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Drain pump failure is one of the most common reasons washers and dishwashers stop removing water. These pumps use small impellers powered by compact motors to expel water through drain hoses. Over time, lint, food debris, coins, or glass shards jam the impeller; motors wear out; or electrical windings burn. When the pump fails, water remains in the tub, cycles abort, and error codes flash. Replacement restores proper draining, prevents musty odors, and protects control boards from overload. Understanding symptoms and root causes helps you decide when pump replacement is needed and when other fixes may solve the problem.
Symptoms of a bad drain pump include standing water in the drum or tub after cycles, humming noises without water movement, grinding or rattling during drain, or repeated error codes related to drainage. In washers, clothes stay wet and spin cycles may be skipped. Dishwashers may stop mid‑cycle with pools at the bottom. Some pumps leak when their seals fail. If the machine displays long drain times or aborts cycles, the pump may be weak rather than fully dead. Technicians often confirm by accessing the pump, checking the impeller for movement, and measuring resistance across motor windings.
Quick fixes include checking and cleaning filters, clearing debris from hoses, and inspecting the pump impeller for jams. Unplug the machine, access the pump trap (if available), and remove coins, lint, or glass. Test the pump motor for resistance; an open or shorted winding means replacement. Ensure hoses and standpipes are clear. If the pump is noisy, leaking, or electrically failed, swap it with an OEM replacement by removing clamps and connectors. Always correct installation issues like kinked hoses or blocked air gaps before running again.
Error codes vary by brand. Washers often show OE, ND, 5E, F9E1, or iF0 when draining fails. Dishwashers display E24/E25, i20/i40, 5E/5C, or F9 errors tied to pump or hose blockages. LG and Samsung washers frequently show OE or 5E codes; Whirlpool/Maytag use F9E1 for long drain; Frigidaire dishwashers use i20 or i40; Bosch shows E24/E25. Some units abort silently with water left inside. Codes consistently point toward pump obstruction, weak motor, or electrical failure.
Call a professional if pumps continue to fail after clearing clogs, or if electrical tests show no continuity but the unit remains full of water. Dishwashers built into cabinets can be difficult to remove safely; washers require tipping and disassembly to reach bottom pumps. Pros can replace pumps quickly, test circuits, and verify that controls are not also damaged. If multiple pumps have failed in a short time, a deeper wiring or board issue may exist. Professional replacement ensures leak‑free connections, restores proper drainage, and prevents secondary failures.