How to replace the drain pump in a GE washer

If you’re trying to conquer Mount Laundry and notice that your GE washer is more interested in hosting a pool party, it’s time to look at the drain pump. Yes, that little gadget that’s supposed to whisk water away like a magician now seems to be on a permanent coffee break.

Replacing the drain pump in your GE washing machine is an easy DIY repair that will help you get back to your laundry routine and reclaim your washer from the clutches of chaos and damp socks. And you’ll save some money along the way.

If you need a replacement drain pump for your GE 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.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What is the drain pump & why would it need to be replaced?

The drain pump is a small electric pump that’s responsible for draining the water out of the washer tub at the end of wash and rinse cycles. It’s located at the bottom of the washing machine and is connected to the drain hose that exits out the back or bottom panel.

The pump activates after the tub has finished filling and washing the clothes. It draws the soapy water out from the bottom of the wash tub and pumps it out to the drain. It runs for several minutes to empty all the water from the tub.

There are a few common reasons why a washing machine drain pump may need to be replaced:

• Soaking wet laundry or standing water in the tub: These are tell-tale signs that something is wrong with the drain pump. It could be clogged or damaged, in which case your laundry will be dripping wet or obvious water will be left in the tub. Aside from becoming a nuisance, it can cause foul odors to develop in the tub.
• Pump motor failure: The pump motor can burn out or seize up over time, which can prevent it from pumping water out of the washer tub. This will prevent the machine from draining at the end of cycles.
• Severe pump blockages or damage: Small debris like coins, pins, socks, etc. can get lodged in the pump impeller, obstruct water flow and possibly damage the pump assembly. If the blockage is severe enough, the pump will need to be replaced.
• Leaking: If the seal around the pump fails, it can cause leaking.

What you need

• Multimeter
• 3/8-inch nut driver
• Pliers
• Putty knife
• Shop vac (to collect water from washer tub)
• Replacement drain pump

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

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 water supply 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.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access the drain pump

1. Make sure the washer is turned off and unplugged from the power supply.
2. Turn off the water supply at the outlet.
3. Remove the front panel.
4. Use a putty knife to find the two clips under the top panel at the front. Then push in with the putty knife until it releases the panel.
5. At a slight angle, pull the front panel off the lower tabs to remove it from the cabinet.
6. Find the drain pump, which will be at the bottom right.

Step 2 – Replace the drain pump

1. Remove the wire harness that’s connected to the old drain pump. If the harness is stuck, you can use pliers to remove it.
2. Use pliers to remove the two hoses by pressing in on the clamps and sliding the hoses off.
3. Use a shop vac to collect the remaining water from the washer tub.
4. Use a 3/8-inch nut driver to take out the two screws that hold the pump to the base.
5. Put the new drain pump on with the two screws.
6. Slide the hoses back on.
7. Use pliers to put the clamps back over the hose end to secure it to the pump.
8. Reattach the wire harness.
9. Put the front panel back on the lower tabs and line up the sides so all the tabs on the sides fit into the panel.
10. Push in on the top of the front panel to keep it back under the clips on the top panel.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drain pump in your GE 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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