Case Overview

When a family in Daly City noticed that their Whirlpool WFW6620HC front-load washer kept stopping mid-cycle with water still inside, they assumed it was time for a new machine. But instead of replacing their 4-year-old washer, they looked for a Whirlpool repair expert in Daly City.

That decision saved them over $500 and avoided unnecessary part replacement.

Appliance Profile

 

Brand Whirlpool
Model WFW6620HC
Type Front-load Washer
Location Mission Hills, Daly City
Age 4 years

Reported Issue

  • Washer shows F9E1 error during rinse
  • Drum full of water
  • No draining after multiple cycles
  • Door remains locked
  • Loud humming noise from the bottom panel
  • No physical leaks detected

First Diagnosis Attempt

The client had previously called another local service who said:

“It’s the drain pump. You’ll need a replacement — $520 total with parts and install.”

The client wasn’t fully convinced and found our washer repair service through Google after searching “Whirlpool F9E1 error Daly City”.

What Our Diagnostic Found

We arrived same-day and ran a full Whirlpool diagnostic via service mode.

 

Diagnostic Step Result
Diagnostic cycle F9E1 stored in error history
Drain pump voltage ✅ Receiving full power
Drain pump test ✅ Motor spinning
Hose inspection ⚠️ Partial blockage at outlet elbow
Pressure switch test ✅ Sensor functional
Impeller access ⚠️ Jammed with string + lint

Root Cause

The drain pump impeller was not defective — but it was jammed by a mix of hair ties, lint, and string, which:

  • Blocked the pump from pushing out water
  • Caused backpressure and F9E1 error trigger
  • Created the illusion of pump failure

The Fix

  1. Unplugged the washer and removed rear panel
  2. Extracted the pump assembly
  3. Disassembled pump cover and cleared blockage
  4. Reassembled and tested full drain + spin cycle
  5. Ran full diagnostic again — no errors

Why Whirlpool F9E1 Is So Common

The F9E1 code means “Long Drain Time”, and it appears most frequently on these models:

Whirlpool Series Affected Models
Front-Load WFW6620HC, WFW5620HW, WFW75HEFW
Top-Load WTW5000DW, WTW7120HW
Washer-Dryer Combos WET4024HW

Common causes include:

  • Foreign objects in the pump
  • Clogged hoses or elbows
  • Clogged coin trap (on some models)
  • Faulty pressure switch (less common)

What to Check Before You Call

  • Is the washer drain hose kinked or clogged?
  • Has anything fallen into the drum (socks, cords)?
  • Is the standpipe overflowing or backing up?
  • Try a Rinse + Drain only cycle
  • If error repeats — book service now

Common Whirlpool Washer Repairs We Handle

 

Problem Typical Cause
F9E1 error Blocked pump or hose
Won’t spin Door latch or balance sensor
Shaking violently Damper rods or worn suspension
No power Main board or control panel
Leaking from bottom Gasket tear or tub seal

More details on our Whirlpool washer repair.

Why Choose Us in Daly City?

 

Feature Benefit
Daly City-based techs Fast same-day response
Real Whirlpool diagnostics We use brand-level tools
Transparent pricing No surprises or upcharges
Cabinet-safe repairs No scratches or leaks
Licensed + insured Home + appliance fully protected

Why Local Repair Matters in Daily City

Top reasons our clients call us in this neighborhood:

  • Narrow stair access — we carry compact gear
  • Historic electrical setups — we’re GFCI-aware
  • Noise restrictions — we test without disturbing neighbors
  • High-end brands common — Miele, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Gaggenau

Unlike nationwide repair chains, we specialize in high-end appliance repair for neighborhoods like:

Our technicians are trained to handle brands like:

Check our appliance brands page for more.

External Resources

Client Feedback

“Two others said we needed a new pump. These guys actually opened it and showed me the problem. Fixed in one visit. Totally honest.”
— Ricardo G., Daly City

Book Now: Whirlpool Washer Repair Daly City

Don’t assume the worst when you see the F9E1 error. In most cases, it’s fixable with proper diagnosis and cleaning — not replacement.

Schedule today via our booking form or call us directly.

2 Comments

  1. Ed Wong May 24, 2025 at 12:57 pm

    I had that same F9E1 code on my washer like a month ago. Called up Smart Solution and they knew what it was right away. Took a few days to get the part in but once they had it, the tech came out and fixed it fast. Washer’s been working fine since. These guys are solid.

  2. Julia May 25, 2025 at 8:04 am

    Excellent problem-solving approach! Instead of rushing to replace parts, your thorough diagnostics identified the real issue, saving the homeowner money and hassle. It’s great to see repair experts who prioritize precision over unnecessary replacements!

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