Instructions for replacing the pump in an LG washing machine yourself

The drain pump, or pump, is one of the most important components of a washing machine. It is responsible for removing waste water after washing, rinsing and spinning.

Failure of the electrical or mechanical part of the pump will block the drain and stop the washing program.

You can entrust the replacement of the pump in an LG washing machine to a specialist or do it yourself.

Purpose and principle of operation of the drain pump

The drain pump is designed to pump water out of the tank after individual operations and complete the wash cycle.

It consists of the following components:

• an asynchronous motor with a moving part (rotor with a permanent magnet) and a stationary part (stator with a ferromagnetic core and winding);
• rotor shaft with bushing;
• impellers;
• housings;
• seal;
• inlet and outlet pipes.

Where is it located in the washer?

In LG machines, the drain pump is located at the bottom. This makes access easier and allows repairs to be carried out without disassembling the entire unit.

To get to the impeller you need to:

1. Disconnect the machine from the power supply, drain the water through the drain filter and remove it from the socket.
2. Place the washing machine on its side.
3. Find the round part connected to the hose and electrical contacts (usually the pump is located below and to the right).
4. Disconnect clamps, hoses, wires.
5. Remove the fasteners (latches or screws) and remove the pump.
6. Turn the cover counterclockwise or unscrew the screws to remove the snail.

In order not to confuse the order of connecting the contacts, you need to photograph them or mark them with color indicators.

Possible breakdowns

The most common cause of pump problems is damage to the impeller due to wear or small objects. Less often, the pump motor itself fails.

Foreign object entry

If small debris gets past the drain filter, it may end up inside the pump housing and block the movement of the impeller. This can lead to accelerated wear of the rotor shaft bearings or breakage of the blade.

If the pump runs slowly, makes a lot of noise or crackling noises, you need to turn off the machine, disassemble the device and clean the impeller.

Pumps with a non-separable casing are repairable if the impeller is blocked by a foreign object, but is not broken, and if any parts break, they require complete replacement.

Wear of mechanical parts

Wear of the shaft or bushing leads to the fact that the impeller begins to move freely relative to the axis and touches the housing. When the mechanical parts are heavily worn out, it completely flies off the shaft, which is why the pump cannot pump water into the drain.

Pump motor malfunction

If the motor of the pump burns out, then when draining it will be impossible to hear the characteristic hum. The cause of the malfunction may be power surges in the network, manufacturing defects, broken windings, etc. As a rule, in case of any breakdown of the electrical part, the pump is replaced with a new one.

Failure of related systems

Problems with draining water from the tank can be caused not only by pump failure. If the impeller is not blocked and the pump motor is running, then you need to check the condition of the level sensor and supply pipes. It is advisable to check the patency of the drainage hose before disassembling the pump.

Signs of trouble

Signs of a broken drain pump are:

• clicks, crackling sounds before or during draining;
• leakage of the pump housing;
• stopping the machine with water;
• a strong hum during draining when water is slowly removed.

If the water is not drained within the 5-8 minutes allotted by the manufacturer, then the display lights up code OE. In units without a display, this error is indicated by flashing or lighting of all spin or rinse indicators.

Before assuming a pump failure, you should check that a non-draining washing program (for example, “Delicate Wash”) is selected.

How to remove and replace it yourself?

How to remove drain pump in the LG washing machine and replace it:

1. Disconnect the device from the network. Check the condition of the drain hose and the permeability of the sewer pipe.
2. Place a wide basin or baking sheet in front of the machine and spread a large cloth. Turn the handle of the drain filter, which is located at the bottom of the unit. Remove the filter and wait until the water drains. Clean the part from debris and dirt.
3. Close the tap in front of the inlet hose. Disconnect the pipes that go to the machine.
4. Lay the unit on its left side, if necessary, remove the fasteners of the bottom panel.
5. Unscrew the pump fasteners. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the supply pipes. Remove the wires and inspect the contacts. If there are traces of oxidation on them, clean them with alcohol and inspect the pump housing for damage.
6. Remove the pump and disconnect the volute from it. Inspect the impeller, if necessary, clean it from dirt and remove foreign objects. If the problem lies in the mechanical part, when you try to turn the part, there will be noticeable jamming or play - free movement relative to the shaft.
7. In case of mechanical problems, replace the broken impeller, worn bearings or gasket. In the absence of a repair kit, you can install similar parts from other machines. The impeller may be slightly smaller than standard.
8. Inspect the electrical winding. If there are traces of burning, replace the entire pump. If there are no visible signs of malfunction, connect the multimeter probes to the pump contacts and check the circuit resistance. The nominal value is 140-180 Ohms, depending on the device model.
9. Install the repaired or new part in the reverse order. Turn on the washing program (filling with water) and then draining.

Cost of a new part

The cost of a drain pump depends on the manufacturer and characteristics. When choosing, consider the following parameters:

• power;
• dimensions;
• washing machine model;
• type of fastener (latches, screws);
• number of fastenings;
• location of the terminals relative to the impeller.

Pumps can be supplied separately or assembled with a volute. The price for them varies from 600 rubles. up to 1900 rub.

Cost of repair and replacement by a master

The cost of replacing a pump in service centers starts from 1,500 rubles. If the part is suitable for repair, then the price is determined individually and depends on the complexity of the task. As a rule, replacing only the impeller is much cheaper than buying a new pump.

Calling a private master can save up to 15-20% of the amount. The disadvantage of this option is the lack of a receipt and an official guarantee for repairs.

Machines with a large load (8-10 kg) have an additional set of shock absorbers, which complicates access to the pump. It is better to entrust the repair of such devices to a professional.

Recommendations for use

To extend the life of the drain pump, recommended:

1. Before washing, clean recesses and pockets on clothing from debris, coins and other foreign objects.
2. To avoid accessories getting into the tank, wash items with buttons, beads, clasps and other decor in closed mesh bags.
3. Clean the drain filter and its housing after each wash cycle.
4. If a foreign object gets stuck in the drum, carefully remove it with tweezers or pliers and carefully examine the joint between the drum and the tank.
5. If an abnormal knocking or clanging sound occurs during washing, stop the operation of the SMA, drain the water through the filter, and inspect the tank from below through the heating element socket.

With proper care, a sump pump can last up to 10 years.

Conclusion

Pump breakdowns in an LG washing machine can occur due to a malfunction of the motor, debris getting into the impeller, wear of the shaft, gasket and bearings. To fix the problem, you will need to clean the moving part of the pump or completely replace the part.