Last updated on April 7th, 2024
You might come across recommendations suggesting the removal of the drain pump filter for periodic cleaning. Our advice is don’t. While manufacturers will often suggest it be done frequently and provide video instructionals showing the procedure carried out on a gleaming new machine that hasn’t done a days work in its life, reality paints a different picture. The process can be messy, fraught with complications, and potentially time-consuming, risking days without a functioning washing machine. In this article, we will guide you through the removal of your drain pump filter, should you choose to proceed despite our recommendations. We’ll also explore a more effective method for maintaining a clean washing machine drain pump filter, offering a simpler solution to ensure a clean appliance.
The Role of the Drain Pump Filter
At its core, the drain pump filter’s purpose is to protect the drain hose and in particular the drain pump from blockages by trapping forgotten items in pockets that are too big to pass through like coins, bobby pins, screws and nails before they get to the pump. Without this safeguard, objects could travel into the pumps propellor jamming it, or potentially though less likely wedging and blocking the drain hose impairing functionality or necessitating costly repairs.
When to Remove the Drain Pump Filter
The removal of the drain pump filter should not be a routine step undertaken lightly. It is advisable only in specific circumstances:
- To prevent mould growth when the machine will not be in use for an extended period (exceeding a month), such as during long-term storage, international shipping
- When there are evident problems like slow draining or a failure to drain, which indicate a blockage. The headaches that can be caused by unnecessary removal of the filter generally do not outweigh the benefit.
- For some households it ought to be said, the drain pump filter will require regular removal – those households where pockets are frequently filled with forgotten items and not thoroughly checked. For those households it may be best to have a replacement filter on hand to avoid downtime.
Step 1: Prevention is better than Cure
Often, items left in clothes don’t actually reach the drain pump filter; they get caught in the washing machine’s drum or the door seal (also known as the door boot). By adopting a routine of checking pockets before loading the machine, and inspecting the door seal after each wash, you can intercept most of these items before they progress into the drain pump filter.
Step 2: Locating the Washing Machine Drain Filter
Top Loaders
Top loader washing machines, particularly those in Australia, are unlikely to have a drain pump filter. The design of top-loader washers typically prevents larger items from passing between the bowl and basket, rendering a drain pump filter unnecessary. I cannot see any reason why it would be different internationally, but my research for writing this article seems to indicate that overseas things may be different, though I cannot fathom why.
Front Loaders
Every front loader washing machine I have ever seen has had the drain pump filter in the same place. Whether it’s an older washing machine or a newer washing machine, the drain pump filter is located behind a flap on the lower front of the machine. Often you need to insert a butter knife or screwdriver into a slot to open it.
Step 3: Removing the Drain Pump Filter
If removal is necessary, you may want to turn off the water supply to the machine to avoid accidents. Wait a few hours after the last use, especially after hot cycles, to let any hot water remaining in the machine to cool down and prevent burns.If removal is necessary, you may want to turn off the water supply to the machine to avoid accidents.
Upon opening the flap, the circular front on the filter will be revealed, which unscrews counterclockwise. Preparing for a potential watery mess is wise; have a towel ready and begin to unscrew the filter gently. This action will release any water trapped at the bottom of the machine. Turning the filter initially might be challenging; using a pair of pliers can be helpful, but be cautious to avoid causing any damage.
For a tidier method of draining residual water, you may find a small capped rubber outlet hose near the filter. Positioning a tub or bowl below this hose and then removing the cap with a twisting motion will allow for a controlled flow of water. Do not just tug the cap off, you risk damaging the hose, its important to twist while pulling gently to break the seal. This approach comes with its own set of challenges. The hose inside the washer is usually deliberately kinked from factory as a second measure to prevent leaks. A moderate pull is necessary to straighten the hose and enable the water to drain efficiently. Excessive force risks damaging the hose, leading to potential replacement needs, while insufficient force could prevent water from draining altogether. In some instances, the machine might not have a separate rubber hose, instead featuring an outlet integrated into the drain filter itself. This can usually be activated with a flathead screwdriver to enable water release.
Dealing with a Stuck Washing Machine Filter
Removing the filter isn’t always straightforward, either. Objects such as coins, bobby pins, and screws can jam the filter, complicating its removal or reinsertion. For some models, such as Fisher and Paykel front loaders, the front of the filter can easily detach from the body, particularly if pulled too forcefully. If the filter becomes jammed or the front detaches during removal, and it’s confirmed to be fully unscrewed, you essentially have two options. If there’s enough space, a long flathead screwdriver can be used to wedge between the filter housing and the filter’s inner front face. Carefully – and often forcefully – leveraging the screwdriver can ease the filter out, though the significant force required risks breaking it. This technique is recommended for Fisher and Paykel front loader washing machines.
For machines where inserting a screwdriver could cause damage to the machine’s front, attempting to use pliers to grasp the front of the filter and pull it out may work. However, this approach can be problematic for some models, like the Fisher and Paykel front loader, where it might only result in pulling off the face of the filter, leaving you in basically the same situation but with nothing to pull on. In such cases, persistence, patience, and careful manipulation of the filter might get the job done, or you might need to consult a professional to remove the pump filter housing and push the filter out from behind.
Step 4: Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter and Filter Housing
Removing Lint and Debris
Start by manually removing any tangled lint and visible debris from the filter with your fingers. This step is repellant even for a seasoned service tech but there is no way around it.
Rinsing the Filter
Place the filter under running water to wash away residual grime. Ensure the water flow reaches all parts of the filter to remove as much buildup as possible.
Detailed Cleaning with a Toothbrush
For a deeper clean, use a toothbrush to scrub the nooks and crannies of the filter. A toothbrush is particularly effective at dislodging stubborn particles that water rinsing alone might not remove.
Cleaning the Rubber Seal
Pay special attention to the rubber seal around the filter. It often accumulates a ring of buildup that can prevent proper sealing, leading to potential leaks. Gently clean the seal with the toothbrush or a cloth to ensure a proper seal when reinstalled.
Cleaning the Filter Housing
Use a damp rag to clean the area from which the pump filter was removed – the pump filter housing. It’s important to clean inside thoroughly, as debris tends to accumulate here as well.
Checking for Obstructions
Feel around inside the filter housing for a hole on one side where water enters from the washer’s drum. Probe for any debris that might be blocking this entrance and remove it carefully. Be careful as the debris may be sharp – nails or screws for instance. If space allows, tilting the washing machine to one side and gently shaking it can help dislodge any trapped debris. This method can be effective for removing objects that are proving difficult to remove.
Checking the Propellor
While we’re here, it’s wise to inspect the drain pump propeller for any obstructions, particularly if you’ve taken out the filter due to slow or non-draining issues with the washer. Shine a torch into the back of the drain pump filter housing to spot the four-blade propeller. It’s common for items like hair ties or bandaids to wrap around the propeller shaft, causing failure. Although these may be challenging to see, try your best to inspect closely. If you discover any obstructions such as a hair tie or bandaid, you can typically remove them using long tweezers or needle-nose pliers. In some cases, a utility knife may be necessary to cut away the debris before gently pulling it off with the tweezers or pliers
Step 5: Reinserting the Drain Pump Filter
After cleaning the filter and ensuring that the drain pump propellor is free of debris, the next task is to replace the filter into its housing. It’s important to note that most filters are designed with two locator tabs. These tabs must be aligned with the corresponding notches in the housing for the filter to be pushed into the housing. When screwing the filter back into place, it should twist smoothly and come to an abrupt stop once it’s fully tightened. This sudden stop indicates that the filter is correctly positioned and securely fastened, and will usually be accompanied by the turning grip on the filter being positioned straight up and down. When screwing the filter back in, if it becomes increasingly difficult to turn, feeling tighter without reaching that definitive stopping point, usually it means that the rubber seal on the filter has become pinched. A pinched seal will not be watertight. Addressing a pinched seal can sometimes be as simple as exercising patience; removing and reattempting the insertion of the filter multiple times can sometimes resolve the issue. The correct solution however is to replace the filter entirely. Generally, the rubber washer or seal is not available as a standalone replacement part. If the seal is damaged or worn, buying a new filter is necessary.
A Better Option
Instead of opting for removing the drain pump filter for cleaning, there’s a more efficient and less intrusive method worth considering: using bleach to clean the filter and eliminate mould. This approach involves adding approximately 500ml of generic bleach directly into the drum of your washing machine. Now select the longest cycle excluding pre washes and extra rinses, and select the hottest temperature available. Start the machine.
It’s advisable to use cheaper bleach options for this purpose, as pricier alternatives tend to include additional detergents that might lead to oversudsing, which could overflow and potentially flood your laundry area. The goal of this bleach cycle is to tackle and eliminate mould, mildew, and bacteria not just in your drain pump filter, but throughout your washing machine. The bleach will also work to dissolve lint that has accumulated in the drain pump filter. For those looking to ensure a thorough clean, allowing the bleach solution to soak in the washing machine before running the cycle can be particularly effective. While this method won’t address non-organic materials such as coins, screws, and nails, it effectively kills mould and dissolves all the lint, addressing two of the main concerns related to washing machine maintenance.
Opting to clean your washing machine with bleach offers a significant advantage over manually removing the drain pump filter. It circumvents the potential issues discussed earlier, such as the filter becoming stuck during removal or the rubber seal getting pinched and compromised. This bleach cleaning method provides a straightforward, hassle-free solution to maintain your washing machine’s cleanliness and functionality, without the drawbacks associated with physical filter removal, and can also be combined with a deep clean if your washing machine, check out our full guide here.