How to clean the drain pump in a washing machine

A washing machine is an indispensable assistant for any housewife.

While helping people look flawless, sometimes the equipment itself breaks down. And the lack of such an assistant leads to great inconvenience.

The sooner the problem is resolved, the better. Otherwise, you'll have to deal with serious consequences.

In this article, we'll explain how to clean a washing machine pump.

Causes of pump failure

Sometimes, during a wash cycle, the machine starts making a strange buzzing noise that wasn't there before. Or it simply can't drain.

The washing machine drain pump is likely clogged and needs to be cleaned.

A clogged machine pump is caused by a large number of foreign objects getting in, but there are other possible causes of failure:

• object that got inside;
• failure of the pipe connecting the tank to the pump;
• drain hose breakdown;
• sewer blockage, restricted access to passage.

Despite these signs, when water does not drain well, the pump needs to be cleaned.

You don't need any special knowledge to perform the cleaning procedure. You just need to know the different types of blockages and how to clear them.

Types of blockages

There are two types of blockages that can cause a drain to fail:

• mechanical,
• natural.

The first type occurs when small parts, such as buttons, fasteners, and coins, get caught and bounce off clothing during washing. They get stuck in the hose and block the water from draining, causing the entire system to malfunction.

The second type of blockage consists of wool, fluff, and hair, which accumulate in the filter, resulting in damage.

Cleaning your washing machine's pump filter takes just a few minutes, so don't forget about it.

How to remove a drain pump

Before cleaning the washing machine pump filter, it will have to be removed from the washing machine body.

Necessary tool

The following standard set of tools will be required:

• screwdrivers;
• spanner;
• a bucket or basin for draining liquid.

Locating the pump

The next step is to study the washing machine's operating instructions. Why? To find out exactly where the part we need is located.

Not all washing machine brands have the pump in the same location. Therefore, depending on the brand, you'll need to proceed differently and with a specific approach.

Pump locations for Indesit, Samsung, Veko, Ariston, Argo, and LG

For example, cleaning the pump of Indesit, Samsung, Beko, Ariston, Argo, and LG washing machines is much easier, as you can reach it through the bottom of the housing. Some models don't have this at all or can be removed with little effort.

To do this you need:

1. Access the screw holding the filter through a special door that can be unscrewed with a flat-head screwdriver and unscrew it.
2. Pour all the liquid into the prepared container. Simply twist the filter clockwise until the liquid drains completely.
3. Afterwards, you'll need to rotate the filter counterclockwise, pushing it inward, and then pull it out through the bottom. First, lay the machine on its side.
4. Disconnect everything (clamps, wires), remove the pump.

Location of pumps at Bosch, Siemens

To access the drain pump in Bosch and Siemens washing machines, you need to disassemble the front of the unit:

1. Remove the compartment intended for filling with detergents and remove the screw.
2. Remove the retaining screw at the bottom and discard it. Now you can remove the front panel as well.
3. After finding the panel inside the unit, unscrew the additional screws, disconnect the cuff, remove the rubber from the hatch, and release the clamps.
4. The pump is removed, the liquid is drained, and the remaining parts, including the hose, are removed.

Location of pumps in Electrolux and Zanussi

In Electrolux and Zanussi washing machines, the pump is removed through the rear cover:

1. The clamps on the back wall of the device that hold the hose are unscrewed and it is removed.
2. Unscrew the screws and remove the panel.
3. Disconnect the wires, remove the pump, and disconnect all parts from it.

How to clean a washing machine pump

The main task when cleaning a pump is to improve the operation of the impeller.

You can access it by removing several screws and part of the pump housing. When the impeller is working properly, it rotates, thus winding various items onto its housing. It needs to be cleaned of accumulated debris (hair, threads, fur). All actions must be performed carefully.

Now you can reassemble the pump and install it back where you got it. All manipulations are performed in reverse order.

The washing machine should be checked and run on a standard cycle. The absence of unusual sounds and the water draining smoothly indicate that everything has been done correctly and the part is working properly.

If the actions taken do not lead to the desired result, then the pump will have to be replaced.

How to prevent a clogged drain pump

The reasons why the drain pump gets clogged are hard water, improper detergents, accumulated debris from things, and the owner's careless attitude towards their equipment.

You can protect your car from clogging by following these simple rules:

• do not use detergents intended for automatic washing machines only;
• place small items in a special clothes net;
• use water filters;
• clean the filter in time.

Cleaning a washing machine pump is not such a difficult task, which means you can do it yourself.