How to replace drain pump assembly WPW10515401 in a front-load Whirlpool washer

Is your Whirlpool washer leaving water in the tub or making a racket during the drain cycle? These are signs of a faulty drain pump—but don’t worry, you can replace it yourself and save a bundle! Our how-to video below will guide you through each step so you can quickly restore your washer’s performance.

Got a faulty drain pump in your Whirlpool washer? Replacing it yourself is relatively easy and can save you a lot of time and money.

You might need to switch out the drain pump assembly if your washer isn’t draining properly or if there’s a loud noise occurring during the draining process. Your washer might also spin slowly or not at all.

You can find a replacement drain pump assembly WPW10515401 here. If you need more replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your washer yourself.

Let’s unpack all the replacement steps so you can get back to your regular laundry routine.

Watch the full repair here

What is the drain pump assembly & when should I replace it?

The drain pump assembly helps drain water out of the washing machine and drains water out of the tub during the spin and drain cycles. Over time, the pump can wear out or become clogged with debris.

You might have a bad pump if:

• There’s water left in the tub at the end of the wash cycle
• You hear a loud noise during the drain cycle
• Your washer spins slowly or not at all

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the washer’s hot and cold water supply valves at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Torx 20 screwdriver
• Pliers
• Replacement drain pump assembly WPW10515401 (make sure it’s compatible with your washer model)

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Remove the top panel

1. Turn off the washer and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Turn off the washer’s hot and cold water supply valves at the outlet.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the rear of the top panel in place.
4. Push the panel back slightly and lift it to remove it. Set it aside.

Step 2- Remove the detergent dispenser

1. Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer.
2. Release the locking tab on the rear of the drawer.
3. Remove the dispenser housing and set it aside.

Step 3 – Detach the control panel

1. Use a Torx 20 screwdriver to remove the two screws at the base of the control panel.
2. Carefully lift the top while pressing the release tabs on each side of the panel.
3. Unplug the wiring connectors.
4. Remove the control panel.

Step 4 – Take off the door seal and front panel

1. Open the washer door.
2. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the three screws along the top of the front panel.
3. Remove the door lock assembly
4. Carefully remove the spring from around the gasket.
5. Pull the rubber door seal away from the front panel.
6. Tilt the washer back onto a 2×4 board.
7. Remove the four screws at the base of the front panel with a quarter-inch nut driver.
8. Lift off the front panel.

Step 5 – Drain out the remaining water

1. Lay a towel underneath the open base of the washer to catch water.
2. Turn the drain filter counterclockwise.
3. Use a shop vac to remove all water inside.

Step 6 – Detach the hoses and wiring from the pump

1. Pull the rubber drain hose off the outlet port on the pump assembly. Use pliers to compress the clamp if needed.
2. Disconnect the two wiring harnesses from the pump motor terminals.
3. Release the two rubber mounting grommets from the bottom of the pump.
4. Remove the old pump.

Step 7 – Install the new pump assembly

1. Seat the two rubber mounting grommets into the bottom of the new pump.
2. Attach the drain hose to the outlet port and secure the clamp.
3. Connect the two wiring harnesses to the motor terminals.
4. Position the new pump assembly into place by aligning the grommets with the mounting holes.

Step 8 – Reassemble the washer

1. Tilt the washer back up.
2. Reinstall the front panel with the quarter-inch screws.
3. Pull the rubber door seal back into place on the front panel.
4. Attach the control panel and replace the screws.
5. Reinsert detergent dispenser.
6. Replace the top panel and screws.

Finish up

1. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
2. Plug the washing machine back in.
3. Run a test cycle to make sure the new pump is working correctly.

Read more: Washing Machine is Leaking: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the drain pump assembly in your washer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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