How to tell if a water pump on a washer is bad?

Author: Arvid Cartwright  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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 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 do I know if I need a new washer pump?

Listen for the pump whirring and see if you can feel any vibration when the switch is activated. If you can't, the pump is faulty; if you can, there's likely a blockage or a leak from the reservoir. If the pump isn't working, turn the power off and access the bottom of the washer reservoir.

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.

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

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 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 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 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.

How to tell if a 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.

Will washer not spin if drain pump is bad?

A blocked drain pump may cause your washing machine not to spin. To fix this issue, clean out any lint from around the pump or replace it if necessary.

Is a washing machine pump expensive?

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine pump? On average, a washing machine pump repair cost is around £85.

How do I fix my washing machine not pumping water?

Washer Won't Fill? Try These Troubleshooting Tips
  1. Check that the lid is completely closed. ...
  2. Make sure the hot and cold water supplies are on. ...
  3. See if the fill hoses are kinked. ...
  4. Check if the water inlet screens are clogged. ...
  5. Check Water Flow. ...
  6. Is water inlet valve working? ...
  7. Check for Broken Wires. ...
  8. Check the Pressure Switch.

How can I tell if I need a new water pump?

Let's decode the signals it gives off when issues arise, ensuring that your engine remains strong.
  1. Audible Whining Sounds. ...
  2. Puddles or Coolant Leaks. ...
  3. Engine Overheating & Fluctuating Heat Gauge Readings. ...
  4. Steam or Smoke from the Engine Compartment. ...
  5. Vibrations and Shudders. ...
  6. Water Pump FAQs.

How do you diagnose a bad pump?

Common symptoms and what may be causing them
  1. Abnormal flow. If the flow is abnormal, this is a definite sign of a problem. ...
  2. Noisy pumps. The most common noise is that of that of rocks in a can. ...
  3. Frequent clogging. ...
  4. Overheating. ...
  5. Air Leaks.

Will a bad water pump throw a code?

If your car's water pump goes out, one or more warning lights may pop up on the dash. For example, you may see the low coolant warning, overheat warning, or a check engine light.

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine pump?

Washing machine pump repair costs $150 to $350 on average to replace the drain pump. A new pump for a washing machine costs $20 to $100 for the part alone. The drain pump removes water from the tub during the drain cycle. A broken drain pump causes leaks, drain blockage, or loud noises.

How to know if a washing machine 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.

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.

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.

Previous article
How to clean a bathroom deep cleaning?