How to replace the drain pump on a Whirlpool washing machine

Is your Whirlpool washer failing to drain, leaving water stagnant in the tub, or making odd noises? Replacing a faulty drain pump might just be the solution, and the best part is, you can do it yourself! Dive into our easy-to-follow guide, complete with a step-by-step how-to video below, and get your appliance back in top shape without the hassle.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a Whirlpool washer, the drain pump is responsible for removing water from the washer at the end of the wash and rinse cycles.. 

Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include the washer not draining, water left in the tub at the end of a cycle, or unusual noises coming from the pump area. 

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your washer back in working order. So, let’s get started!

You can find a replacement drain pump here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Washer Pump WP3363394

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools and materials

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliers

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly  

1. Remove the two screws holding the control panel in place at the front and rear. Lift off any trim covers or use a putty knife to release spring clips. 
2. Slide the control panel forward about 1/2 an inch and lift it back over the back of the machine.
3. Disconnect the lid switch and use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the two retaining spring clips that hold the body to the frame.
4. Lift up on the lid, grab the body near the front, put your foot against the body of the machine, tilt the body back to about a 45-degree angle, and carefully lift it off the washer.
5. Place a towel on the floor to catch any water that may leak. 
6. Use pliers to remove the clamps from the hoses and then pull the hoses off the pump. The pump is held in place by two clips that can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver. 
7. Turn the upper clip 90 degrees and pull it out of the motor. Leave the lower clip in place. 
8. Pull the pump off the motor, being careful if it’s stuck due to rust.

Step 2: Reassembly 

1. Make sure that the flats on the impeller shaft of the new pump line up with the flats on the motor shaft. 
2. If there is any resistance or black residue on the shaft, use a file or sandpaper to clean it before proceeding.
3. Slide the pump onto the motor shaft, ensuring that it goes on smoothly. 
4. Insert the lower clip and place the upper clip back into the motor mount, turning it 90 degrees to secure it over the pump.
5. Reconnect the two hoses to the appropriate connections on the new pump. 
6. Use pliers to secure the clamps back onto the hoses.
7. Hold the body at a 45-degree angle and carry it back over to the machine. 
8. When sliding the body back onto the frame, make sure the lower lip goes underneath the frame, then lower it down onto the four locking tabs.
9. Hook the retaining spring clips onto the back panel and use a flathead screwdriver to push them down into place.
10. Reconnect the lid switch that was disconnected during disassembly.
11. Rotate the control panel forward over the front of the machine, ensuring the locking tabs lock in place. Pull it back about half an inch and replace the screws.
12. Plug the washer back in and turn the water back on.
13. Test the washer to check for any problems. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drain pump on your Whirlpool 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.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!