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Time Required

15 minutes

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Difficulty

beginner

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Tools Needed

Shallow pan or bowl, Towels, Old toothbrush

⚠️ Safety Tips for Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter

•Unplug the washing machine and ensure it’s off before accessing the filter (you’ll be opening a panel and possibly encountering water)
•Prepare for water spillage by having towels and a pan ready; opening the filter will release any water inside
•If the machine was recently running a hot cycle, allow water to cool to avoid burns when you open the filter

# Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter

Many washing machines (especially front-loaders) have a small filter that catches lint, coins, and debris from the wash water. Over time, this drain pump filter can become clogged, leading to drainage issues or odors.

## Signs the Filter Needs Cleaning

- Water remains in the drum after the spin cycle (slow or no drainage)
- The washer has an unpleasant odor (trapped debris can grow bacteria)
- The machine gives an error code for slow drain or refuses to spin

It’s recommended to clean this filter every few months to avoid problems.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear the Washer Drain Filter

Cleaning the filter is usually simple and requires no special tools. Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter

Locate the Filter Access

Find the drain pump filter access panel. It’s usually on the front bottom of front-loading washers (behind a small door or removable panel). On some top-loaders, the filter may be at the rear or under the agitator.

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Consult your washer’s manual if you are unsure where the filter is located. It’s often near the floor on front-loaders, often on the right or left corner.

Drain Excess Water

Place a shallow pan or dish under the filter opening. Many machines have a small hose next to the filter; pull it out and remove the cap to slowly drain water into your pan. If no hose, be ready with towels as you loosen the filter itself.

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Draining slowly via the hose (if provided) can prevent a big gush of water. Empty the pan as needed to catch all the water.

Remove the Filter

Twist the filter knob or cover counterclockwise (usually) to unscrew it. Pull it out carefully. Have a towel ready for any residual water that comes out when the filter is removed.

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The filter may be full of debris; be cautious if reaching in with bare hands in case there are sharp objects like pins or glass.

Clean the Filter

Clear the filter of lint, coins, buttons, or any debris. Rinse it under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any slime or residue.

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Also wipe out the cavity where the filter resides—there could be gunk inside the housing. Use a damp cloth or your finger (with gloves if preferred) to remove any remaining debris in the filter slot.

Reinstall the Filter

Place the cleaned filter back into its slot and screw it in firmly until it’s snug. Make sure it’s seated correctly to prevent leaks. If you drained via a hose, cap the hose and tuck it back in place.

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Do not over-tighten the filter cover; just ensure it’s threaded properly and secure. Over-tightening can make it hard to remove next time or possibly damage the gasket.

Test the Washer

Plug the washing machine back in and run a short wash or rinse cycle to ensure it now drains properly and there are no leaks from the filter area.

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Keep an eye on the first load after cleaning. If you see a slight leak, pause the machine and double-check that the filter is screwed in all the way.

🔧 When to Call a Professional for Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter

If draining issues persist, there might be a clog in the drain hose or pump itself, or the pump could be failing. A professional can safely take apart the machine to clear internal clogs or replace the pump if needed. If the filter cap is broken or leaking, a technician can replace it to ensure a watertight seal.

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Signs it's time to call us for Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter

•The filter area is sealed or you cannot access it easily (some older models might require more disassembly)
•You cleaned the filter but the washer still doesn’t drain or you continue to get errors
•The filter is damaged or won’t screw back in properly

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Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pump Filter