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Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing or repairs.
Before checking the pump, unplug the washer
or shut off the power at the fuse
box or breaker
panel to avoid an electrical shock hazard. Also, turn off
the water supply to the washer at the valves.
The water pump recirculates water
during the wash cycle and pumps it out for the spin cycle. Some
washers use the recirculation to mix and distribute add-ins like
bleach or fabric softener. In some models the spin cycle starts
while the water is still in the tub; others drain first before
the spin cycle starts.
For the the initial filling of the
tub, the pump is not involved. Filling the tub is the job of the
water
inlet valve. The rinse cycle is also done with fresh water
supplied by the inlet valve, although the water pump may be running
simultaneously to remove the water while it is being added.
A blocked or malfunctioning water
pump can be responsible for many different washer problems; see
our diagnostic
page for the list. Note that while a problem may seem
to be related to the pump, the problem may really lie in one of
the connecting hoses. Each of the hoses that connects to the water
pump should also be inspected. A blockage may occur anywhere in
the water's pathway.
There are two types of pumps; direct
drive and belt drive. The direct drive is mounted directly to
the motor, the belt drive is mounted to the chassis. The direct
drive style can be opened for complete inspection while belt drive
models may or may not be designed to be opened. You can however,
still remove the hoses and inspect the ports for a blockage. Inspecting
the pump is fairly easy to do, but you will most likely have to
open the washer's cabinet.
Typically one of three problems
occur with the pump. The first is a blockage in the pump, often
from small items like a sock. The second possibility is that the
impeller blades become broken or worn down and cannot move water
efficiently. Finally, in belt drive models, if the belt is loose
or broken it does not turn the pump.
Locate the pump, it will have two,
three or four hoses. Label each hose and where it connects. The
hoses should each have a wire clamp or a hose clamp with a screw.
Pinch the wire tabs together with pliers and wiggle the clamp
farther up the hose. Screw style hose clamps are simply loosened
by turning the screw, then slide the clamp up the hose. Now remove
the hose from the port.
Direct drive pumps have metal clips
that hold the cover plate unto the pump assembly. Use a screwdriver
to pry up the clips and remove the cover. Pull off the pump's
impeller unit and inspect for damage.
Belt drive pumps vary and may or
may not be designed to open for repair. Examine the pump to determine
whether it can be opened. If it cannot be opened the look into
the ports for any blockage.
Click
here to order replacement parts.
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