Drain pump for a washing machine: structure, types and functions

What is a drain pump?

To begin with, the main function of the pump is to pump water out of the main drum, which is used for washing clothes. Its structure is quite simple and consists of the following elements:

snails;
wing motor.

Most experts hasten to assure that a device of this type belongs to the category of almost eternal ones, which are quite difficult to break. If a breakdown occurs, after a quick replacement the device can continue to be used for other tasks. The type of unit in modern washing machines is the same - synchronous with a magnetic rotor. It does not have any special suction characteristics, so two pumps are often installed simultaneously. The motor has a power of 20 W sufficient for its functions. Thus, the developers are trying to reduce the load on the main pump as much as possible, dividing its direct responsibilities equally - one performs overhead watering, while the second is responsible for pumping out water.

Purpose

The washing machine pump performs one of the main functions in the correct and uninterrupted operation of the unit.
The main role of using a drain pump is to remove dirty water from the washing machine tank. The entire washing cycle depends entirely on how this unit works, because the pump is involved in all washing modes (washing, rinsing, spinning and drying). The need to periodically drain and collect water places a large load on the drain pump, so for trouble-free operation of the entire mechanism, you must follow the basic rules for operating the washing machine.

Main types of devices

Choosing the most optimal siphon will not be difficult due to the variety of similar products on the modern market. Mainly they differ:

by the number of bends used;
by installation method;
according to form;
and in size.

Sometimes you can find a siphon of such an unusual or intricate shape that it will be impossible to determine what type of device it is and how it can be used. The choice of pump should be approached very carefully, since the complexity of connecting the pump to the sewer system and its further operation will depend on this. With an outlet for a washing machine, some pumps look really unusual. However, it often looks like an ordinary siphon, which everyone has seen at least once under their own or a neighbor’s washstand. Additionally, it comes with a pipe or side outlet to which you can attach a drain hose. Belongs to the category of the simplest options, which at the same time are the least qualitative in terms of approach. There are cases when the machine is installed under a countertop with a washstand, but these cases are rather exceptions.

The branched siphon allows you to take care of double connections at the same time. It is a plastic tee. One outlet will be directed to the sewer pipe, while the rest will serve as containers for corrugated hoses. One will be directed to the sink, and the second will be connected to the washing machine. The siphon built into the wall has very insignificant dimensions due to the fact that most of it will be hidden in the wall by the sewer pipe. Only a small part of the housing with a connection for the drain hose will be visible. It can be equipped with several or only one branch at the same time. A relatively new invention is a siphon equipped with a check valve. This will help avoid many troubles in the event of a clog forming, blocking the return of liquid to the washing machine. A very popular device among apartment dwellers. Flat drain pumps are very convenient to use, since their dimensions allow them to be placed anywhere and at a short distance from the main device.

Removing the pump through the front panel

The drain pump is located at the bottom of the unit, under the tank. Only it can be accessed through the bottom of the washing machine or after removing the front panel.

Replacing the pump for a Samsung washing machine is done through the bottom of the unit.

Instructions for dismantling the drain pump are as follows:

Be sure to unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet.
Shut off the water supply before disassembling.
Carefully place the washing machine on its side. In this case, the pump should be on top of the unit.
Release the bottom of the machine from the lower protective panel. For this purpose, it is necessary to remove the fastening latches.
If there is a plastic protective casing for the pump, this element must also be removed.
Near the pump valve you will see screws securing the unit, which need to be unscrewed.
Carefully pull the pump towards you.
Then disconnect the pump power cables.
Over a previously prepared container, so as not to spill the remaining water, loosen the hose clamps.
If the pump has a volute, then you need to disconnect it too. In the future, if there are no complaints about this element, then after cleaning the snail can be left.

Installing a new or repaired pump is carried out in the reverse order.

A similar method is used to dismantle the pump in washing machines Indesit, LG, Beko and some other models.

Replacing the pump of a Bosch, Siemens and some other brands of washing machines is done after removing the front panel of the unit, since the bottom of such machines is closed.

Dismantling the drain pump is carried out as follows:

First of all, you need to remove the top cover of the unit. To do this, you need to unscrew the mounting screws on the back of the machine, and then push the cover away from you from the front panel.
The next step is to dismantle the control panel. For this purpose, remove the tray for washing powder and unscrew the screws securing the panel. After removing the screws, the panel is carefully placed on the top of the unit so as not to damage the connecting wires.
Under the plastic protective panel there is a drain valve, which must be carefully removed above the container to drain the remaining water.
Then you need to remove the sealing collar from the loading hatch.
Thus, by dismantling the front panel, we will gain access to the pump.
Having unscrewed the mounting screws of the pump and the front wall, you can begin to dismantle the pump.
Having loosened the clamps on the pump nozzles, remove the connecting hoses.

After completing all these operations, we inspect the pump and impeller. In case of minor breakdowns, we clean the pump parts from contamination. Installing a new drain pump is done in the reverse order.

In top-loading washing machines, the pump is removed through the rear wall.

Remove the pump in the step-by-step sequence described above. Examine the pump in detail and determine whether a complete replacement of the washing machine pump is required or whether the snail can be left.

Before installing the pump, it is necessary to clean the volute and the pump mounting area from dirt. Then the pump is screwed on and the pipes are connected.

A new pump is selected based on the following indicators:

Mounting method: bolts or snaps.
The location of the contacts is front or rear.
Connection to the network - with terminals or chips.
Power – from 19 to 20 W.

Let's look at how to replace the pump in a LG, Indesit, Beko and Samsung washing machine.

The drain pump for a Samsung washing machine (and the brands listed above) is quite expensive. But, it is very easy to replace - there is no need to dismantle the machine panels, all work is done through the bottom of the device.

How to remove the pump from the washing machine and install a new one:

Disconnect the device from the power supply.
Turn off the water.
Lower the machine on its side so that the pump in the washing machine is closer to the top (tip: before removing the bottom, it is better to lay a soft cloth under the side of the washing machine).
Remove the bottom of the unit (usually it is held on by small latches).
Unscrew the part.
Pull the device out.
Disconnect the pump from the board.
Loosen the clamps holding the pipes and drain the remaining liquid.
Remove the drain pipe and hose.
In complete contrast, install a new device.

Washing machine circulation pump

The pump for the “German” washing machine is expensive. And its replacement is not as simple as in the previous version.

The bottom of Siemens and Bosch cars is inaccessible, therefore, we will make our way into the inside of the car through the front panel.

Your actions:

Remove the top part of the machine - unscrew the mounting screws from the back.
Pull the cover up, unclip it and remove it.
Remove the internal PVC panel behind which the drain valve is located.
Disconnect the valve from the system and place the remaining water in a “drained” container.
Pull out the container for washing powder, disconnect the bolts securing the control panel, and dismantle it.
Remove the cuff from the front wall and place it inside the drum for convenience.
Unscrew the pump fasteners (bolts or screws).
Unscrew the fasteners of the front wall of the machine and remove it.

If everything went well, you can connect the pump for the Bosch washing machine:

Disconnect the pump from the network.
Loosen the clamps and drain the remaining liquid.
We take out the device.
We are installing a replacement.

Replacing the drain pump in a Bosch washing machine is complete!

The pump for Ariston, Zanussi and other top-loading washing machines can only be replaced through the rear panel. But, this is not just a panel, but a part of the machine with circuit boards and functional parts.

Cleaning the drain filter in front of the washing machine pump

The sequence is similar to “horizontal” devices:

Unscrew the fasteners of the rear panel and remove it.
Remove all bolts securing the back of the device.
Disconnect the outlet valve and drain the water.
Remove the non-working part and connect a new one.

If the machine’s impeller is noisy, or it’s just noisy and makes uncharacteristic sounds, then most likely the pump in it is broken. It can be repaired - contact a specialist, or do it yourself.

Every man should know how to repair a pump, but it is difficult to give specific instructions, because pumps are very different from each other. It is also important to know how to clean the pump in a washing machine - unscrew all the fasteners, wipe the surfaces dry, lubricate the moving elements, etc.

If you doubt anything, then you should not try to correct the situation yourself. Today there are a lot of craftsmen who, for a reasonable fee, do all the work quickly and efficiently.

Additional uses of drain pumps

Before we consider in more detail the possibilities of using a drain pump separately from the main device, it is necessary to pay attention to the power of a small motor located on the pump, which allows it to be used if there is a need to lift liquids from a shallow depth. The maximum value of this value is half a meter. You should not count on significant processing, since with each inch of elevation its power will only become lower. For household needs it can be used:

If there is a small difference between levels for pumping liquids.
When establishing an automated irrigation process.
To maintain a certain water level in artificial reservoirs.
For the operation of a small waterfall or fountain on the surface of a reservoir.

If desired, you can find a use for just the motor by carefully removing all other elements. It will help solve many technical issues that people encounter in everyday life. You can even use it to make a mini-wash for a car or moped. It will take a long time to wash, but it will be interesting. Such devices are not intended for long-term supply of liquid, which should also be taken into account.

Fault prevention

To avoid unscheduled repairs, you should follow a few simple rules:

carefully inspect the laundry, do not allow small parts to get into the machine,
Do not wash clothes that are too dirty, it is better to soak them first,
Things that can cause a blockage (with long threads, lint, pellets) should be washed only in special bags.

In order for the machine to serve for a long time, you do not need to put in a lot of effort, just basic care and careful handling of it.

Equipment disadvantages

Like any other device, drain pumps have a number of disadvantages. These include the relatively low power of the motor, the use of which in everyday life will be extremely problematic. You should not expect a long service life from a repaired pump, and after the first breakdown, it is recommended to immediately replace such equipment. For local solutions it can be used, but only as an additional element that overheats and makes noise. After a relatively short period of time, its performance will practically be equal to 0. Further use of the repaired pumps is not recommended, therefore any subsequent manipulations will be carried out solely at your own peril and risk, without any guarantees of reliability and safety. They are able to perform only a narrow range of tasks and are unlikely to be able to jump over this threshold. Most instructions indicate that further repair and disposal are provided, but almost every craftsman tries to use all the surviving parts to produce new and serviceable equipment.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can purchase a pump for your Atlant washing machine in online markets and in retail stores that sell spare parts for household appliances.

To choose the right part, you need to know the model of the device, the power of the motor and the individual part number .

The average cost of a pump without a volute is 900 rubles, and when fully equipped – 1800 rubles. The exact price depends on the power of the part and the model of the washing machine.

The most common causes of breakdowns

When a washing machine pump breaks, it completely stops pumping water from the main drum. The cause can be a variety of malfunctions. One of the simplest and at the same time correct solutions is to completely replace the broken element. It is possible to repair such equipment, but there is no guarantee of its continued performance, and no one can say how long it will continue to work. Therefore, in any case, the best option will be a complete replacement of the drain pump for the washing machine. If you purchase a warranty product, you can automatically add several years to the life of the main device. In addition to completely maintaining factory specifications, the device will stop making extraneous noise. Installing an additional filter also helps to increase the service life.

List of the most common causes of washing machine breakdowns:

Failure of a mechanism such as an impeller.
There was a short circuit or break in the winding.
The motor bushings are completely worn out.

Often, only those craftsmen who stubbornly refuse to take care of the basic elements of the device they use buy new elements. The cost of a drain pump is low, but it is better to prevent breakdowns in every possible way than to regularly contact a service center and clean up the consequences of another flood.

For this you will need:

use the most ergonomic and correct mode for washing. Washing for too long will not benefit both your clothes and the operating device, which will definitely break;
Do not place too hard or metal objects into the drum (keys and coins should be pulled out of your pocket in a timely manner). They can cause the pump to jam. Additionally, it is recommended to install a filter on the pump.

Uncharacteristic sounds may be the first signal that your washing machine is breaking down. A hum or excessive vibration may appear exclusively during draining of water and indicate its possible breakdown.

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Pump operating rules

In order for any complex technical unit to reach its service life, you need to monitor its condition and follow some additional recommendations from the washing machine manufacturer:

Before washing, check the pockets in your clothes to prevent small objects from getting into the rotating components of the unit.
Use only a special detergent for automatic machines, which contains anti-scale additives.
It is advisable to install a filter on the water supply system so that small particles of rust from the pipes do not get inside the machine.
It is better to soak very dirty laundry before washing.

Remember that if signs of a problem with your washing machine appear, you must immediately begin to identify and repair the problem. It is easier to replace a failed drain pump than to replace the entire unit in the future.