How To Clean The Pump On A Whirlpool Washing Machine

The pump on a Whirlpool washing machine has two ports. The inlet port attaches to a hose that allows water to drain from the tub into the pump. The outlet port connects to the drain hose that expels the water out of the pump and into a drain or stationary tub. The pump may become clogged with fabric particles and dirt over time and with use and must be cleaned. This procedure is straightforward and can be accomplished in about an hour.

Step 1

Unplug the washer's electrical cord from the wall outlet.

Step 2

Unhook the drain hose from the drain or stationary tub.

Step 3

Unscrew the water hose fittings from the machine using a pair of slip-joint pliers. Turn the fittings counterclockwise to loosen them. Pull the washer away from the wall several feet.

Step 4

Lay an old blanket on the floor in front of the washer and tilt the washer forward and lay it on the blanket.

Step 5

Locate the pump underneath the bottom of the washing machine. The pump is easy to locate because it has two hoses attached to it.

Step 6

Squeeze the spring clips that secure the two hoses to the pump using a pair of slip-joint pliers. The clips expand and the hoses will disengage from the ports on the pump.

Step 7

Pull the pump off the drive shaft and remove it from the washer cavity.

Step 8

Douse the pump with a spray solvent and scrub the interior with an old toothbrush. Remove as much of the dirt and debris as you can. Flush the pump with water for several minutes to ensure that it is clean.

Step 9

Place the pump on the drive shaft and reconnect the hoses. Ensure that you connect the hose coming from the tub to the inlet on the pump and the drain hose to the outlet. Set the machine upright and push it against the wall and reconnect the water hoses. Plug the cord into the outlet and replace the drain hose into the drain or stationary tub.