A washing machine is a piece of household appliances that helps users cope with washing tasks. It saves a lot of time, so when something goes wrong, it upsets the user. There are many problems that can arise during operation of the device and cause its operation to stop. We decided to focus on the problem of clogging drain pump. Typically, symptoms include a buzzing sound and a lack of drainage. What can be done?
If the pump is completely out of order, you need to purchase a new one. This is easy to do, given large number offers on the market of spare parts for household appliances. For example, a pump for a washing machine can be purchased on the EasyFix website. The main thing is to choose a part that will exactly match the model of your device.
However, help does not always lie in replacing the component. Sometimes you can simply clean it and continue using it. To do this you will have to get the part.
How to get the pump
This is done quite simply. Most machines have a special compartment for the pump at the bottom of the machine. The pump is hidden behind a small rectangular panel, which can be removed by unscrewing the fasteners and prying it off with a screwdriver. Next, you need to find the self-tapping screw that holds the part inside the housing. It is usually located on the right side of the pump.
The next step is to prepare a container into which you can drain the water. This container will need to be placed under the washing machine, having first tilted the device. Only after this is it recommended to remove the pump, because water may leak from it.
To remove it, you need to push the part into the body of the machine and remove the pump through the bottom. First you need to disconnect all wires and hoses. Please note that not all models have the ability to shoot details like this. For detailed information you need to look at the instructions for your device.
Cleaning the pump
When the pump is in your hands, you can start cleaning. First you need to disconnect the impeller, which is attached to several self-tapping screws. It is in this part that a lot of dirt can accumulate, so cleaning starts from here. Then you can clean the snail, getting rid of all the blockages accumulated in it. Subsequently, everything must be collected and installed in its original place.
Assembly occurs in the reverse order, after which you will need to check the functionality of the machine. If everything is connected correctly, then the cleaning can be considered complete.
Many of us are familiar with the following problem: the washing machine does not drain water. This annoying problem not only forces us to turn off the machine without finishing the wash, but also to drain the water from the tank ourselves.This problem can be solved independently; as they say, this is not a tricky matter, but difficulties may arise.In this article, we will analyze the sequence of actions to eliminate this breakdown, and try to answer the question: how to clean the drain pump?
Let's look at the main causes of the problem; there may be several of them:
- The sewer pipes in the apartment or the sink siphon are clogged (if the drain is connected to a siphon).
- Clogged drain hose and pipes. This problem can be solved by cleaning drain hose, pipes.
- Drain pump filter clogged washing machine. Cleaning it will help here.
- The drain pump is faulty. Repairing the drain pump is impossible, so only replacement () will help.
Let's look at these reasons and solutions using the Indesit machine as an example.
Cleaning the drain pump of a washing machine, it would seem that it could be easier, but...
First, we check the patency sewer pipes. To do this, remove the drain hose from the pipe (or siphon) and lower it, for example, into a sink or bathtub. We launch the “drain” program and see if the water comes out. If the drainage has started, then the problem is solved, all that remains is to clean the drain. And if not, move on.
Secondly, you need to remove the bottom plastic cover and unscrew the drain pump filter. We remove all foreign objects that got there.
This could have been the end, but there are times when it is impossible to unscrew the filter, and excessive force leads to its mechanical failure.This is due to foreign objects getting into the hole between the filter and the pump volute: nails, paper clips, metal inserts women's underwear In this case, if you simply grab the filter with pliers and twist it, there is a high probability of breaking it.
You can, of course, buy a new pump, but for some cars, especially older ones, spare parts are not always available and you will have to order them.Therefore, we will act differently.We will remove the pump along with the plastic volute, disconnecting the pipe and drain hose.
Using a flat screwdriver, remove plastic panel. We do it carefully so as not to break the latches.
We unscrew the screws securing the pump; for almost all brands of cars, such as Samsung, LG, Indesit, Ariston, etc., it is attached to the body in the same way.
Next, remove the clamps of the rubber pipe and hose, and pull them off the volute. Let's check the hose for blockages; to do this, simply blow into it; air should flow absolutely freely. To check the pipe, you need to probe and crush it. If everything is clear, we move on.
Disconnect the pump's power connector and remove it.
Increased demands are placed on the technical and operational characteristics of pumps. They must work smoothly in the most unfavorable conditions. Therefore, manufacturers strive to minimize the number of moving, rubbing parts. The devices can withstand loads with dignity, work for years, and sometimes decades, without repair or replacement, but they all need cleaning. All parts of the devices are tightly fitted to each other and “stick” during operation, so disassembly may be difficult. How to properly disassemble and clean the pump?
Surface pumps easier to disassemble than submersible ones, because their cases are not so sealed
Pumping equipment design
There are many types of pumps. They have various purposes, work in different conditions, pump liquids of any type. However general principle The devices are the same: a vacuum is created in the device, due to which liquid is sucked in, then it is supplied to the outlet pipe and pushed into the pipeline. Pumping devices differ only in the way they create a vacuum in the hydraulic chamber. Based on this feature, the following types of devices are distinguished:
- centrifugal;
- vortex;
- vibration.
In centrifugal models, a vacuum is created using a working shaft with an impeller, vortex models - a disk with blades, vibration models - a rubber diaphragm mounted on a metal core, which is acted upon by an electromagnetic field. All pump elements are made of high-strength materials, since the devices often operate in chemically aggressive environments, at high (sometimes up to 350 degrees) temperatures. The devices are designed to make their maintenance and repair as simple as possible.
Scheme: design and operating principle of household centrifugal pump for water
How to disassemble and clean a submersible pump
Approximately every two years you need to remove the pump from working fluid, disassemble and clean. If worn parts are found during inspection, they are replaced without waiting for interruptions in operation.
Work order
The pump is cleaned in the following order:
- Removal from the well or reservoir where the device is installed. The device can only be lifted by the cable, never by the pipe.
- External inspection. The pump is inspected to ensure that there are no signs of rust on the body, cracks or chips that may appear during operation or lifting itself. If everything is in order, the shaft is smoothly turned by hand. It should move without jamming. If rotation is difficult, you need to disassemble and check the ball bearing assembly.
- Checking the oil level and condition of the oil seal. If necessary, add new oil. The oil seal must allow oil to pass through well to prevent dry operation of the device. This is fraught with damage. If the oil seal is worn out, it is replaced.
- Cleaning the impeller (for centrifugal equipment). This node is often clogged with silt. To clean it, you need to remove the cover and rinse it work area water. Simultaneously monitor the condition check valve. If it has lost its seal, it will have to be replaced.
Before cleaning, the device should be removed from the well and the water should be drained.
Washing the work area
To disassemble the device, remove the mesh coarse filter. It can be secured either with two screws or spring clamp. When the mesh is removed, unscrew the bolts of the flange connection and divide the pump into two parts - upper and lower. The washing process itself is simple: pour water from a hose into the inlet and rotate the working shaft. To rotate the shaft, you can use a 12mm wrench. Gas and open-end wrenches are suitable.
After washing, check the shaft movement again. If it is light and smooth, the device can be assembled and installed in place. If there are difficulties, it is necessary to rinse the work area again. The real trouble is when the water pours out of the pump, but it is already clean, but the shaft is stuck and does not rotate. Most likely broken impeller. In this case, there is no need to try to repair the device. It should be taken to the workshop. “Amateur performance” will only hurt.
Preventative cleaning pumping equipment needs to be done regularly. If for well pump prevention once every two years is sufficient, then drainage and fecal pumps it is needed more often, because devices work with contaminated liquids and wastewater. If any damage is found, it is better to take it to the experts. It's more reliable.
A washing machine is an irreplaceable assistant for any housewife. But often during the operation of this household appliance, it may experience interruptions in operation due to a clogged drain system. Let’s look at how to clean the drain in a washing machine without resorting to the services of specialists, and how to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Types of blockages and reasons for their formation
The formation of a blockage in the drain is one of the most common reasons that can damage a washing machine. Specialists in the repair of household appliances and plumbing equipment distinguish between two types of blockages: mechanical and natural.
Mechanical
The main reason education mechanical blockages is the entry of foreign objects into the filtration system of household appliances.
Most often, the following end up in the drain system:
- small buttons and coins;
- loose locks;
- underwires and bra clasps;
- small toys and toothpicks;
- contents of pockets.
The gradual accumulation of small foreign objects provokes the formation of a blockage in the drain system
If foreign objects get in, the drain system is blocked and the washing machine simply stops functioning.
Natural
In addition to the ingress of small objects, the drain system becomes clogged during operation and naturally. This occurs as a result of the accumulation in the filter area of lint, fluff and cotton wool particles that are found on clothes being washed.
In homes where there are pets, filter clogs occur much more often.
Animal fur will certainly settle on any object. And when washing, be it bed linen or clothes, along with the drains it ends up in the drainage system, where it successfully gets stuck.
Blockage of the drain system as a result of a blockage can be determined by a number of signs:
- The rate of drainage of waste liquid is reduced.
- A software glitch appears: the machine does not switch to the “rinse” or “spin” mode.
- The operation of the unit is completely blocked.
If your appliance is still under warranty, you can have it repaired without any outlay. If the problem occurs after four or more years of operation, try cleaning the system yourself. This simple procedure can be completed in just half an hour.
Design features of the drain system
Before you begin troubleshooting, it’s worth understanding how the washing machine drain system works. In design modern models the waste liquid from the drum enters a special pipe.
The pipe is a piece of thick rubber pipe
The outlet pipe is connected to a cleaning filter, on which dirt and small objects that come with the liquid from the drum settle. The waste water, passing through the pipe and filter, enters the pump. There, under the influence of pressure generated by the constantly rotating impeller, it flows through a special drain hose into the sewer system.
The drain hose is most often located in the unit body
The outlet of the drain hose is connected either to a nearby siphon or directly to the sewer system. Some owners simplify their connection task by not connecting the hose to the sewer system, but simply leading its end into the sink or bathtub.
A clog can occur in any part of the drain system. But most often it forms in the area of the cleaning filter.
Troubleshooting yourself
Having discovered a malfunction resulting from a blockage in the drain of the washing machine, the first thing you need to do is ensure unobstructed access to the drain system.
Cleaning the filter
The filtration system is located at the bottom of the washing machine on the right side behind a small door with a hatch. To open it, you need to pry the edge of the hatch with your finger or a flat object. On some models, the panel is opened by pressing latches or bending the rotary hooks.
Behind the door there is a round filter that must be unscrewed in a counterclockwise direction.
The filter is cleaned in the following sequence:
- After unscrewing the screw, carefully remove the filter.
- Having positioned the structure at an angle, drain the liquid, first placing a container with low sides under it.
- Having freed the structure from water, remove all stuck foreign objects. If structural elements the systems are completely covered with scale - they will have to be replaced.
- After removing contamination by washing with water and wiping with a damp sponge, inspect the location of the filtration system and remove the contamination accumulated on the walls.
- Clean the pump system, then connect the unit to the power supply and turn on the “drain” mode. At proper operation pumping system the blades and rabbit will rotate smoothly.
Subtleties and nuances of drain cleaning washing machine presented in the video:
Important! There are situations when the system is so dirty that it cannot be removed. In this case, you will have to remove one wall of the unit and carefully clean it from the pump side.
Dismantling the drain pipe
Fluid flow can also be blocked if the connection points with the sewer system. To clean them, you need to disconnect the hose.
The work is carried out in several stages:
- Disconnect the unit from the power supply.
- Shut off the water supply valve.
- By using flat screwdriver remove the front lower or side panel.
- The remaining waste water is drained through the drain filter.
- Using pliers, disconnect the end of the hose from the siphon or sewer pipe.
In cars with vertical loading When washing the laundry, the hose is disconnected by temporarily dismantling the side panel, in models with horizontal loading - options are possible
IN household appliances brands“Beko”, “Ariston”, “Samsung”, “Candy”, “LG”, “Indesit” you can only get to the drainage hose through the bottom. Therefore, for convenience, it is better to place the machine on its side, having previously laid a piece of fabric under it. Unclench the clamp with pliers and disconnect the hose from the pump.
In Electrolux or Zanussi models, the hose is located along back wall. To access it you need to remove back cover housings. Having released the locking latches, you must first detach the drainage hose from the body, then unscrew the water supply hose from the valve. To completely remove the drain hose, you need to remove top cover housing, having previously unscrewed the bolts holding it, and loosen the clamp securing it.
In products German manufacturers“AEG”, “Siemens”, “Bosch”, access to the drain hose can be obtained by removing the front part of the housing. Sequence of actions:
- Remove from the front of the body sealing gum and remove the clamp.
- Remove the bottom panel of the housing and pull-out tray For detergents.
- After unscrewing the fixing bolts, remove the hatch door lock.
- Remove the front housing cover.
- Unclamping the clamp, pull out the drainage hose.
Cleaning the drain hose
Clean the drain hose by rinsing and treating internal walls using a special brush. Craftsmen use for this purpose not metal, but Kevlar cable made of synthetic polymer.
End plumbing cable equipped with a small brush that makes it easy to remove all dirt
To clean the inner walls of the pipe, the cable is inserted into the hose and moved back and forth. After this, rinse the hose running water. If necessary, the procedure is repeated 2-3 times.
Tip: to achieve maximum effect when flushing the pipe cavity it is better to use warm water with the addition of citric acid.
The washed hose can only be fixed in its original place, following all the steps described earlier, but in reverse order.
Video guide to cleaning the water drain in a washing machine
How to prevent clogs
To avoid this kind of trouble in the future, follow these steps: simple rules:
- Always check your clothing pockets to remove contents.
- When washing clothes, use special covers.
- Try to fasten the fasteners on your clothes in the form of buttons and locks before immersing them in the drum.
- Besides washing powder add water softener when washing.
Wanting to provide additional protection to prevent contamination of the unit during operation, you can install a filter on the supply pipe when connecting the washing machine.
