How to Change the Drain Pump of a Dryer

During operation, water circulates through the dryer. The drain pump allows this water to be evacuated to prevent it from stagnating. Over time, it can wear out and no longer function properly.

The drain pump may be the cause of the following failures:

• The dryer no longer drains / empties water.
• An indicator light representing a full water tank that lights up.

Before the intervention, do not forget to unplug the device to intervene in complete safety.

On most units, the drain pump is accessible through a hatch at the rear of the unit. This sometimes requires dismantling the walls of the dryer.

The drain pump in a dryer is responsible for pumping out the condensed water collected during the drying process. If the drain pump becomes faulty or clogged, it can lead to issues with water not draining properly, resulting in wet clothes and inefficient drying. Changing the drain pump is a moderately challenging task, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, it can be accomplished successfully. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of changing the drain pump of a dryer.

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before starting any repair work on your dryer, ensure your safety by disconnecting the dryer from the power supply. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet or switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dryer.

Step 2: Access the Drain Pump

To access the drain pump, you will need to open the dryer’s cabinet. The specific steps to access the pump may vary depending on your dryer model. Typically, you will need to:

1. Remove any screws or clips securing the dryer’s top panel to the cabinet. Slide a putty knife or similar tool between the top and front panels to release any hidden clips.
2. Lift the top panel and prop it up securely.
3. Locate and remove the screws or clips securing the front panel to the sides of the cabinet.
4. Carefully tilt the front panel forward and disconnect any wires or cables attached to the door switch.
5. Set the front panel aside.
6. Now, you will have access to the dryer’s internal components, including the drain pump.

Step 3: Remove the Old Drain Pump

Inspect the drain pump for any visible damage or signs of wear. The pump is usually located near the bottom of the dryer, attached to the drain hose.

To remove the old drain pump, you will need to disconnect the drain hose and the electrical connections.

1. Place a container or towel beneath the drain pump to catch any water that may spill out.
2. Loosen the hose clamp securing the drain hose to the pump. Slide the hose off the pump’s outlet.
3. Carefully disconnect any electrical connectors or wires connected to the drain pump.
4. Remove any screws or clips securing the pump to the dryer cabinet.
5. Gently pull the old drain pump out of its position.

Step 4: Install the New Drain Pump

Position the new drain pump in place, aligning it with the corresponding holes or slots in the dryer cabinet.

Secure the drain pump to the cabinet using the screws or clips you removed earlier.

Reconnect the electrical connectors or wires to the new drain pump.

Step 5: Reattach the Drain Hose

Slide the drain hose back onto the pump’s outlet and tighten the hose clamp to secure it in place.

Step 6: Reassemble the Dryer

With the new drain pump installed and the drain hose reattached, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Replace the dryer’s front panel and secure it with the screws or clips you removed earlier.

Step 7: Test the Dryer

Before pushing the dryer back into its designated spot, perform a test run to check if the new drain pump is functioning correctly. Turn on the dryer and run a drying cycle to ensure that the condensed water is properly drained without any issues.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

If you notice any issues during the test run, such as water not draining properly or unusual noises, double-check the installation of the new drain pump and drain hose. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the pump is functioning properly and effectively draining the water.

Conclusion

Changing the drain pump of a dryer can resolve issues with water not draining properly and ensure efficient drying performance. By following this step-by-step guide and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can successfully replace the old drain pump with a new one, allowing the dryer to remove condensed water during the drying cycle. However, if you encounter any difficulties during the process or have concerns about handling the repair, it’s always best to seek assistance from a professional dryer technician. With the new drain pump in place and functioning correctly, your dryer should operate efficiently, providing you with properly dried clothes and a smoother laundry experience.