How to clean a washing machine drain pump?

Author: Arnaldo Harris  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

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 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.

How do you clean sludge out of a washing machine drain pipe?

A plumbing snake is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain pipe to dislodge any blockages. To use a plumbing snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain pipe and rotate it until you feel resistance. Continue rotating the snake and pushing it forward until the clog is cleared.

Can I put baking soda and vinegar in my washing machine drain pipe?

For Minor Clogs

Now if hot water won't solve the problem, you may also use the popular duo, baking soda and vinegar. Pour a box of baking soda into the washing machine drain pipe. After that, follow through with 2 to 3 cups of vinegar. Plug the drain pipe immediately and let the fizzing reaction take place.

Why you should never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

Washing Machine Lint Filter Pump Filter is stucked and cannot be turned

What is the best cleaner for washing machine drain pipes?

Baking Soda and Vinegar

First, make sure your machine is unplugged and turned off. Mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/3 cup vinegar (1:1 ratio), locate your drain pipe and pour the cleaner product into the drain. Let it sit for half an hour before flushing the pipe with water.

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 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 do you clean a washing machine waste pipe blockage?

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.

How to get rid of grey sludge in a washing machine?

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Sludge Build-Up
  1. Step 1: Gather the Necessary Supplies. White vinegar. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean the Washing Machine Drum with Vinegar. ...
  3. Step 3: Scrubbing the Drum with Baking Soda. ...
  4. Step 4: Cleaning the Rubber Seal and Detergent Tray. ...
  5. Step 5: Running a Hot Water Cycle.

What dissolves drain gunk?

The best way to clean the bathroom sink drain is by using salt and baking soda mixed together, as well as vinegar and boiling hot water.

How to fix a washing machine not draining water?

Troubleshooting a washer that won't drain
  1. Reset your washer. Unplug your washer, and wait about a minute. ...
  2. Check the load balance. ...
  3. Test the lid switch. ...
  4. Check the drain hose. ...
  5. Look for clogs in the drain hose or pump.
  6. Check the water level control. ...
  7. Ask for help with advanced repairs.

Do washer drain pumps go bad?

Check the pump. Your washing machine could also not be draining properly because the pump has burnt out, or because something has become wrapped around the impeller like an elastic band or piece of plastic.

What dissolves washing machine gunk?

Chlorine bleach and white vinegar are common cleaning ingredients proven to deal with mold, mildew, and everyday gunk.

Can I use Drano to unclog my washing machine drain?

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

How much does a plumber charge to unclog a washer drain?

Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning.

How to fix a blocked washing machine pump?

Cleaning the Pump Filter Manually

You can access it by removing the front panel of the washing machine. Once you have located the pump filter, you can clean it manually. Place a container under the filter to catch any water that may spill out. Unscrew the filter and remove any debris that may be blocking it.

How to unclog washer drain pipe without snake?

Add the baking soda and pour it down the drain. Pour approximately 1 cup for every gallon of boiling water. Make sure to do this after pouring the water and not with the water. For an added boost, make a 1-1 mixture of vinegar and water and pour this down the drain last.

How often should you clean a washing machine drain pipe?

The best way to prevent issues with your washing machine's drain pipes is to conduct a maintenance wash on your appliance at least once a month. This includes washing the detergent drawer and washing machine filter, which can help prevent a blockage in the drain pipe.

How to prevent washing machine drain pipe from clogging?

Use a Lint Filter

This is why we always recommend attaching a lint filter to the end of the washing machine drain hose. You can find many different lint filters that are specifically designed to capture lint and prevent it from going down the drain.

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