Understand this:

When the control board detects draining complications, your Whirlpool washer will display an E1/F9 code. And from my experience repairing washers, I suspect a defective drainage component or consistent usage mistake. 

In any case:

I will highlight specific causes and effective troubleshooting steps to repair them. I have also asked Harry Thompson, an experienced appliance technician from Texas, to give his expert opinion on the issue.

So, let’s begin!

How to Resolve E1/F9 Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

We have established that the E1/F9 codes indicate a draining malfunction. As such, you must check the drain hose, pump, and pump filter for clogs and clean them thoroughly. Also, ensure you use the recommended detergent for your washer in the required proportion.

Next:

I will review these possible causes and outline effective troubleshooting steps to resolve them. So, grab your safety gear and unplug the washer; let us tackle this challenge together. 

4 Common Reasons & Troubleshooting Steps for E1/F9 Whirlpool Error Codes

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Drain hose	$10 – $80
Drain pump filter	$15 – $70
Drain pump	$30 – $350

1. Detergent Usage Error

Look:

I’ve learned from repairing appliance malfunctions that many defects usually boil down to usage errors. There would always be one or more manufacturer specifications users tend to underestimate and ignore. 

Now:

If you’re lucky, it goes without consequence. However, ignoring the recommended detergent type for your Whirlpool washer has significant repercussions. 

Here’s the thing:

Whirlpool recommends using High Efficiency (HE) detergent because non-HE detergent creates excess suds and leaves a film residue which could impair drainage. 

Further, you must use the detergent in the recommended proportion based on the size of your load and how clean the clothes are. 

Harry adds:

“Correcting this error will also involve regular cleaning to eliminate the residue build-up and avoid further draining issues.”

So:

Before tearing apart your machine to resolve the E1/F9 error code, be sure you have followed Whirlpool’s guidelines concerning detergent use. 

A quick sweep through your user manual will show you everything you need to know about the subject. 

2. Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose

Part	Drain hose
Location	It is connected to the drain pipe and pump at the back of the Whirlpool washer.
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Cost	$10 – $80
Repairable	Yes – If it is clogged or kinked No – If it is damaged

Listen:

This Reddit user’s front load washer displayed the E1/F9 error code, and even after cleaning the pump, the issue persisted. Another user suggested a kinked hose, and I could not agree more.

You see:

More often than not, for E1/F9 error codes, you will find a kinked or clogged drain hose is your culprit. 

Also, if the hose is improperly installed, your washer could be draining and siphoning water back in simultaneously. 

To troubleshoot this issue:

Whirlpool recommends that the drain height be between 36 and 96 inches.

Harry asserts, “Be sure to move your washer away from the wall to give it enough room to sit without bending or kinking.“

In addition:

For a clogged pipe, flush out all the debris and foreign objects blocking the hose from draining with warm water and white vinegar.

Remember to examine the hose and replace it if damaged.

3. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

Part	Drain pump filter
Location	It is located at the bottom of the front access panel of the Whirlpool washer, close to the drain pump.
Ease of troubleshooting	Easy
Cost	$15 – $70
Repairable	Yes – if it is clogged No – If it is damaged

Get this:

If the drain hose was not the culprit, you should begin to pay attention to your Whirlpool washer’s drain pump filter. This filter is designed to trap foreign objects and prevent them from entering the drain pump. 

But:

With time, the debris accumulates, causing an obstruction that hinders the flow of drainage water.

Because of this, the washer takes longer to drain, and after 8 minutes without resetting the water sensor, the F9/E1 error code will show up.

Now:

A Simply Swider Appliance Repair Community member complained about his Whirlpool Duet WFW70HEBW0 displaying F9/E1 error codes. 

He was perplexed after unclogging the drain hose and using the required detergent to no avail. 

To this end:

I figured the drain pump filter could be clogged and suggested a deep cleanse. And when he accessed the filter, it was almost completely congested with clumped hair, cloth fibers, and loose change.  

Thankfully:

After cleaning the drain pump with soap and water, his washer drained normally, and the error codes were cleared.

Keep in mind that the filter should be rinsed and dried completely before returning it to the washer and reassembling it.

Harry adds:

“Frequently clearing out your drain pump filter will prevent accumulations that are detrimental to the optimal functioning of the washer.”

Note that if the filter is damaged, it cannot be repaired but should be replaced immediately.

4. Defective Drain Pump

Part	Drain pump
Location	It is located at the bottom of the Whirlpool washer behind the front access panel.
Ease of troubleshooting	Moderate
Cost	$30 – $350
Repairable	Yes – If it is clogged No – If it is damaged

Unfortunately:

The E1/F9 error will also pop up when the drain pump is clogged or defective. This is often seen in Whirpool washers that have issues draining. 

Small objects like coins, buttons, and cloth fibers that escaped the drain pump filter could lodge themselves in the pump, obstructing water flow. 

On the other hand:

The drain pump may have a damaged impeller or lack electrical continuity. And to confirm its electrical failure, you’ll need a multimeter. 

Here’s what I mean: 

This Reddit user had issues with his Whirlpool WTW5105HW top-load washer’s drainage, and sure enough, he saw the E1/F9 code. 

Although he was skeptical about considering a faulty drain pump because the washer was relatively new, several users affirmed this idea.

As such: 

Harry suggests his next steps should be to access the drain pump and thoroughly clear out the lodged debris. 

Then, ensure the wiring is properly connected, inspect for visible damage, and test for continuity with the multimeter. 

In Harry’s words:

“If the pump is damaged or lacks electrical continuity, replace it immediately. Remember that you can find certified replacement parts on the Whirlpool parts site.”

Conclusion

Essentially:

The E1/F9 error codes indicate a drainage challenge. The control board typically sends this signal when your Whirlpool washer drains too long. 

Thankfully:

This error has some common causes, which can be easily resolved by following these troubleshooting steps:

• Use only HE detergent in the required proportion.
• Unclog the drain hose.
• Unclog the drain hose filter.
• Replace the defective drain pump.

Now:

As simple as these repairs seem, do not hesitate to employ a professional if they are beyond your capabilities. 

Moreover, you can use SimplySwider’s “Ask the Expert” feature to communicate with an experienced appliance technician for personalized guidance. 

Also:

Harry believes regular maintenance and meticulous adherence to the Whirlpool usage guidelines will be a game changer for your washer’s health. And he’s right about that. 

Finally:Remember to share your troubleshooting experience and additions in the comment section below. I’ll keep an eye out for them.

Frequently Asked Questions