If your washing machine is not draining properly or is leaving water in the drum after a cycle, you may have a problem with the drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for removing water from the machine and pumping it out through the drain hose. When it fails, it can cause a variety of issues. In this article, we’ll discuss how to diagnose and fix a washing machine drain pump problem.
Symptoms of a Bad Drain Pump
There are several signs that your washing machine’s drain pump may be failing:
The machine won’t drain water at all or drains very slowly
The machine stops mid-cycle with water still in the drum
The machine makes loud noises during the spin cycle
The machine won’t spin or agitate properly
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to investigate further to determine if the drain pump is the culprit.
Diagnosing a Bad Drain Pump
To diagnose a bad drain pump, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting:
Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Make sure it’s not clogged or kinked, preventing water from flowing out.
Clean the drain pump filter. Remove any lint, debris, or foreign objects that may be clogging the filter.
Inspect the drain pump itself. Disconnect the power and remove the drain hose. Use a multimeter to test the pump for continuity. If there’s no continuity, the pump is likely bad and needs to be replaced.
Check the pump impeller. Visually inspect the impeller for any signs of damage or wear. If it’s damaged, it can prevent the pump from draining effectively.
If the pump and filter are clear but you still have issues, there may be a blockage further down the line in the drain hose or under the sink. Consult a plumber if you suspect this is the case.
Replacing the Drain Pump
If you’ve determined that the drain pump needs to be replaced, here are the steps to do it:
Disconnect power to the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
Drain any remaining water from the machine.
Remove the top and rear panels to access the pump.
Disconnect the drain hose and wiring from the pump.
Remove the mounting screws and take out the old pump.
Install the new pump, reconnect the hose and wiring, and secure it in place.
Restore power and water supply and test the machine.
Be sure to replace the pump with the correct model for your machine. Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer for the right part number.
With some basic troubleshooting and a little elbow grease, you can often fix a washing machine drain pump issue yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable working on appliances or the problem persists, it’s always best to call in a professional appliance repair technician.