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

Author: Prof. Vinnie Hammes Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

Clean the drain pump filter at least once a month. You may need to clean it more frequently if the washer is used on a daily basis. If you notice any signs of clogging or improper drainage, clean the filter immediately.

How often should I clean my washer drain pump?

Don't worry — it's likely just a clogged washer drain pump filter. Clean this filter every two months for more efficient washing.

How often do you need to clean the drain hose on a washing machine?

This largely depends on usage but on average, it's recommended to take care of it every 3 to 6 months. If you're a family with kids or even pets, it's better to do it more frequently to prevent the buildup of lint and grime as well as avoid any unpleasant odors.

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

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.

What causes a washing machine drain pump to fail?

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.

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

How often should I clean my washing machine filter?

How often should you clean a washing machine filter? We recommend cleaning your washing machine filter every month to ensure your machine continues to operate at maximum efficiency. If you have pets or frequently wash heavily soiled items, you may need to clean the filter more often.

How long do washing machines last?

Typically a washing machine lasts 10-13 years. Top-loading washers typically last a few years longer than their front-loading brethren. If you use a stacked washer/dryer combo, you may have to replace both if one starts acting up. Proper maintenance will likely help your washer last for over 15 years.

Why is my washing machine not draining but no blockage?

In the case of a washing machine not draining completely, a kinked drain hose could be one of the causes. Drain hoses are tubes that remove water from washing machine drums and transfer it to drainage systems. If water can't flow freely through the drain hose, the washing machine may not drain.

How to clean a washing machine drain hose without removing?

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

Should there be standing water in washing machine drain?

If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine

The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).

How often should you run washing machine cleaner?

Whilst we suggest you deeply clean your machine once every 1-3 months, the frequency of your cleaning should depend on how often your appliance is used. By regularly cleaning your machine, you can prevent the build of mould, bacteria, and odours, ensuring perfectly hygienic, fresh laundry every time.

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.

What happens if you don't drain the washing machine?

It is constantly submerged in water and soap, so people generally think that a washing machine doesn't need to be drained or cleaned out. However, even with water inside it, a washing machine can be a breeding ground for germs, or worse, Salmonella.

How often should I clean my pumps?

The CDC and most breast pump manufacturers recommend cleaning pump parts thoroughly after every use to help protect babies from germs.

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old washing machine?

Factors to Consider

If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.

Which brand washing machine last longer?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs.

What is considered old for a washing machine?

It's more than six years old

Once your machine is more than six years old, a major failure usually means you'll need to buy a new one because any repairs will be expensive. And with older appliances you'll need to weigh up the risk that, after paying to fix one problem, something else may break.

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

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.

Can drain pump on washer get 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.

What happens if you don't clean your washing machine?

Laundry soils, detergent and hard water minerals build up in areas you can't see and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door, according to green cleaning coach Leslie Reichert.

How often should you drain a washing machine?

We recommend doing it once a month. If you're starting to get little black spots building up inside your door seal, or you can see sludge when you gently pull the door seal back, it's time for a wash.

Why do my black clothes have lint after washing?

Ensure to clean the lint filter, if your washer has one, after every load. Additionally, run a cleaning cycle or use a washing machine cleaner once a month to remove detergent residue and other materials that might contribute to lint build-up.

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