Overview
If the water won't drain out of your washing machine,
either something is stuck in the drain hose or pump, or the
pump is broken. Both fixes are simple if you're even just a
little bit handy with tools. We’re showing the repair on a
Maytag washing machine.
Getting started
1 of 2Photo 1: Remove the front panel screws
Unplug the washer. Then prop up the washer and remove the two screws that secure the front panel.
2 of 2Photo 2: Remove the front panel
Pull the lower edge of the panel outward and “unhook” the top. On a Whirlpool washer, you'll have to remove the entire shell to access the pump.
Start by unplugging the machine and emptying the water.
Bail the water out of the tub, or you can drain the tub using gravity by placing the drain hose on the floor near the drain or in a bucket. Clamp the hose to prevent any remaining water from running out (Photo 3). Once the washer's empty, support the front of it on paint cans or stacked 2x4s. Photo 1 shows where to find the screws that hold the front panel in place. Remove the panel and you'll see the pump.
Look for the clog
1 of 1Photo 3: Pull out the clog
It's spring-loaded, so it comes off easily. Then remove the hose. Remove the belt from the pulley on the bottom side of the pump, and if the clog is visible, pull it out. Twist the pulley to unwind the fabric as you pull it out.
The pump has a translucent housing, so you might even see the offending piece of clothing wrapped up in the pump. Photo 3 shows what to do if the pump is clogged. If you don't see the clog in the pump or in the hose near the pump, then it could be stuck in the outlet where the hose connects to the bottom of the tub. To find out, loosen the clamp that holds the hose to the bottom of the tub and remove the hose. Have a bucket and sponge handy, though. Any water that's left in the machine will run out. When you locate the piece of clothing, pull it out with needle-nose pliers.
If there's no clog, check the pump
1 of 1Photo 4: Remove the pump
If the impeller inside the pump is damaged (reach your finger inside to feel for broken fins) or if the pump leaks or makes noise, you'll have to replace it. Remove the three
screws that hold the pump to the washer. Buy a new pump and install it.
If nothing is clogging the hose or
pump, the pump could be shot,
although in most cases you'll hear
noise from a bad pump, and it’ll start
to leak if you don’t replace it right
away. Photo 4 shows how to remove the
pump. Buy a new one to match. You
can find a new pump online or go to
your local appliance parts center.
You’ll need the brand and model number for proper part identification. Model numbers are usually stamped
on a small metal plate located under
the tub lid or on the top, side or back
of the machine. Copy down all the
plate information and use it to access
online parts suppliers, or take it along
to the parts distributor. Install the new
pump by attaching it with screws and
connecting the hoses, and then reinstall
the belt.
