How To Clean A Pump Filter On A Cabrio Whirlpool Washer

By James Clark
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Whirlpool Cabrio top-loading washing machines are equipped with a drain pump and filter to prevent clogging the washing machine or the household plumbing with loose coins, threads and other items that can block the flow of water through the pipes. If your Cabrio does not drain completely or at all, a clog may be to blame. Use basic hand tools to access the pump and clean the part, if necessary.

Things Needed

  • Masking tape

  • Pliers

  • Nut driver

  • Needle nose pliers

Tip

Expect a small amount of residual water to flow out of the pump and hoses when disconnecting the machine. This is normal.

Steps to Clean the Pump Filter

Step 1

Unplug the Cabrio power cord and pull the washer away from the wall. Tighten the two water knobs on the wall clockwise.

Step 2

Unscrew the two water hoses from the back of the Cabrio using pliers. Remove the drain hose from the wall pipe.

Step 3

Place a piece of tape over the top-loading door and the front of the Cabrio to prevent the door from swinging open.

Step 4

Tip the washer forward to the floor with a friend's help.

Step 5

Unscrew the bolts in the back panel using a nut driver. Remove the panel to locate the drain pump, which is on the left.

Step 6

Snap off the plastic cover over the plug attached to the pump's wiring harness. Pull the plug from the socket.

Step 7

Squeeze the two clamps on the pump with pliers to release the hoses. Pull off the hoses.

Step 8

Remove the mounting bolts that hold the pump to the Cabrio's interior, using the nut driver. Pull off the pump to inspect the two ports on the component.

Step 9

Remove obstructions such as screws, nails, clumps of lint and thread, using the needle-nose pliers, to clear the pump.

Step 10

Bolt the pump back onto the Cabrio using the bolts and the nut driver. Reattach the two hoses and secure with the clamps by squeezing each clamp with pliers and sliding it onto the hose connection.

Step 11

Plug in the wiring harness and snap the plastic cover back in place.

Step 12

Reattach the back panel to the Cabrio with the bolts and nut driver.

Step 13

Lift the appliance upright with a friend's help

Step 14

Screw on the two water hoses to the back of the Cabrio and insert the drain hose in the wall pipe.

Step 15

Plug in the power cord and open the water valves on the wall.

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