Washing Machine Drain Pump Keeps Running: Fix Guide

Troubleshooting a Running Drain Pump

If your washing machine drain pump’s on the fritz, running non-stop, there are likely some pesky issues at play. Let’s figure out what’s causing the chaos and how to put a stop to it once and for all.

Causes of a Persistent Drain Pump

Several gremlins could be causing your drain pump to spin its wheels:

Water Drainage Issues: Can’t get that water out? That’s gonna keep the pump buzzing away. Typical culprits are gunked-up drains or a clogged outlet hose from the washer.
Anti-Flood Device Activation: A sneaky leak could have tripped the anti-flood device, compelling the pump to go into overdrive (JustAnswer).
Blocked Pipes: Whether it’s the inlet or the outlet, any block in these pipes means trouble for water flow, keeping the pump on duty longer than it should be.
Fickle Pressure Switch: If the pressure switch misbehaves, it might tell the control board you’ve still got a tub full of water, even if it’s dry as a bone.
Soap Overload: Pour a little too much detergent in? It can create air pockets that confuse the pump and hoses, making them run overtime.
Bits and Bobbles: Stray coins or small objects could gunk up the drain hose or clog the pump, leading to extended run times.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To fix that run-on drain pump, try these handy steps:

Unplug the Appliance: Safety first—pull the plug on your washer.
Remove the Base Panel: Pop off the base panel to get a peek at the guts of the machine.
Soak Up Any Water: If there’s a water spill inside, mop it up with a sponge to reset that pesky flood device.
Check Drain and Hoses: Look for jams in the house drain and washing machine hoses. Give ’em a clean if needed to get water moving again.
Clean the Mesh Filter: If your machine’s got a mesh filter, give it a look and clear out any mess.
Inspect for Foreign Objects: Hunt down rogue objects in the pump or hoses that might be causing problems.
Replace Faulty Parts: If all else fails, you might need to swap out the pressure switch or even the drain pump. Check your machine’s manual for the correct parts and steps.

Step	Action
1	Unplug the appliance
2	Remove the base panel
3	Soak up any water in the base
4	Check and clear house drain and hoses
5	Clean the mesh filter
6	Inspect for foreign objects
7	Replace faulty pressure switch or drain pump

For comprehensive troubleshooting and repair tips, take a peek at our pages on washer stopping mid cycle and washing machine keeps tripping breaker. Routine check-ups can nip most issues in the bud, keeping your washer spinning smoothly. For more maintenance hacks and what might cause your washer to drip, see why is my washing machine leaking.

Repair Cost Considerations

When that washing machine drain pump just won’t quit, one thing to keep in mind is the repair bill. Wrapping your head around the money side of things can help you figure out if fixing it or swapping parts is the smartest move.

Average Repair Costs

Shelling out for a new pump usually lands you between $300 and $400 (Fixr). But remember, that might change depending on what’s broke and how deep you gotta dig into your wallet. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend on other popular washing machine hiccups:

Repair Type	Average Cost
Pump Repair	$300 – $400
Drum Repair	$350 – $550
Unbalanced Washer	$150 – $400
Timer Replacement	$100 – $280
Leak Repair	$75 – $200

Factors Affecting Repair Costs

A bunch of things play into how much you’re gonna shell out for fixing that rebellious drain pump:

Extent of Damage: Big problems mean big bucks. If the thing’s all torn up, expect a steeper bill.
Model and Brand: Some machines just have ‘spendy’ in their DNA—parts for certain brands and models cost more.
Labor Charges: Who’s doing the repairing and where you’re at can shift those labor costs.
Warranty: Check if you’re still in the warranty period; could cut down some or all of that spend.
Age of the Appliance: The older your machine, the trickier and costlier the fix might be.

And don’t forget, when you’re messing with the pump, other parts might need love too. For more about what might be ailing your washer, check out our pages on it stopping mid cycle and filling with water endlessly.

When you think through these points, you’ll get a better grip on what to expect cost-wise and whether to fix your washing wonder. Need more info on diagnosing and tackling common issues? Dive into our additional washing machine problems section.

Want to keep future repairs from busting your budget? Look into preventative maintenance tips to make sure your machine sticks around.

Do-It-Yourself Solutions

If your washing machine’s drain pump won’t take a break, there’s hope with some DIY fixes. From basic checks to part swaps, these tricks could get your laundry helper back in action.

Repair Strategies at Home

Before calling in the pros, try handling the straightforward stuff yourself. Here’s a few pointers:

Check the Drain Hose and Pipe: Make sure the hose is snugly fit into the pipe and isn’t blocked up with stuff like lint or old socks playing hide-n-seek.
Inspect the Pump Filter: Give the pump filter a peek for coins or tiny toys that could clog things up.
Examine for Leaks: Look around your washer. If it’s leaking like it’s crying for help, that might affect the pump’s job.
Level the Machine: Make sure the washer isn’t doing the cha-cha; a little dance from uneven ground could mess with the pump’s groove.

Replacing Parts for Repair

If basic solutions don’t do the trick, swapping out parts might be the ticket. Here’s the lowdown:

Replacing the Drain Pump:

Get a Compatible Pump: Check your washer’s model to grab the right pump.
Unplug the Washer: Safety first. No one wants a shocking experience.
Access the Drain Pump: Pop off the access panel (find it at the back or front).
Disconnect and Replace: Unhook those wires and hoses, toss the old pump, pop in the new one.
Reassemble and Test: Put it all back together and give it a whirl with a short cycle.

Part	Average Cost (USD)	Toolkit	Skill Needed
Drain Pump	$30 – $150	Screwdriver, Pliers	Moderate
Pump Filter	$10 – $50	None	Easy
Drain Hose	$10 – $30	Screwdriver	Easy

Need more help? Gotcha! We’ve got guides about when the washer stops mid cycle or checking washing machine load capacity.

By tackling these issues yourself, it’s possible to fix a misbehaving washing machine drain pump. Whether through quick fixes or part swaps, these ideas give you a practical way to keep your appliance in shape. And don’t miss our other reads, like on why your washing machine keeps adding time.

Understanding Washing Machine Pumps

Washing machine pumps are the unsung heroes that keep your laundry machine humming along nicely. If you’re scratching your head over why your washing machine drain pump keeps running, having a grasp on these pump gadgets can save the day. Knowing how they tick and what usually trips them up can make you the hero of your laundry room.

Drain Pump Functionality

The drain pump’s gig in a washing machine is to whisk away water from the drum once it’s done its job for each cycle. Think of it as the water traffic cop, emptying the drum three to five times per wash, so your clothes aren’t just sitting in a puddle, but instead, end up fresh like a daisy.

Here’s what a washing machine drain pump gets up to:

Water Eviction: It pumps water out of the drum and into a drain hose or straight into the plumbing. Out with the old, and in with the new, right?
Cycle Smooth Operator: By kicking water to the curb, the pump lets the machine slide seamlessly from wash to rinse, and then to the spin cycle.
Debris Catcher: Some pumps are like a bouncer at a club, filtering out the unwanted stuff and keeping the drain hose from getting all gunked up.

Spec	Modern Pumps	Old-Timers
Power Suck	15 – 30 watts	60 – 100 watts
Fixability	Toss it, no spare parts	Built like a tank, can fix it
Cost	Same cost as a fast food family meal	Less than a new washer

Quora

Common Pump Problems

Sometimes these pumps get into a pickle, causing trouble like running forever or refusing to budge. Let’s tackle the mischief-makers:

Clogged Drain Hose:

What’s Up: Crud or leftover muck can plug the hose.
What to Do: Check the hose isn’t tangled up or blocked. Give it a clean-up to keep things flowing.

Broken Pump:

What’s Up: Normal wear and tear or cheap plastic parts giving out.
What to Do: Size up whether a fix or a swap-out is needed. Some modern pumps aren’t even built to be repaired.

Sudsy Situation:

What’s Up: Going overboard with detergent leads to too many suds messing with the pump.
What to Do: Stick to the suggested detergent dose and grab a low-sudsing brand made for washing machines.

Pump Motor Quitter:

What’s Up: The motor took a dunk in the drain, and plastic bits decided they’d had enough.
What to Do: Check out the motor parts, and maybe you have to swap out the whole shebang.

By figuring out these common hiccups and how to fix them, you can get ahead of the curve and sort out issues around a washing machine drain pump that’s gone rogue. Plus, regular upkeep and a bit of elbow grease can keep your pump alive and kicking, making your machine run like a dream. Curious about other washer messes? Check out topics like washer stopping mid-cycle and washing machine making loud racket.

Maintenance and Longevity

Keeping your washing machine’s drain pump in top shape isn’t rocket science; it’s about a little effort and some smart habits. Let’s look at how you can add extra life to your washer’s drain pump.

Tips for Maximizing Pump Lifespan

Keep It Clean: Regularly scoop out gunk from the filter and pump to stop debris from blocking things up and causing more work than the pump signed up for.
Use Detergent Wisely: Stick with the suggested detergent amount. Too much soap means more suds, and they’re not the good kind, causing the pump to struggle.
Check Those Pipes: Make sure the pipes that let things in and out aren’t choked up. Blocked pipes = a tired pump.
No Stowaways: Empty pockets! Coins and other tiny offenders can hijack your pump. Keep the small stuff out of the wash.
Load Right: Don’t stuff it like a turkey, and spread clothes out evenly. A balanced load means less shakin’ and fewer pump problems.

Preventative Maintenance Measures

A few good habits make it less likely your washing machine drain pump will conk out:

Look and Listen: Every month, give things a quick check-up. Loose wires, rusty spots, or shaky bits? Fix ’em as you find ’em (Quora).
Stay Level: If your washer is hoppin’ around, it’s time to even things out. Plywood and shims can keep it on the down low.
Quality H2O: Use filters to cut down the dirt and chemicals flowing through. Cleaner water helps your pump stay spry.
Know the Features: Familiarize yourself with your washer’s safety extras. Some pumps kick in to keep things dry, handy for spotting problems early (Quora).

Maintenance Task	How Often
Clean filter/pump	Monthly
Check pipes/hoses	Monthly
Balance the load	Every wash
Level the machine	Quarterly
Water quality check	Twice a year
Look at wiring	Once a year

Want more tips? Check out our easy fixes for issues like washer smells like burning rubber, washer stopping mid cycle, and washing machine door or lid won’t open.

Additional Washing Machine Issues

Other Common Malfunctions

Besides that pesky drain pump going rogue, washing machines have their own bag of tricks. Here’s a peek at some hiccups that might spring up and test your patience with the laundry monster:

Washing Machine Won’t Start:

Could be as simple as the power source acting up – think dodgy outlet, tripped breaker, or frayed power cord. Make sure to give the outlet a once-over (Diamond Factory Appliance Repair).

Washing Machine Stops Mid-Cycle:

Things like a sketchy door switch, out-of-whack controls, or a tricky timer can cause unexpected halts. A quick glance at the door switch and alignment might do the trick.

Washing Machine Not Draining:

Water not budging? Blame the blockages in a clogged drain pipe, kinked hose, or gummed-up pump. Check these out to keep the water flowing nice and easy (Diamond Factory Appliance Repair).

Excessive Vibration and Noise:

That noisy monster demands attention when loads aren’t balanced or if it’s on shaky ground. Redistributing clothes or stabilizing the machine will hush those clatters.

Diagnostic Steps for Repair

Cracking the code on washing machine troubles needs a laid-back approach. Here’s what you can do step-by-step:

Step 1: Power Check

Make sure the machine’s got juice. Confirm it’s plugged in snugly. Test the outlet with another gadget. Double-check the breaker hasn’t chickened out.

Step 2: Examine the Drainage System

Look for bends or blocks in that drain hose. Peek into the drain pipe for any murky clogs. Observe the water flow for either hiccups or halts.

Step 3: Inspect the Door/Lid Switch

Give the door or lid switch a good look to ensure it’s working like it should be. If it’s busted – time to swap it out.

Step 4: Check the Control Settings

Controls should be well aligned. Look out for any gremlins in the control panel or timer settings.

Step 5: Anti-Flood Device Activation

If the drain pump’s obsessive, it might’ve tripped an anti-flood notion. Unplug the machine, get in there by detaching the base panel, mop up spillage, and clear any clogs (JustAnswer).

Step 6: Observe and Reset

For a machine stuck in limbo, pull the plug for about a minute to reset its mind. Then plug it back, allowing it to wrap up its wonky sequence.

Need more troubleshooting tidbits? Check out our guides on washer stopping mid cycle or when washer smells like burning rubber.

Follow these steps, and you’re likely to master those pesky washer troubles, giving your machine a new lease on a quieter, more harmonious life.