How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is clogged?

Author: Estel Pacocha  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Usually, if the drain pump isn't working properly, you'll hear an unusual noise or notice leaking from the washing machine when it is running. If your pump is malfunctioning, you'll need to replace it yourself or call a professional to replace it for you.

How do you clear a washing machine drain pump?

Clean Your Washer Drain Pump for More Efficient Washing
  1. Open your washer's filter access door. You're looking for a small, rectangular door on the bottom right-hand corner of your machine. ...
  2. Unhook the emergency drain hose. ...
  3. Empty the hose. ...
  4. Remove the drain pump filter. ...
  5. Clean the drain pump filter. ...
  6. Replace the drain pump.

How to tell if a washer 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.

How to check if a washing machine drain is clogged?

How to Tell if Your Washer's Coin Trap/Drain Filter is Clogged
  1. Your washer isn't fully draining, and there's standing water left after the cycle is finished.
  2. Rattling noises coming from the location of the coin trap/drain filter.
  3. Washer drains slowly and overall cycle takes longer.

How do I get a blockage out of my washing machine?

There are three recommended methods of unblocking a washing machine drain yourself. These are to use baking soda and vinegar, a chemical drain cleaner, or do it manually. You can also potentially fix the issue by straightening out the washing machine drain hose if it has become twisted.

How to resolve washing machine drain and pump problems | by Hotpoint

How do I force my washing machine to drain?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

Will Drano unclog a washing machine?

Drano® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System was designed to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and even a laundry drain.

How do I know if my washer needs a new pump?

Firstly, just to check you are on the right path, here are the warning signs that your drain pump is broken:
  1. You can't hear the pump when it's draining the water out.
  2. You can hear a low humming sound when on spin cycle but the water doesn't drain.
  3. The washing machine fills up with water as normal.

How much does a new drain pump cost for a washing machine?

On average, the washer pump replacement cost is between $20 and $100 (CAD 27 to CAD 134) just for the part itself, according to data from HomeGuide.

How do you check if the filter is blocked in a washing machine?

If you do not already clean your washing machine filter then the following indications mean it is overdue:
  1. Deposits or residue on your clothes.
  2. The unusual smell from your clothes or machine.
  3. Build up of leftover laundry detergent.
  4. Mould or mildew around the lid or door.
  5. The water doesn't drain fully from the machine.

How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is not working?

If you're getting strange noises during the wash cycle, this issue is more likely to lie with the recirculation pump. If you're hearing strange noises when your washing machine is draining, the issue is likely to be with the drainage pump.

How often should you clean the drain pump on a washing machine?

When it comes to looking after your machine, cleaning the filter should be a routine part. It's recommended that you clean it every one to three months. Be proactive and you won't have a broken washing machine.

What will unclog a washing machine drain?

Clear things out by mixing equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pouring the mixture through the drain pipe. Wait half an hour, then reconnect the drain pipe, plug in your machine and run a wash cycle.

What to do if water is not draining from the washing machine?

What to do if washing machines does not drain the water?
  1. Check and clean your pump.
  2. Check the drainage whether it is kinked or blocked by foreign.
  3. Call a service professional for help.

How to fix a washing machine that won't wash?

What are the steps to fix a washing machine that won't wash?
  1. Step 1: Check the Power Supply. ...
  2. Step 2: Check the Water Supply. ...
  3. Step 3: Check the Detergent Dispenser. ...
  4. Step 4: Check the Drain Hose. ...
  5. Step 5: Check the Agitator. ...
  6. Step 6: Check the Belt. ...
  7. Step 7: Check the Motor.

How to unblock a washing machine drain pump?

Remove the hose from the back of your washing machine. Using a funnel, pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Empty a full baster of vinegar into the pipe. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to prevent the mixture from escaping.

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

If there is standing water in the washer tub following the final spin cycle, or there is water leaking from the bottom of the washer cabinet, the washer's drain pump or drain hose could be clogged or broken and preventing the water from being emptied from the appliance into a laundry tub or standpipe.

How do you unclog a washing machine without taking it apart?

Try using hot water and vinegar. If you're not comfortable using a snake or auger or would like to try an alternative method, you can try pouring a mixture of hot water and vinegar down the drain to dissolve the blockage. Combine equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain.

How do I clean my washing machine drain pipe?

Unplug the washing machine. Remove the hose and scrub the inside with detergent and a fiber brush pulled through the hose. Reinstall the clean hose and plug the power cord back in the outlet. Run a cycle with no clothing using Hot water and then it should be clean.

Do washer drain pumps go bad?

As drain pump is an electronic device and runs with the help of a motor, therefore: The impeller of the pump can undergo mechanical failure due to clogging. The pump seal can cause it to fail. The engine of the washer pump is experiencing electronic loss.

Why is water not pumping into washing machine?

The most common reason is a problem with the water supply, or a blocked or kinked water supply hose. In this situation, the washing machine will drain for 3 minutes and the power button will be inoperative. In this case, please clean the debris filter and mesh filter.

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