How to clean the drain pump in a washing machine

Why clogs appear in the washing machine pump

You can determine that the pump is clogged by external signs. Pay attention to these symptoms:

• Water drains poorly and slowly from the tank.
• When pumping water, noise and buzzing noises are heard. The pump tries to drain the water, but to no avail.

Why is the pump clogged, what contributes to this:

• Dirt and debris coming from a water pipe.
• Debris that gets into the water from clothes. These are buttons, coins, threads, hair.
• Bad detergents that do not dissolve during washing and clog the pump.

If the drain path in the SMA has never been cleaned, then it is not surprising that the pump is clogged. Let's look at how to fix the situation yourself and clean the car.

How to get the pump

This is done quite simply. Most machines have a special compartment for the pump at the bottom of the machine. The pump is hidden behind a small rectangular panel, which can be removed by unscrewing the fasteners and prying it off with a screwdriver. Next, you need to find the self-tapping screw that holds the part inside the housing. It is usually located on the right side of the pump.

The next step is to prepare a container into which you can drain the water. This container will need to be placed under the washing machine, having first tilted the device. Only after this is it recommended to remove the pump, because water may leak from it.

To remove it, you need to push the part into the body of the machine and remove the pump through the bottom. First you need to disconnect all wires and hoses. Please note that not all models have the ability to shoot details like this. For detailed information, see the instructions for your device.

Cleaning the pump

When the pump is in your hands, you can start cleaning. First you need to disconnect the impeller, which is attached to several self-tapping screws. It is in this part that a lot of dirt can accumulate, so cleaning starts from here. Then you can clean the snail, getting rid of all the blockages accumulated in it. Subsequently, everything must be collected and installed in its original place.

Assembly occurs in the reverse order, after which you will need to check the functionality of the machine. If everything is connected correctly, then the cleaning can be considered complete.

A clogged washing machine drain pump usually occurs because a large amount of debris has accumulated in the filter. But this is not the only reason for this problem. Other probable causes of this malfunction may be:

foreign objects that got inside the structure;

malfunction of the pipe in the area where the pump and tank connect;

broken drain hose;

clogging of the sewer pipe and subsequent blocking of the passage.

In any case, when the water drains poorly or does not drain at all, it is necessary to clean the pump in the washing machine.

Where is the pump located

Some car models differ from each other in structure. Depending on the brand, you need to look for the pump in different places. To disassemble and clear the blockage you will need the following tools:

• open-end wrench;
• flat and Phillips screwdrivers.

Also prepare a container in advance where the water will drain while you clean the pump.

You can make the disassembly procedure easier by looking at the instructions. It indicates where the pump is located, after which you can act.

Before dismantling the pump, you need to drain the remaining water and clean the filter.

1. Disconnect the washing machine from communications.
2. There is a small hatch on the plinth panel (under the front panel). Release the hatch cover latches.
3. Unscrew the filter counterclockwise.

It happens that the filter refuses to unscrew. Sometimes the manufacturer additionally secures it with a screw. Then you need to unscrew the screw and then the filter. Place the container and drain the water, clean the filter.

Preventing drain pump clogging

Among the main reasons after exposure to which it is necessary to clean the pump or hose are the use of hard or dirty water for washing, incorrectly selected detergents, and an abundance of debris on products. Compliance with a number of rules will reduce the risk of clogging of important functional elements:

1. To wash clothes, you can only use special washing powder designed for automatic washing.
2. Things, especially those from which threads or small parts may come off, must first be placed in a bag or net.
3. In front of the hose through which water enters the machine, you need to install a high-quality filter.
4. If it seems that the performance of the device has begun to decline, you need to disassemble the device in time and clean all filters and pumps.

We recommend: What to do if the washing machine stops heating the water

It turns out that, despite all the troublesomeness of the task, you can cope with it yourself. The main thing is not to deviate from the instructions, follow the sequence of actions and work strictly according to plan.

Dismantling the pump through the bottom of the MCA

This design is typical for the brands Whirlpool, Indesit, Samsung, LG, Ariston, Beko, Ardo, Candy. Access to the pump is considered the easiest.

Do this:

• To remove the pump, you can tilt the washer backwards. But if there is no one to hold the equipment, then it is better to lay it on its side. First check if there is water in the powder receptacle.
• If the bottom of the machine is covered with a panel, unscrew the screws and remove it.
• Having approached the pump, loosen the pipe clamps and disconnect them from the pump body.
• After disconnecting all wiring and unscrewing the mounting screws, remove the pump.

After dismantling, the part must be cleaned. Read about it below.

Cleaning the pump

The pump is located at the bottom of the machine, one might say, at the bottom. Sometimes the bottom of the car is not covered with anything, and sometimes manufacturers attach an additional panel there. To get to the pump, you need to remove it. You can also place the machine in a position that is convenient for you so that you can freely interact with the contents of its lower part.

When you see where the pump is located, loosen the clamps of the pipes and free the pump from them. You need to remove everything that holds it in the car: bolts, clamps, fasteners. When the job is done, take out the pump and start cleaning.

The pump design consists of two parts: the so-called volute and the pump itself with an impeller. In order to clean it, the structure will need to be disassembled, but this is not at all difficult: unscrew a few screws that connect the parts. Now you can take a closer look at the impeller. Usually, this is where the problem lies: all the debris wraps around it and interferes with the normal functioning of the pump during operation. Remove any debris from it, assemble the pump and put it in place.

Place the machine in its original position, connect to all communications and start the wash, then watch how the water drains. If everything is fine, then you did it. If the problem persists, then the pump needs to be replaced: it has failed. Here are a few simple rules to avoid premature pump failure.

1. Use special detergents for washing machines.
2. Do not wash clothes that have a lot of decorative elements in machines that are not designed for this purpose.
3. Clean periodically.

That's all! In fact, maintaining the condition of your home assistant is not so difficult, you just need to do it regularly, otherwise worse problems will appear!

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Disassembling the front part of the case

You can get to the drain pump in brands AEG, Bosch, Siemens only by removing the front panel. It's a little more complicated, proceed sequentially:

• Remove the top cover from the case. To do this, unscrew the two screws on the back and slide the cover in the opposite direction from you.
• Now you need to remove the control panel.
• Pull out the detergent dispenser tray by pressing the lock in the center.
• Remove two screws behind the dispenser and one on the opposite side.
• Unlock the latches and detach the panel from the body.
• It is not necessary to disconnect the control module wiring; you can place the panel on top of the case.
• Next you need to remove the base panel.
• Now open the hatch door. Unscrew the two screws holding the UBL lock and also remove the cuff clamp.
• All that remains is to unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the panel and remove it from the body.

The process of removing the pump is the same as in the previous case.

Before disconnecting the pipe and pump, place a container as water may spill out.

How often to clean

The inlet filter, unlike the drain filter, does not require regular cleaning. Clean it as the water supply to the SMA deteriorates. If you notice that the machine begins to draw water poorly and slowly, then clean it.

Don’t have time to tinker with your washing machine or do you prefer to trust repair work to professionals? Contact our service department. The technician will arrive at your home within 24 hours of the call and clean the inlet filter in 15-20 minutes.

The service falls into the category of simple repairs, so it is inexpensive - from 1000 to 1900 rubles. Detailed prices for cleaning the inlet filter depending on the brand of SM are presented in the table below.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the shock absorber structure of a washing machine

*Price is for cleaning. The cost of a new filter, if it needs to be replaced, is included in the bill additionally.

7 (495) 215 – 14 – 41

7 (903) 722 – 17 – 03

or order repairs online.

According to the standard schedule, technicians serve clients on the same day or the next. If a different date is convenient for you, please let us know when you contact us. We will come to your call when it is convenient for you.

Clean the filters every 2-4 months, depending on the frequency of use of the washing machine. When using the unit daily, clean it monthly.

If not properly maintained, a dirty filter can cause the following problems:

• violation of the drainage of water from the tank, which interferes with the normal operation of the unit;
• the appearance of an unpleasant odor due to the proliferation of bacteria in accumulated garbage. A bad odor can come from the tank, drum and transfer to the laundry;
• drain pump failure. Debris from the filter can damage the pump or impeller blades, resulting in the need for repair or replacement of the part.

The procedure for cleaning the drain and fill filters differs. In the first case, the procedure will not cause difficulties and will take a minimum of time. When cleaning the drainage compartment, you will have to work a little to effectively remove all the dirt. But if you follow the step-by-step instructions and all the recommendations, cleaning will not be difficult.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Disconnect the unit from the power supply and disconnect the water supply hose.
2. Using pliers, carefully remove the filter. It is a small metal mesh.
3. Remove dirt with an old toothbrush. Do not use harsh chemicals. Warm soapy water is sufficient for cleaning.
4. Rinse the mesh filter thoroughly and wipe it clean.
5. Reinstall the filter and connect the hose.

The inlet filter is located on the back of the washing machine and protects it from debris from the water supply. To clean it, you need to turn off the water, unscrew the hose and remove the filter mesh.

To clean the washing machine filter, disconnect the unit from the power supply and water supply. This is done for safety reasons, so as not to get an electric shock or flood the floor with water if you have to move the unit.

Prepare the necessary tools and auxiliary items: a screwdriver, pliers, a floor rag and a shallow container.

How to clean the drain filter in a washing machine:

1. Find a filtration system. Remove the decorative hatch by prying the latches with a screwdriver. You can remove the false panel by moving it slightly to the side or pulling it towards you.
2. There is always some water left in the filtration system, which will flow out after removing the part. To avoid flooding, place a low container under the hole or place floor rags. Some washing machines are equipped with an emergency hose or a special chute to remove water.
3. Unscrew and pull out the filter. In some washing machine models, you will have to first unscrew and remove the plug or bolt.
4. Clean the filter. First of all, remove large contaminants - hair, coins, buttons, threads, etc. Then clean the filter from deposits using the hard side of the sponge. Do not use hot water or aggressive substances to avoid damaging the plastic and sealing rubber.
5. Clean the hole where the filter was installed. Wipe everything with a damp sponge, removing plaque and remaining dirt.
6. Clean the drain pump and pump. Shine a flashlight into the hole and remove any visible dirt.
7. Reinstall the filter. Screw it along the threads without applying excessive force to avoid damage. Make sure the part is installed tightly and correctly.
8. Connect the unit to the power supply and install the inlet hose in place. Run the washing machine in test mode without any laundry. Check for leaks. If everything works well, replace the trim panel or close the hatch door.

There is always some water left in the drain filter. To prevent it from spilling onto the floor, prepare a low container or lay down old rags

Removing the rear panel

When deciding how to clean the pump in the Electrolux and Zanussi washing machines, you will have to remove the back cover. For this:

• Disconnect the inlet hose from the housing.
• Remove the screws holding the cover in place.

Now disconnect and remove the drain pump. If you are disassembling for the first time, it is better to record the repair on camera. This will make it easier for you to assemble everything correctly.

How to remove the pump from a washing machine

Each brand of washing machine, for example, Indesit, LG, Whirlpool, has an individual pump type.

As a rule, most models have two types of pumps: simple and circulation. Outdated models or cheap prototypes are equipped with simple pumps. Popular global brands of washing machines are equipped with circulation pumps. The pumps also differ in location.

To get a pump from the Samsung, Ariston, Candy, Ardo, LG, Whirpool, Indesit brands, turn the machine on its side and unscrew the screws that hold the back panel.

Manufacturers Siemens and BOSCH did not provide for dismantling the drain pump. If it malfunctions, it will have to be replaced with a new element. To carry out repairs and get to the pump, you need to unscrew the back and front panels.

Sequence of actions for removing the pump through the bottom

The location of the pump in the washing machine depends on the location of the drain hose. In many Indesit brand models, manufacturers installed a pump at the bottom of the device.

1. If the end of the pump is sticking out from the bottom, you will need to unscrew the bottom panel to clear the blockage. Before starting repairs, be sure to turn off the device, turn it on its side and remove the bottom cover.
2. Using pliers, loosen the clamp of the drain tube and remove it from the branch pipe. Then unscrew the pipe clamp in the pump chamber and disconnect the mechanism from the fitting.
3. After this, loosen the clamp fasteners and disconnect the pressure system tube and fitting.
4. Using the same scheme, the pressure in the centrifuge is reduced, while simultaneously unscrewing the tension screw.
5. The last step in removing the pump in a washing machine is to separate the pipe and the reservoir.

For reference! When cleaning the drain pump, first check the safety of the rubber gaskets. Damaged or out of shape gaskets must be replaced, otherwise you may face costly repairs.

How to remove the pump through the front panel

In Bosch and Siemens brands, the pump can only be accessed through the front part. It is hidden behind a tank designed for refilling detergents. The path to the pump lies through a tray screwed with self-tapping screws. The tray is unscrewed and the remaining water is drained using a filter located at the bottom of the machine. The pump is then removed to clear the cavity of debris.

How to remove the pump through the rear wall

In washing machines manufactured under the Zanussi and Electrolux brands, the drain pump is installed behind the back cover of the device. To get the pump, you will have to arm yourself with tools. It is better to have a screwdriver, a wrench and a container on hand where it will be more convenient to drain the remaining water. Repair of a clogged mechanism is carried out according to the following diagram:

1. The machine is disconnected from the network and the water supply valve is turned off.
2. Disconnect the drain hose.
3. Turn the equipment on its side and remove the protective panel using a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver, depending on the type of screw.
4. Drain off excess water and turn the washing machine at an angle.
5. Unscrew the pump and remove the pipe from the drain hose and filter.
6. The procedure is completed by removing the blockage.