How to tell if a water pump is bad on a washing machine?

Author: Ms. Glenda Gorczany  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Disruptive noises: When your washing machine makes loud, thumping sounds during the drainage phase, it might indicate that the pump has a clog or can't effectively empty the water. No washer movement: Washing machines spin and jerk quickly to loosen dirt on fabrics.

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

The pump should work or not. Simply check the outlet pipe. If it pumps the water out and the machine follows it's sequence then it's ok. If the water pump keeps running and there is water in the machine you have a problem. Generally, if it takes ``a longer than normal'' time to drain you have a problem.

How to check a washing machine pump?

First, set your multimeter to the 2k setting, which stands for 2 kiloohms. Then place the two multimeter prongs into the socket in which the electrical connection was connected. If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading between 160 ohms to 260 ohms (with about 5% leeway).

Is it worth replacing the pump on a washing machine?

Yes its worth fixing your washing machine if it's just the drain pump that's gone bad. But really not worth the effort if the tank seal goes bad.

Will the washer not spin if the drain pump is bad?

Okay, what you need to do is to check your drain pump for a partial clogging. What happens in virtually all front load washers is that if the drain pump get clogged, even partially, the washer won't spin out the clothes all the way. Also, immediately before the drain pump will be a trap.

Testing for No Drain error code on Washing Machine Pump Motor

What would cause a washer to wash but not spin?

The washing machine is too full. The load is improperly balanced. The washer itself isn't balanced correctly. The lid switch is broken.

What causes a washing machine pump to go bad?

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 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 it cost to replace a washing machine water pump?

On average, expect to spend $300 to $400 for a pump replacement job. Washing machine pump repairs are usually required when you note active leaks or a tub that doesn't drain. If the tub does not move, but the agitator does, this indicates the pump is starting to experience issues.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.

How can I test my water pump?

Since you cannot physically inspect the impeller and inside of a water pump without removing the pump, the best way to know if it is functioning properly is to visually inspect the coolant condition, test the coolant pH and protection levels, test drive the vehicle to verify normal operating temperature, and squeeze ...

How do I clean my washing machine water 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 do I know if my washer fluid pump is bad?

If you activate the windshield washer and don't hear the pump's distinct sound, then the pump is either broken or not receiving any power. This can be due to faulty wiring or other electrical issues.

How much does it cost to replace a washer pump?

Auto Windscreen washer pump: how much does this product cost? The price of car parts within the auto Windscreen washer pump category ranges from £2 to £109, depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer, and product specifications.

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.

Is replacing a water pump easy?

Replacing a car water pump could be a simple or difficult job, depending on the vehicle and the water pump's location. It's a job usually best left for professional mechanics. The water pump may be hidden under other components and may require special tools depending on the vehicle's design.

How do I know if my pressure washer pump is bad?

Recognizing these five warning signs of a failing pressure washer pump can help you avoid costly downtime and prolong the life of your equipment:
  1. You experience a decrease in pressure or none at all. ...
  2. You hear unusual noises. ...
  3. You see leaks or drips. ...
  4. The pump cycles on and off often. ...
  5. Your pressure washer is old.

How to tell if a washing machine pump is broken?

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.

Will a bad drain pump cause a washer to not spin?

Your washing machine may fail to run the spin cycle because it cannot drain the water out of the drum. In this case, the problem likely is a result of a clogged or faulty drain pump.

Where is the water pump located in a washing machine?

The water pump is located inside the washer, so you can't actually see it. The pump has a double duty of circulating water during the cycle as well as draining the water once the cycle is complete. Some machines may have two different pumps–one that just pumps water, and one that drains.

How do I know if my water pump impeller is bad?

Another sound a broken impeller makes is a screeching noise, possibly due to water pump bearings going bad. Besides unusual noises like grinding, rattling and screeching, other signs that an impeller has gone bad include water pump leakage, reduced water pump flow, slow engine re-priming and engine overheating.

How do I know if my washer 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.

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