- Press POWER.
- Select the new cycle, Modifiers, and Options.
- Press START.
What the buttons do (common reset actions)
| What you want to do | What to press | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Pause to add items | STOP once | Wait for Lid Lock light to turn off, then open lid |
| Cancel and drain | STOP twice (or POWER once) | Washer drains; cycle ends |
| Drain and spin only | STOP twice, POWER, DRAIN & SPIN, START | Spins, then lid unlocks |
Why it matters
A power reset clears a “stuck” control, but it does not fix underlying issues like slow filling, draining problems, or a lid that will not lock. If the washer is acting up during a cycle, using STOP and POWER resets the cycle safely and prevents repeated interruptions.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore washer?
Most Kenmore washers last 10 to 15 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. For your Kenmore Elite 11028042700, regular washer care (cleaning, proper loading, and keeping the unit level) is the biggest factor in reaching the high end of that range.
Typical lifespan and what changes it
A washer’s life is mainly driven by load size, cycle frequency, and how well the drive and tub system stay protected from vibration and leaks.
- Normal household use: 10 to 15 years
- Heavy use (large family, daily loads): closer to 8 to 12 years
- Light use (few loads per week): often 12 to 15 years
- Poor leveling or chronic overloading: shortens life quickly due to suspension and bearing wear
Maintenance that extends washer life
We recommend following the care steps in the owner's manual. Focus on the items below because they prevent the most common long-term failures (leaks, vibration damage, and drain problems).
- Keep the washer level to reduce tub and bearing stress
- Avoid overloading; it strains the drive system and suspension
- Run periodic cleaning cycles and wipe the lid and tub dry
- Inspect water inlet hoses for bulges, cracking, or seepage
- Address unusual noise or shaking early (it often points to suspension or bearing wear)
Parts that commonly affect longevity
If performance issues show up, these parts are frequent wear items on washers and are often involved in “repair vs. replace” decisions.
| Symptom | Common system involved | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain, water left in tub | Drain system | Pump-water W10536347 |
| Lid won’t lock or cycle won’t start | Lid lock system | Washer lid lock WPW10619844 |
| Excessive shaking or banging | Suspension/tub support | Suspension W10820048 |
Why it matters
Knowing the typical 10 to 15 year lifespan helps you plan: if your 11028042700 is already in that window, fixing a drain pump or lid lock can still be worthwhile, but repeated tub, bearing, or vibration-related repairs usually signal end-of-life.
Last updated: February 2026
How to force a Kenmore 11028042700 washer to drain?
To force your Kenmore Elite washer model 11028042700 to drain, cancel the current cycle and run Drain & Spin. On this model, we do that by pressing STOP twice (to cancel and drain), then selecting DRAIN & SPIN and pressing START; the lid unlocks after the spin finishes (see the owner's manual).
Fast steps to drain (control panel method)
- Press STOP twice to cancel the cycle and start draining.
- Press POWER.
- Select DRAIN & SPIN.
- Press START.
- Wait for the cycle to finish; the Lid Lock light turns off and the lid unlocks.
If it still will not drain
A drain problem is usually a kinked hose, a blocked drain path, or a failing drain pump.
- Check the household standpipe or laundry tub for a clog or slow drain.
- Inspect the washer drain hose for kinks, crushing, or a pinched section behind the cabinet.
- Confirm the drain hose is installed with the correct hose form and air gap so water can flow out freely (see the installation guide).
- If you hear the pump humming but water does not move, the pump may be jammed or worn.
- If the washer will not start Drain & Spin and the lid will not lock, a lid lock issue can prevent draining.
Parts that commonly relate to “won’t drain” symptoms
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain, water stays in tub | Drain pump or blockage | Pump-water W10536347 |
| Won’t start Drain & Spin, lid won’t lock | Lid lock system | Washer lid lock WPW10619844 |
| Drains slowly or backs up | Drain hose routing or home drain | (Verify hose form and standpipe setup) |
Why it matters
Forcing a drain the right way protects the motor and control from overload, prevents leaks during troubleshooting, and helps you confirm whether the issue is a control-cycle problem or a true drain-path/pump problem.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore washing machine?
Yes; a Kenmore Elite washer like model 11028042700 is usually worth repairing when the fix restores safe, reliable operation for less than the cost of replacing the washer, especially for common failures such as draining problems, lid lock issues, or out-of-balance suspension. Use the owner's manual to match symptoms to troubleshooting steps before buying parts.
Quick way to decide
We use these practical checkpoints to decide whether repair makes sense:
- The washer is under 10 to 12 years old and the cabinet and tub are in good shape
- The problem is isolated (won’t drain, won’t lock, won’t fill, excessive vibration)
- The repair is a single-part or small-parts job (pump, valve, lid lock, hose, clamp)
- There is no repeated leaking from the outer tub area
- The repair cost is clearly below replacement cost (parts plus labor, if you hire it)
Common repairs on model 11028042700 that are often worth it
These are typical “high-impact” fixes that can bring performance back quickly:
- Drain won’t pump out: check the pump-water W10536347
- Lid won’t lock or cycle won’t start: check the washer lid lock WPW10619844
- Won’t fill or fills incorrectly: check the valve W10364988 and inlet screens
- Excessive shaking or “walking”: inspect the suspension W10820048
- Spin issues tied to drive components: inspect the hub W10820039
Repair vs. replace: simple comparison
| Situation | Usually do this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One clear failure (pump, lid lock, valve) | Repair | Predictable fix and cost |
| Chronic out-of-balance with worn supports | Repair | Suspension parts often restore stability |
| Multiple major failures at once | Compare totals | Costs can stack up quickly |
| Tub or bearing area is loud and worsening | Price it carefully | Larger tear-down, more labor |
Why it matters
A targeted repair can extend the life of your Kenmore washer and prevent secondary damage (for example, a weak drain pump can leave water behind, and a failed lid lock can stop cycles mid-wash). The troubleshooting section in the owner's manual helps you confirm the failure before you commit to parts.
Last updated: February 2026





