Replacing the drain pump on a washing machine with your own hands

Although replacing a washing machine’s drain pump may seem like a difficult undertaking, you can complete it on your own with the correct assistance. Taking matters into your own hands can save time and money, whether the problem is that your machine isn’t draining correctly or the pump has completely stopped working.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the procedure in this guide, with straightforward tools and directions that are simple to understand. Your washing machine can be fixed without the help of an expert; all you need is a little perseverance and attention to detail.

Make sure your workspace is organized and that you have all the tools you’ll need before you start. Remembering to unplug your washing machine and carefully following each step are important for your safety.

In what cases is it necessary to replace the drain pump

Only when there are no other viable options for preventing all of the issues related to draining water is the drain pump replaced. A breach of the water drain into the sewer is one of the unpleasant breakdowns when you have to manually empty the tank of water. But the source isn’t always the pump. Initially, you must make sure that:

• whether the "no drain mode" option is turned on;

• the drain hose, for blockages or kinks;

• the drain filter, where various small objects that have gotten into the tank along with the laundry often collect;

• the drain pipe, where small objects or items of clothing could get stuck;

• the control module, in which failures can occur both in the software and in the operation of the electronic part;

• the operation of the pressure switch.

A washing machine may not empty its water reservoir after washing or rinsing for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to address the issue from all angles. The "from simple to complex" method should be followed when doing detection and troubleshooting. The device shouldn’t be disassembled right away. In certain cases, cleaning the filter or turning off the "no drain" mode only requires pressing a button. Typical indications of a malfunctioning pump include:

• "transformer" strong hum in the area of ​​the pump location without draining water;
• water flows out of the drain hose with very weak pressure;
• error information is displayed on the machine display.

Many contemporary devices have a self-diagnostic feature that allows them to identify and indicate system faults and malfunctions. The washing machine’s passport contains the error codes specific to each manufacturer. For instance, the code F05 for Ariston denotes a drain pump malfunction. If the diagnostic techniques indicate that the pump is malfunctioning, it needs to be taken out and replaced with a functional one.

You can save time and money by replacing the drain pump on a washing machine yourself, provided you have the necessary basic tools and follow easy, step-by-step instructions to guarantee a safe and correct installation.

Drain pump removal and installation diagram

Make sure you disconnect the washing machine from the network, turn off the water, and disconnect the water supply hose before starting any work.

You need to be certain about the location of the drain device before beginning any repairs. The pump may be found in the front or rear of the washing machine, depending on the model and brand. Access is made as follows:

• directly from below;
• through special hatches from below or in the front, rear and side walls;
• by removing the trim from the front, rear or side.

More recently, popular manufacturers have added circulation pumps to their models, which guarantee fluid circulation in the machine system while it is operating and enhance the washing quality. For instance, the drain and circulation pumps in some models from the Korean manufacturer Samsung are replaced jointly because they are constructed as a monoblock in a single housing.

The circulation pump is typically found next to the drain pump if it is manufactured independently. It requires removing the inlet and outlet pipes, unscrewing the mounting screws, and taking the device apart in order to disassemble it. To lessen noise and vibrations, the circulation pumps on Electrolux units are fixed to the bottom on a unique rubber base.

Replacement from the bottom of the unit

Companies like Ardo, Bosch, Samsung, Whirpool, Ariston, LG, and Samsung frequently use an installation technique for their pumps that eliminates the need to disassemble the washing machine in order to replace it. Because there is no bottom cover, access to the elements is made possible. To swap it out, do the following:

1. In order to prevent scratches on the machine’s body, it must be placed on its side and preferably with something soft underneath after the water and power are turned off.

2. Next, remove the plastic panel that is secured by latches with a flat screwdriver. Because the latches can break, remove with caution!

3. Take out the plastic tray that covers the machine’s bottom if it is still there by unscrewing the screws.

4. After that, you have to take out the screws holding the snail to the machine’s body in order to detach it.

5. Next, you must unplug the drain hose and drain pipe from the snail. These parts are often secured with clamps, but you can also loosen them with pliers. It is best to have a container ready to receive the leftover water that will be drained from the snail and the pipes.

6. At this point, the power contacts on the pump can be disconnected.

7. Take out the screws holding the snail and pump together, then take them apart.

There are some models where the drain pump is fixed to the snail without screws; you just need to twist it counterclockwise to release the pump.

Make sure to clear the snail of any obstructions before mounting the pump there, paying particular attention to the point where the snail and the pump connect for dependable tightness. Installation takes place in the opposite sequence. Verify that all pipes and pump power contacts are connected correctly after installation.

Replacing the drain pump on a Bosch washing machine

Certain models of Samsung, Bosch, and Siemens can be accessed by removing specific plastic or metal panels or by opening hatches. Typically, a number of screws and specialized latches are used to fasten hatches and panels to the body. All you need is a flat or Phillips screwdriver to remove them. The only thing that makes removing the plastic or metal bottoms more difficult than removing a small hatch is the quantity of fasteners.

Certain washing machine models—mostly premium class models with heavy loads—have shock absorbers, floats to prevent leaks, and other components that can be attached to the bottom, which makes repairs much more difficult and time-consuming. It is best to access the drain device in this situation by going through one of the side walls.

Replacing the drain pump in top-loading washing machines

In terms of getting through one of the walls, it should be mentioned that the procedure is both fairly straightforward and intricate. For instance, on certain Zanussi models with top loading, all it takes to access the pump is to unscrew a few screws holding the side cover in place. Once the cover is removed, we have complete access to the drain mechanism.

On top-loading washing machines, changing the pump is identical to changing the front pump. The only difference is that vertical loading necessitates removing the side and extra walls in place of the back wall.

On front-loading Samsung units, you must remove the top cover, control panel, rubber cuff, and numerous fasteners in order to reach the drain portion through the front wall. It should be noted that removing the cover alone can take a considerable amount of time if you are not skilled or do not know where the fasteners are located. Additionally, there is a good chance that the plastic latches on the cover will break.

Keep an eye out for the cover lock blocker’s connection terminals when removing the front cover, and disconnect them carefully if needed. On a lot of Electrolux and Ariston models, the back wall provides the easiest access to the pump. To replace the back cover, unscrew the top, bottom, and side fasteners. The inlet valve also needs to be unscrewed because it is typically mounted to the unit’s back wall. Special keys and end heads might be required in order to take down the washing machine’s walls and unscrew its fasteners.

Although it may seem difficult, you can replace the drain pump on a washing machine on your own if you have the right instructions and a little perseverance. You can avoid paying for professional repair services and save time and money by carefully following the steps.

To protect yourself, always unplug the washing machine before beginning any repairs. Spend some time getting to know the layout of the machine and the individual parts. The process of reassembly will go considerably more smoothly if you keep track of the screws and parts you remove.

Once the new drain pump is installed, your washing machine will be fully functional again, enabling you to carry on with your laundry schedule uninterrupted. By doing these repairs yourself, you can increase your confidence and gain a deeper understanding of how your washing machine works, which will help you be more prepared for future maintenance duties.

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