Instructions on how to repair a washing machine pump with your own hands
A malfunction of the pump of a washing machine is a common breakdown in which it is impossible to use it for its intended purpose. To use the washing machine, a repair or complete replacement of the pump is necessary.
What is
The pump is an indispensable element in the design of any washing machine. The element is used to pump water from the tank during washing. Depending on the type of machine, different types of pumps are installed inside.
Circulated
One type of circulation pump is used in combination with a single pump. This design is typical for new models of washing machines belonging to the premium class. Using a circulation pump, the liquid is supplied directly to the washing area and circulates throughout the system.
This increases washing efficiency and reduces the risk of clogging.
Drain
In old or budget models, a simple drain pump is installed, which directs liquid waste directly to the sewer. The main disadvantage of a sump pump is that in most situations it cannot be repaired. After finding a breakdown, you will need to replace the broken part.
Diagnostic
The first step in diagnosis is to look for signs that the pump is malfunctioning. Before dismantling the structure, you need to make sure that the malfunction is associated with the pump. You can determine the failure by the following symptoms:
- the water drain mode has been activated, but the pumping system is not working;
- in the process of drainage, a loud noise and buzzing sound is heard;
- the pump pumps water, but more slowly than initially;
- during washing, the machine turns off spontaneously;
- the hum of the pump motor is heard, but the water does not flow.
In the presence of one of the listed failures, it is most likely that the pump will need to be repaired. Before proceeding with disassembly and repair, you need to perform diagnostic actions. To check, remove and clean the drain hose to clear the blockage, then rinse the filter. Then they include a wash test for rinsing and draining, and if the measures taken have not solved the problem, you must proceed with repair work.
How to repair with your own hands
When repairing a washing machine pump, you need to perform a number of steps in sequence. In order to avoid common mistakes and not to provoke the appearance of additional malfunctions, you should follow the instructions.
Dismantling
To repair the washing machine pump, you need to disassemble the element. The process of removing the pump depends on the type of technique.
The simplest options
The easiest way to remove the pump is with top-loading machines from manufacturers Electrolux, LG, and Zanussi.Dismantling is carried out using a set of screwdrivers and pliers, observing the following sequence of actions:
- Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, disconnect all communications and drain the water from them.
- Move the washer away from the wall and unscrew the self-tapping screws on the edges of the back panel.
- Slide the panel out and remove the side panel held in place with screws.
- Unclip the drain pipe clamp. On some models, it can be held in place with a screw that must be unscrewed.
- Disconnect the hose and wiring connectors.
- Unscrew the fixings of the pump and remove it from the housing.
Complex models
In complex models of washing machines, the disassembly procedure is different. To disassemble the machine and gain access to the pump, you must lay the equipment on its side, first placing a soft cloth to avoid damaging the casing. Then the bottom screws are unscrewed and the bottom panel is removed. This method is relevant for equipment manufactured under the brands of Samsung, Beko, Whirlpool, Candy, Ariston.
Arriving at the drain pipe, it is carefully probed for blockages. Then the clamp is loosened and removed from the pump. Then it remains to remove the fasteners holding the pump, unscrew the wiring and remove the part.
The most complex models
In some Bosch, Siemens and AEG models, the dismantling process is the most difficult compared to other types of equipment. Pump disassembly is required to remove the front of the equipment.
For that, proceed as following :
- Unscrew the mounting screws on the back of the machine and slide the top cover forward.
- Remove the detergent compartment by keeping a finger on the latch and pulling it towards you. The latch is located in the center of the powder compartment.
- Remove the self-tapping screws that hold the control panel and loosen the latches around the entire perimeter using a screwdriver.
- Remove the plinth panel located at the bottom, under the loading door.
- Bend the sealant next to the hatch door, lift the clamp and pull it out.
- The cuff is retracted into the drum, pulled to the location of the hatch lock and disconnected the wiring.
- Unscrew the self-tapping screws that hold the front wall at the edges, after which access to the pump will be opened.
Disassembly
After removing the pump, you need to disassemble it to find a malfunction. First, disconnect the pump from the element called the volute by unscrewing the fixing screws. On some models, to unscrew the pump, simply turn it anti-clockwise to disconnect it.
The next step is to check the condition of the wheel. To inspect it, you do not need to disassemble the entire structure - by removing the drain filter, it will be possible to visually understand whether it is broken. If you need to find out whether the turbine is rotating or is well fixed, then you cannot do without a complete disassembly. In working condition, the wheel should not turn easily - it scrolls with slight delays due to the rotation of the magnet in the coil. If rotation is difficult and there are no visual obstructions in the form of accumulated debris, the entire pump must be disassembled to establish the exact failure.
How to replace
Replace the part after disassembly and disassembly in the reverse order. In order not to make mistakes during the installation process, it is recommended to take photos of each stage when removing a faulty pump.After fixing the new pump inside the washing machine, you need to connect all disconnected wires and hoses, if the disassembly was carried out with the snail.
Verification of work
After completing the repair or installing a new part, you need to make sure that the washing machine works. If the machine is equipped with an electronic display, then after connecting to the network, self-diagnosis will be carried out. If there is a malfunction, the display will show the corresponding malfunction code. Electronic display is installed on most types of modern washing machines in the premium segment.
In machines without a display, you have to check the operation of the pump yourself. For this purpose, a special tester is used - a multimeter. After turning on the tester, select the voltage test function and apply the probes to the contacts. The appearance of the digits 0 or 1 on the multimeter display indicates a malfunction. A three-digit number on a multimeter occurs when the electronic control unit is not working properly, and in this situation more accurate professional diagnostics are needed.
When to contact a specialist
After noticing signs of malfunction, it is better not to delay solving the problem and immediately check whether the equipment is not broken. Otherwise, there is a risk of aggravation of the situation, decrease in the efficiency of the washing machine and the appearance of additional malfunctions.
If the typical symptoms of a breakdown do not coincide with the existing problem, it is recommended to seek professional help from a service center in order to ensure that the breakdown is eliminated and the period of operation of the equipment is prolonged. Experts will help you repair or change the pump, regardless of the model of washing machine.
Rules of operation
A water pump pump is an essential part of any washing machine, which is why equipment manufacturers specify a lifespan of 8-10 years. Failure to comply with the rules of operation of equipment often leads to a reduction of this period and premature failure of the pump. The washer needs proper care as the main causes of pump malfunction are:
- debris and other small parts entering the drain system;
- wash clothes that have accumulated a lot of dust and dirt;
- mechanical shocks.
It is possible to repair the pump with a minor breakdown with a minimum investment of time and money, but serious damage will require a complete repair or the replacement of a part. In particularly neglected situations, it may be necessary to purchase a new washing machine. For the pump of the equipment to work properly, it is recommended to observe the following rules:
- the water entering the washing machine must pass through the cleaning filter;
- before washing things, it is worth shaking them well and checking the pockets so that there are no foreign objects in them;
- heavily soiled items are best pre-soaked to remove most soil before machine washing;
- add special additives during washing to prevent scale formation;
- after completing each wash, check that the liquid has been completely drained from the drum