How To Resolve Washing Machine Drain Pump Issues

How To Check And Resolve Your Washer’s Drain Pump Issues

As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping your apartment or residential rental clean and well-maintained. This includes, as part of your Tenancy Agreement, undertaking minor repairs and maintenance to the property including regularly cleaning your washer and checking and resolving any drain pump issues it may have. 

As a tenant you may think keeping your washer in good working condition seems like too much trouble but in fact, it is easy to do. Of course, you can call a contractor to do it but this will likely cost £80 upwards. 

The video and the process below are general guides for checking and fixing washer drain pump issues. 

Three Common Causes Why Your Washer Is Not Draining Properly

Clogged Drain Filter

One of the most common reasons for a washer drain pump issue is a clogged drain filter. To remove and clean your drain filter:

1. First, locate your washing machine's drain filter. This is usually located near the bottom of the machine, on the front or back.
2. Next, twist or push the release button or knob to open the filter housing.
3. Then, remove the drain filter and rinse it off under running water. If there is debris caught in the filter, use a small brush or toothpick to remove it.
4. Then, wash the filter with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. 
5. Finally, put the clean filter back in place and close the housing.

Blocked Drain Hose

Another common cause of washer drain pump issues is a blockage in the drain hose. To check for and remove a blockage in your washing machine's hose:

1. First, locate your washing machine's drainage hose. This is typically located near the back of the machine. 
2. Next, disconnect the hose from both the washing machine and the drainage pipe. 
3. Then, check for obstructions in the hose itself as well as in the drainage pipe. Remove any debris that you find blocking the flow of water. 
4. Also, check for any kinks and twists as these may block the water from moving through the drain hose as well. 
5. Finally, reconnect the hose to both the washing machine and drainage pipe. Make sure that it is snug but not too tight so that it can still move slightly if necessary.  
6. If you have checked both your washing machine's drainage hose and pipe and there are no obstructions, then you're good. Test by running a wash cycle to see if this has resolved the issue.

Malfunctioning Drain Pump

The final potential cause of washer drain pump issues is a malfunctioning drain pump. A washer drain pump may malfunction in one of two ways: mechanical or electrical.

A mechanical malfunction is caused by objects getting caught in the pump. You will need to remove the filter and do a visual and feel check to see if the debris had damaged the impeller (the fan-like part) or another drain pump component. If the impeller no longer turns, it may have been damaged. If you poked around and felt an object that looks like it is a drain pump component, then your pump is damaged and may need to be replaced.

An electrical malfunction caused by power loss. To check if your drain pump motor is receiving the power you will need to remove the drain pump and take it out of the washer. 

• Remove the panel to gain access to the drain pump
• Remove clips connecting the sump hose and drain hose to the pump
• Remove the hoses carefully from the drain pump
• The drain pump is normally secured to the base of the washer by clips or screws. After removing the clips or screws, carefully lift the drain pump out of its place. 
• Remove the electrical connection to the pump. 
• Then, take your digital multimeter and test the drain pump motor. If it tests negative, your pump is shot and it will need to be replaced. 

Taking Care Of Your Washer To Keep It In Good Working Condition

Remember to always consult your washing machine's manual for specific instructions on how to access and clean its parts. 

But if you find that doing routine checks on your boiler has not been successful in keeping it in working condition, please contact us on 01522503717 and we will be able to send out a contractor. However, if the repair needed falls under your responsibility as a tenant then you will be charged for the work. 

Reminder That You May Be Charged - Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, or don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call-out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests' actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement.