How to Tell if Washing Machine Drain Pump Is Bad (2024)

FAQs

How to Tell if Washing Machine Drain Pump Is Bad? ›

Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.

A blocked drain pump may cause your washing machine not to spin.

The pump impeller shouldn't turn both directions freely. It should have a rubber bandy type feeling going one direction due to the magnets. Either way, the pump only needs to be replaced if the washer isn't draining, or if it's really noisy.

Check the Drain Hose or Pump for Clogs

It's common for a sock or other small piece of clothing to get into the drain system and clog the hose or pump. Remove the front panel of the washer and check for any obstructions in these areas. If you find anything, remove it to see if you can get the washing machine to drain.

Washing machine pump repair costs $150 to $350 on average to replace the drain pump. A new pump for a washing machine costs $20 to $100 for the part alone. The drain pump removes water from the tub during the drain cycle. A broken drain pump causes leaks, drain blockage, or loud noises.

You can hear a low humming sound when on spin cycle but the water doesn't drain. The washing machine fills up with water as normal. If the water is drained the Spin cycle still works as normal.

A slow spin speed may have been selected. A slow spin speed will eliminate less water than a fast spin speed. Cold water can make clothes feel more wet. If the ground water temperature is very low where you live or during a certain season of the year, this could make the clothes seem to be more wet.

Go by the 50% Rule

Smaller repairs like replacing a rubber door gasket on a front-loading machine or fixing a jammed drain pump are likely to be less expensive and are worth fixing so that you can keep your washing machine going.

How do you check the drain pump on a washing machine? ›

First, set your multimeter to the 2k setting, which stands for 2 kiloohms. Then place the two multimeter prongs into the socket in which the electrical connection was connected. If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading between 160 ohms to 260 ohms (with about 5% leeway).

It can fail when hard objects, like coins or rocks in your pockets, enter the pump system. Damaged impeller: The impeller works like a fan with blades directing water outward. Tangled fibers or heavy debris collections can cause impeller damage. Clogged pump filter: The pump removes debris from the cleaning reservoir.

The first sign of a clogged washer drain is water backing up in the washing machine or spilling onto the floor. Another sign is a slow-draining washing machine or a washer that won't drain at all.

Press the button and listen for a humming sound from the pump under your vehicle's hood. If you don't hear a sound, there's either a problem with the fuse, your vehicle's wiring, or the pump's internal electronics. Try popping your vehicle's hood if you have trouble hearing the pump.

Easy! Except when a cycle takes forever or your clothes come out dripping, or even worse, the washing machine makes scary noises. Don't worry — it's likely just a clogged washer drain pump filter. Clean this filter every two months for more efficient washing.

The first sign of a clogged washer drain is water backing up in the washing machine or spilling onto the floor. Another sign is a slow-draining washing machine or a washer that won't drain at all.