How often should you clean your washer drain pump filter?

These tasks are more about efficiency, longevity, and comfort. Not a huge deal if you miss one, but it pays off over time.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

Front-loaders have a small trap that catches coins, lint, and hair before they reach the pump. When it clogs, the machine throws drain errors and can leak from the base.

1. Lay towels down; this trap holds standing water.
2. Open the small access panel at the bottom front and unscrew the filter slowly, letting water drain into a shallow pan.
3. Pull out debris, rinse the filter and the housing, and check the impeller behind it spins freely.
4. Screw the filter back in snugly and run a rinse cycle to confirm no leaks.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Not all top-loaders have this filter; check your manual before hunting for one.
• Persistent drain errors after cleaning point to a clogged drain hose or house drain, not the filter.

Time: 20 minutes · Typical cost: Free

If you skip it

A clogged pump filter causes drain faults, long cycles, and leaks from the base of the machine.

Other washing machine maintenance

• Inspect washer supply hoses — every 6 months
• Clean washer drum and door gasket — every 3 months

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Refrigerator — start with: replace refrigerator water filter, every 6 months
• Dishwasher — start with: clean dishwasher filter, every 3 months
• Dryer — start with: clean dryer vent duct, every 6 months
• Range hood — start with: degrease range hood filter, every 3 months