How to open the drain cover at the bottom of the washing machine

One of the first places to look if your washing machine isn’t draining correctly is the drain cover at the bottom. Water may not drain as it should when this tiny but crucial component becomes clogged or stuck.

If you’ve never opened a drain cover before, it may seem difficult, but it’s actually a fairly easy task. You can quickly reach the drain, clear any obstructions, and restore your machine’s smooth operation with a few simple steps.

Let’s go over how to open the drain cover so you can confidently resolve this frequent problem and maintain the best possible condition for your washing machine.

It"s time to unscrew the filter

It will only take a few minutes to complete the initial cleaning steps, so you can do them by yourself. All you have to do is unscrew the round-topped plastic part after carefully prying open the drain hatch, which is situated beneath the CM case’s front panel. To avoid causing the waste liquid that remains after the last working cycle to spill out, make sure you first place an empty basin or some rags underneath the "home assistant." If not, you run the danger of damaging the floor covering or flooding the neighbors below.

Cleaning the drain trap at least once every few months is advised by experts.

Regrettably, people who use washing machines occasionally disregard the guidelines for maintaining and using home appliances. This is the reason why occasionally they discover that the dust filter is obstructed after opening the hatch. This can show up in a variety of ways.

• The lid handle stops turning, so it seems that it is welded to the body of the machine.
• The handle can be turned, but not all the way, because it stops in the middle or a quarter of a turn.
• The handle turns without problems, but the filter still cannot be removed from its seat.

This typically occurs as a result of foreign objects, like wool, hair, lint, kids’ socks, etc., blocking the section. Long hair poses a particular risk since it can tangle with the part’s walls and obstruct the pump’s impeller.

Heavy scale on the trap thread, which gives the impression of strong glue, can also block the element. Remember prevention—all of the aforementioned situations are most likely to arise when a housewife has neglected to clean the washing machine’s unit for longer than six months.

Search for a part

We will now go into great detail about the drain cover search. Those who have never worked with this component of the washing machine and may not even be aware of its location or appearance will find this section especially helpful.

The best course of action is to clean the trash filter once a month, as this will ensure that it is free of debris and easy to remove. In this instance, just opening the bottom panel will suffice.

• In equipment from the brands "LG", "Samsung", "Zanussi", "Candy" and "Atlant" the drain cover can be found behind a small door under the loading hatch. You need to press the door a little with your hand, or pry it with a screwdriver to get to the filter.
• In Bosch appliances, this unit is hidden behind a long decorative panel at the bottom of the washing machine. If we are talking about old-style equipment, then the lid in it is fixed on hooks that need to be installed in a horizontal position with a screwdriver, and then remove the panel. In new-model machines, the latches need to be pressed with a slotted screwdriver, and then you can slide the door to the side.
• Finally, in the "home assistants" of the companies "Hotpoint Ariston" and "Indesit" the element is also hidden behind a solid panel. In this case, first you need to press the lower, then the upper latches, and only after that you can remove the garbage filter.

As you can see, finding the part is quite simple, independent of the brand and model of household appliances.

Try to unscrew the filter

If the standard method of removing the unit is not feasible, you must attempt an alternative method. But, you have to take extra care in preparation before using any other methods. Make sure you unplug the washing machine from the power source and any other appliances, set up a container for water, and remove any extra towels or rags from the area around the machine as they will absorb the liquid. Then simply adhere to our guidance.

• Prepare pliers or round-nose pliers.
• Pick up the handle of the garbage filter plug.
• Gently try to unscrew the element.

Never use excessive force as this could cause the part to break.

If the filter is untwisted, you will need to tilt the machine back by approximately 45 degrees in order to lean the apparatus against the wall. Subsequently, you should lightly tap the filter with your fist. This will likely release small debris, such as bra bones, coins, paper clips, hairpins, and so on, which will no longer obstruct the node’s extraction.

In the end, if obtaining a garbage filter proves to be unsuccessful, you will need to take a more challenging approach and attempt to clean it via the opening beneath the pump. In this case, you need to remove a drainage pump and gain unrestricted access to the snail. If you lack the knowledge and experience necessary for such a partial disassembly of equipment, it is best to call a service center specialist to complete the work right away rather than taking a chance. If you have faith in your skills, move on to the following sections of the article.

We take out the lid together with the snail

You must locate the pump in your "home assistant" first. The challenge lies in the fact that the model and manufacturer have a direct impact on its location, as different units have different locations for this unit. To avoid wasting time searching for the pump, make sure to read the official user manual carefully. It usually includes a diagram of the household appliance along with a thorough description of the locations of all important units. In the event that you do not possess the manufacturer’s instructions, you will need to locate the pump first. Front-loading machine owners must perform three separate equipment inspections.

• First, you can check the bottom of the washing machine, which is often either missing or very easy to remove. You can simply tilt the machine, leaning it against the wall and look for the pump right behind the filter.

Because Bosch brand products have a metal strip installed on the bottom to secure the dampers, this method is not appropriate for them. Moreover, using the Aquastop sensor to check the CM for leaks is not feasible.

• Next, you can disassemble the washing machine from the back, which will help in a situation where the drain pump is installed near the back wall – such a device is available in Ardo, Indesit, Haier and BEKO products. You just need to get free access to the back panel of the device, unscrew the four fixing screws and remove the wall.
• Finally, users of Bosch and Siemens machines will most likely have to disassemble the equipment from the front. Disassembling through the front panel takes the most time, because you will first have to dismantle the top of the device, removing the retaining bolts from the back. Then you need to loosen and remove the outer clamp on the cuff, and also tuck the rubber seal into the drum. At this stage, it remains to disconnect the powder receptacle, the control panel, as well as the wiring of the hatch locking device, close the door tightly, remove the four screws and remove the front panel. Only after this will you gain access to the pump, which is located immediately behind the filter.

Owners of CMs with vertical laundry loading are fortunate, as the third option is particularly challenging for those who are not familiar with disassembling household appliances. This will make it much simpler for them to reach the pump. The pump in this type of equipment is situated in the same area as the filter, so it will be on whichever side of the washing machine the filter is closest to. To access the pump, unscrew the retaining screws, take off the left or right side, and then start working.

• It is best to first take a few photos of the pump and wiring – this will simplify the reassembly, during which you will have examples of the correct connection at hand.
• Disconnect all wires.
• Place a bucket or basin under the pump to prevent water from flooding the floors.
• Next, use pliers or flat-nose pliers to remove the clamp from the drain pipe so that you can then disconnect the tube.
• From the hole that appears, remove all foreign objects that interfere with removing the filter.
• At this stage, you need to check the catcher, because if it simply unscrewed, then you need to stop disassembling the "home assistant", install the part in the seat and reassemble the equipment.
• If everything is in order with the catcher, then you need to continue disassembling the equipment and the next step is to unhook the drain sleeve from the snail, having previously removed the retaining clamp.
• Now remove the screws that secure the pump and carefully remove it with the snail.
• The last step is to carefully examine the pump, and then detach the glass, either by pressing the latches by turning the housing counterclockwise, or by removing all the clamps.

Usually, all you have to do is wipe the glass clear of any debris and foreign objects. Additionally, take great notice of the wool, hair, and threads. The process is finished if the drain filter can be unscrewed with ease after cleaning. Scale and other impurities that prevent the unit from operating normally just need to be removed from the trap.

A quick fix that can prevent future problems like clogs and unpleasant smells in your washing machine is to open the drain cover located at the bottom of the machine. You may contribute to keeping your machine operating efficiently by routinely inspecting and cleaning this area.

Just be careful to follow the instructions, making sure to turn off the machine and prepare a container for any water that may spill. You can extend the life of your washing machine by paying a little attention to detail.

Maintaining this minor upkeep will help you avoid more serious issues later on and keep your laundry routine hassle-free.

Find the small panel on the front of the washing machine, close to the floor, to open the drain cover at the bottom of the machine. Using a flat tool or your fingers, gently pry it open to reveal the drain pump filter. To access and clear out any debris, twist the filter cover counterclockwise to remove it. This easy procedure keeps your washing machine operating smoothly and helps avoid blockages.

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