Why does the washing machine hum when draining water? The cause of the breakdown, its consequences and solutions
When the washing machine hums when draining water, the reason is either clogged or due to failure of parts. Before repairs, diagnostics are carried out, for which each unit is checked sequentially. This material describes how to do this yourself using available tools.
The content of the article
Main reasons
If the washing machine hums when draining, the problems are most often associated with a clogged water drainage system. In practice, users encounter the following problems:
- clogged drain pump;
- its breakdown (usually a complete replacement is required);
- clogged drain hose or pipe;
- drain filter clogged.
Since in most cases the washing machine hums when draining the water, the reason must be sought in the water drainage system. It consists of several elements, each of which needs separate verification. How to do this is described in the next section.
Filter check
The reason why the washing machine hums when draining water can be explained by a clogged filter. Usually it works properly, but over time it becomes clogged with lint and other deposits. To check and clean, proceed as follows:
- If the machine hums when draining water, you first need to find the location of the filter.Most often it is located behind the front of the case in the bottom right corner. It can also be found behind a small door that is easy enough to open.
- When the washing machine makes noise when draining, you need to evaluate the condition of the filter. If there is no door, you should remove the front panel by prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver (insert it into the slot and gently pull it towards you).
- Next, place a rag to collect the spilled water. Unscrew the filter cover, moving in a counterclockwise direction.
- Since the LG washing machine hums when draining, you need to rinse the filter thoroughly. To do this, direct a stream from the tap onto it; you can also use detergent.
- It also happens that the machine hums very loudly when draining. Then you need to inspect the hole - foreign objects and debris may get stuck in it.
- After completely cleaning the filter, put it back, screw on the lid and install the panel. Then carry out a test wash, for example, in fast mode, and make sure that there are no extraneous sounds.
Checking the pump and drain hose
If everything is fine with the filter, you should look for another reason why the washing machine makes noise when draining water. Most likely, it is connected to the drain hose and the pump, that is, a pump that pumps out waste water.
Most often it is located at the bottom, and is not even covered with a lid. But in some models, for example, Siemens, Bosch and AEG, the part can be found at the front. And in Electrolux and Zanussi washing machines, on the contrary, it is located at the back.
If the drain pump in your washing machine is humming, you should clean it thoroughly. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Take a flat-head screwdriver and, if necessary, open the machine panel (or the door, which some models have).
- Unscrew the screw that secures the filter to the housing.
- Next, carefully tilt the machine away from you and move a pre-prepared basin to drain the liquid. Carefully unscrew the lid, moving in a counterclockwise direction.
- When you hear a cracking sound in the washing machine when draining the water, you should press it upward, and then carefully remove it through the bottom. Disconnect the wires, remove the clamps and remove the pipes.
- Then the pump is washed under running water, using detergent if necessary. After it is clean, install all the parts back.
To eliminate the reason why the washing machine growls when draining water, you should also clean the pipes and the drain hose itself. They can either become clogged with debris or break. The instructions are:
- Once the previous steps have been completed (the pump is accessible), you should loosen the clamp that secures it to the drain hose.
- Disconnect the other end of the hose from the sewer.
- Clean thoroughly using a Kevlar cable with a brush (diameter within 10 mm).
- It is inserted inside the hose and moved back and forth several times.
- Then put the hose in place and see whether the LG washing machine makes noise when draining the water or not.
Foreign objects in the pump
Another reason why the washing machine hums when draining is due to the appearance of foreign objects in the pump, or more precisely, inside the snail itself. Because of them, the movement of the impeller is blocked, and fluff begins to wrap around the pump filter. This is why the washing machine makes a loud noise when draining.
It is quite clear that repair in this case comes down to inspection and removal of all extraneous things. You may also need to replace the impeller or the entire pump.But it is worth keeping in mind that breakdowns have different causes. And if the washing machine makes noise when draining the water, it means that the cuff - the elastic band between the door and the drum - is probably damaged.
If there is a gap, this is where metal locks, wooden toothpicks and much more fall. As a result, the machine makes noise when draining water, so it is necessary not only to remove things, but also to replace the cuff.
Pump replacement
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the drain pump. Over time, the supply sleeve or bearing assembly wears out, which is why the washing machine hums when draining the water. Since repair is impossible in this case, all that remains is to replace the broken part with a new one. The step-by-step instructions are as follows:
- De-energize the device, find the pump under the drum and unscrew the screws.
- Dismantle the wiring and tubes, as well as terminals. At this stage, you need to take a photo in order to later correctly connect all the elements.
- They install a new part and check how the machine works. If the installation is done correctly, the drain pump does not make noise in the washing machine.
As can be seen from this review, it is quite possible to determine and eliminate the cause of noise when draining liquid. Moreover, you don’t need to use special equipment for this – it’s enough to have available tools. However, if the cause cannot be accurately determined, you should contact a specialist.