How to tell if a whirlpool drain pump is bad?

Author: Ms. Tia Renner III  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

No washer movement: Washing machines spin and jerk quickly to loosen dirt on fabrics. No or little movement during washing cycles often means you need a new drain pump.

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

The pump impeller shouldn't turn both directions freely. It should have a rubber bandy type feeling going one direction due to the magnets. Either way, the pump only needs to be replaced if the washer isn't draining, or if it's really noisy.

How do I know if my Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump is bad?

If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading of between 160 and 260. If the reading is too high, too low, or if there's no reading at all, it means the drain pump is faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

How to clean a whirlpool washer drain pump?

Just to clean the pump clean out filter that little door at the lower right of the machine opens and you will see a white filter cap Turn it counterclockwise approximately 2 turns, then pull outward and clean out the trap. Caution: water will come out of it so be ready with towels.

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.

Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain - How to Drain the Washer, Diagnose and Fix

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.

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.

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

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.

Why are my clothes still wet in my Whirlpool washer?

Overloading the washing machine can lead to soaking wet laundry. If you cram too many clothes into the drum, it may result in an unbalanced load, which can reduce the spin speed and result in excess water in the drum at the end. To avoid this, follow the recommended load capacity in your owner's manual.

Why is my Whirlpool washer pump not draining?

The Drain Pump Filter may be clogged with dirt, lint, or other items. This filter should be cleaned on an occasional basis to keep the washer operating properly. CLICK HERE for more information about cleaning the Drain Pump Filter or see "Cleaning and Maintenance" above.

What does a bad dishwasher drain pump sound like?

Grinding or buzzing noise

You can hear your dishwasher grind or buzz when it forces water down the drain. If the sound is very loud, check your pump impeller. To do this, you will need to remove the lower basket, spray arm and filter unit.

Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher not draining at the end of the cycle?

The most likely cause of dishwasher drainage concerns is a dirty filter. Tough food particles like popcorn kernels or wet chunks of paper from container labels can get caught in the filter and keep water from draining out of your dishwasher. Make sure the overflowing isn't caused by using dish soap in the dishwasher.

How to tell if a drain pump is bad on a dishwasher?

Finally, to be sure your drain pump is working properly, you can test it with a multimeter on the two terminals. Your multimeter should show a reading of about 200 ohms for a working drain pump.

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.

How much does it cost to replace a washing machine drain 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.

Why does my Whirlpool dishwasher stays wet inside?

In fact, it's actually by design. The humid air inside your dishwasher condenses on cooler surfaces, like the walls or door. From there, the moisture drains to the bottom of your dishwasher rather than condensing on your dishes. So, if you notice a bit of condensation, don't fret.

Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning dry?

To troubleshoot a Whirlpool top load washer not spinning clothes dry, start by checking the lid switch to ensure it's engaging correctly, as a faulty switch can prevent the spin cycle from starting. Next, inspect the drive belt for any signs of wear or damage, as this can affect the drum's ability to spin.

Why are my clothes soaking wet when the washer is done?

An unbalanced or overloaded washer drum can slow down the spin cycle, leaving you with clothes that are soaking wet when the cycle is done. Make sure to balance the wash load and disperse clothes evenly and loosely around the tub.

How to know if the drain pump on a washing machine 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.

What is the best drain Unclogger for washing machine?

A plumbing snake is another one of the best drain cleaners for washing machine drains. Plumbing snakes are long, bendable tools that have a cone-shaped endpoint which is inserted into the drainpipe to break up clogs and debris. It is useful for long pipes that have clogs that are hard to reach.

What causes a washing machine drain pump to fail?

The most common reason on current machines that cause pump failures is the cheap flooded motors they now use. The motor armature is in the drain water, and over time the plastic over-molding fails and the armature fails, usually by swelling and freezing against the housing.

How to force a washer to drain?

How Do You Force Your Washing Machine to Drain? A master reset may force some washing machine models to drain. To do this, unplug the appliance, then plug it back in .

How do you know if your washing machine filter is blocked?

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

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