Washing machines have 5 steps to their operation: filling, washing, draining, rinsing, and spinning. If even one of these simple steps fails, the entire operation shuts. So, if your washer is not draining properly, it can throw a significant monkey wrench into your laundry day. Luckily, diagnosing and fixing a washing machine drain pump problem can be an easy process, and you can do it yourself.
How a Drain Pump Works
In order to know how to fix a draining problem, it can help to know how a successful drain cycle works. After the wash cycle ends, the washer's control board sends voltage towards the drain pump, which forces water from the tub into the drain hose. The hose results in a wash tub or stand pipe, and also the washer will either fill again or end its cycle. A properly functioning pump will perform these actions without excessive noise or leaking, and the process should only take a couple of minutes, depending on the size and type of your washer.
The drain pump may also have a filter or catch which will stop any foreign objects (coins, bits of fabric) from entering the drain hose. The hepa filter should be emptied regularly, like a restricted filter can increase draining time or steer clear of the draining process altogether.
Possible Causes of Improper Draining
If your
washer isn't draining properly, there are several possible causes.
- Malfunctioning Drain Pump
- A pump can fail in 2 ways: mechanically and electrically. A mechanical failure can be caused by a foreign object caught in the pump, or direct damage to a pump component, like the impeller. Inspecting the pump can often reveal a mechanical failure.
- An electrical failure can be diagnosed by using a multimeter. Take away the pump from the washer and employ a multimeter to test the motor for continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the part. When the pump motor tests negative for continuity, the pump will need to be replaced.
- Obstructed Drain Hose
- If a foreign object gets past the drain pump and into the drain hose, it can obstruct water flow and cause a draining problem. Simply take away the drain hose and flush the obstruction to fix this problem.
- Defective Lid Switch
- On some washer models, the lid switch prevents the washer from operating if the lid is open. Make use of a multimedia to test the switch- whether it tests negative for continuity, you are able to replace the part to fix your condition.
Is Your Washing Machine Not Draining Properly? Discover the Parts to Fix it With Repair Clinic
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