Whirlpool Washing Machine Drain Pump Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the drain pump in a Whirlpool washing machine that will not drain, counts down without pumping out, or keeps showing a drain error after the pump area has been cleared. The drain pump removes water from the tub during the drain and spin portions of the cycle. This part may also be called the drain pump assembly or pump and filter assembly. Debris can damage the impeller over time, and normal wear can also cause the pump to fail.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare the washer

Unplug the washer before working inside the cabinet.
Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves.
Place towels around the front of the washer and set a large bowl under the drain pump area.
If the tub is still full, plan to drain water slowly and empty the bowl several times.
This procedure applies to a Whirlpool front-load washer with a lower service panel and a front-mounted drain pump. Other models may differ slightly.

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Step 2 Remove the lower access area

Open the lower drawer if the washer is mounted on a pedestal.
Remove the three screws securing the lower front service panel with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
Lift the lower front service panel off the washer.
If you need more room, squeeze the drawer-slide clips and remove the drawer.

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Step 3 Release the pump and connector

Locate the drain pump behind the lower service opening.
If your pump uses a mounting screw through a rubber grommet, remove that screw.
For a pull-tab mount, push the pump up and pull the front tab forward to release the front mount.
Slide the rear rubber feet off the mounting tabs so the pump can move forward.
Unclip the wire harness from its retainer.
Squeeze the two tabs on the connector cover, lift the cover, and unplug the pump connector.

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Step 4 Drain residual water

Pull the loosened pump forward while both hoses remain attached.
Aim the cleanout cover or drain opening into the bowl.
Loosen the cleanout cover slowly and let the water drain into the bowl.
Do not remove the cover all at once if the tub is full, because a large amount of water can rush out.
Empty the bowl and repeat until the water stops draining.
Even a washer that already spun out can leave water trapped in the pump.

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Step 5 Remove the old pump

Use pliers to squeeze the tabs on the first pinch clamp.
Slide the clamp back on the hose.
Work the hose off the pump fitting.
Repeat for the second hose and clamp.
Keep the bowl and towels under the hoses to catch leftover water.
Use channel-lock pliers if the rear clamp is too tight or awkward to reach.
Remove the old drain pump assembly from the washer.

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Step 6 Install the replacement pump

Compare the replacement pump with the original before installing it.
Verify that the new pump matches your washer model before you continue.
Set the pump on the mounting bracket before reconnecting the hoses so the hose connections are easier to reach.
Slide the rear rubber feet under the rear mounting tabs.
Seat the front rubber mounts under the front loops and lock the pull tab over the front mount.
Reinstall the mounting screw if your pump uses one through a rubber grommet.
A rubber-mounted pump may still move slightly after installation.

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Step 7 Connect the hoses

Compress the clamp on the rear hose with pliers or channel-lock pliers.
Slide the rear hose fully onto the back pump fitting.
Release the clamp only after the hose is fully seated.
Compress the clamp on the second hose.
Slide the second hose fully onto the remaining pump fitting and release the clamp.
Make sure both hoses sit straight on the fittings so they seal properly.

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Step 8 Reconnect the wiring

Plug the pump wiring connector into the pump.
Close the connector cover until both tabs lock.
Snap the wire harness back into its retaining clips.
Route the harness away from the pump mounts and hoses.

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Step 9 Test the pump for leaks

Leave the lower service panel off so you can watch the pump and hose connections during the test.
Dry any spilled water from the pump area.
Restore power and reopen the water supply valves.
Run a short cycle that fills with a small amount of water and then drains.
Keep hands, tools, and loose clothing away from exposed components while the washer is powered.
The pump may make some air or cavitation noise the first time it runs.
Once the pump primes, it should move water strongly.
Check both hose connections and the cleanout cover for leaks.

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Step 10 Reinstall the lower panel

Unplug the washer again after the leak test.
Reinstall the drawer or drawer slides if you removed them.
Set the lower service panel back in place.
Reinstall the three panel screws with a 1/4 inch nut driver.
Restore power and water to return the washer to service.

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Step 11 Troubleshoot common issues

If the pump does not run, unplug the washer and reseat the electrical connector.
If the pump runs but does not drain, check the filter area, pump opening, and hoses for debris.
If the pump sounds like it has air in it, let it run briefly so it can finish priming.
If a hose connection leaks, unplug the washer, dry the area, reseat the hose fully, and reposition the clamp.
If the drain error returns, look for debris rubbing the impeller before replacing another pump.
If the new pump does not match the old one, stop and confirm the part against the washer model number.

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Conclusion

Run a full wash cycle and check under the washer once more after the first repair cycle. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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