How To Test a Washing Machine Drain Pump: Diagnosing Impeller Issues & DIY Tool Creation

Sometimes a washer pump may sound like it's working but has a damaged impeller that prevents it from draining your washing machine. Inspecting the impeller and connecting a power source to check motor operation can pinpoint the problem fast. In this video, I show you how to test your washing machine drain pump and make a helpful tool that you can use to do this.
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Thanks for watching!

[@rsitch1]

Thank you, I’m 74 now and I ordered the electrical cord you recommended. Bob

[@HarperandKnowles]

Good deal, Bob. Thanks for watching!

[@sgtbilkothe3rd]

Great video, able to determine my drain pump was toast with your tip. Best wire stripper I have ever used, and safer than a pocket knife too: Klein Tools Katapult Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter for 8-20 AWG Solid and 10-22 AWG Stranded Wire

[@HarperandKnowles]

Hey, I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the tool tip, and thanks for watching too! I'll get a pair and give them a try.

[@leroydalton173]

I used your test lead for the mode shifter I put the water pump leads along with both mode shifter leads in one test cord. Works perfect

[@HarperandKnowles]

That’s using your head right there. I think I’ll make one like that. Much easier to keep up with just one lead. Thanks for that idea, it’s brilliant! Thanks for watching.

[@williegallagher8568]

Respect from Ireland my friend

[@HarperandKnowles]

I am honored to have earned it my friend! Thanks for the kind comment.

[@paulbrown4539]

Thanks for the content Chip 😁

[@HarperandKnowles]

My pleasure! And thanks for watching.

[@genecenora7176]

Great video

[@HarperandKnowles]

Thanks my friend, glad you enjoyed it!

[@CPThyme]

I have a GE frontload and the water isn't draining. When I start a cycle I get the hum sound of the pump but I don't hear the draw down of the water. I took the pump Wh11x34740 out and couldn't find any obstructions in the unit. I guess I'll be buying a cord to test it. What else could be stopping the drainage if it's not the pump? I emptied the standing water by opening the front access panel. And the drum wouldn't spin until I took the standing water out

[@HarperandKnowles]

You need a new pump. Or there is something stuck in the tub to pump hose. Thanks for watching!

[@Azam_Pakistan]

My LG front loading machines drain motor runs perfectly well when removed but at times it fails to rotate and starts vibrating and does not rotate. Any tip?

[@HarperandKnowles]

Replace it. Thanks for watching!

[@Azam_Pakistan]

@@HarperandKnowles Oh! Thanks.

[@ijazzzali]

Same issue with my kenwood front loaded waching machine. Did replacing your drain pump solved the problem ?

[@Azam_Pakistan]

@@ijazzzali No. I did not replace. Just cleaned it and put it back. Running perfectly for months now. Some use vineger to clean places around the rotor/shaft. But don't be tempted to open the motor assembly further. Just external cleaning.

[@billatkins1026]

What brand wire crimper is that? Name is not clear in video.

[@HarperandKnowles]

It's called a Wirefy, Check the link in the comments. Get you one. Thank me later!

[@sgtbilkothe3rd]

@@HarperandKnowles thanks for the tool tip, will try that crimper.

[@bjenks2]

I cleaned my duet sport front load drain and it still won't drain. It just hums. I think the pump is bad.

[@HarperandKnowles]

If you remove the pump and find that the impeller is still fixed to the shaft and appears to be good, it may be. I have found articles of clothing jammed in the hose from the tub to the pump that caused it not to drain. But your pump could still be bad even if the impeller is solid on the shaft. It just won't spin under load and will hum. Anyway, check that drain hose too while you have it out. Thanks for watching!

[@jaycole3768]

I have a samsung flex washer and sometimes it drains and sometimes its dosent. I replaced the pump and i still have the same issue. What can it be

[@HarperandKnowles]

Is it the upper or lower washer or both?

[@jaycole3768]

@Harper & Knowles Washer and Dryer Repair both. But I figured it out. The person I purchased it from said it would drain and they spent $900 on repairs and had the same issue. But its needs an inverter board.

[@allenjonovitch9764]

It would be way faster and far less dangerous to the public if you simply put a meter on diode test and see if the coil is open right? Just thinking, thank you for sharing

[@HarperandKnowles]

That would work too. Thanks for watching!

[@mapo5976]

WOW. Ffs... Just skip to 13,45

[@HarperandKnowles]

Well, I wouldn’t get my ad revenue then, would I? Thanks for watching!

[@bowlweevil4161]

who is stupid enough to make a waterpump shaft that will rust? have they not heard about stainless steel?

[@HarperandKnowles]

Those who sell pumps! How stupid is that? Thanks for watching!