Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
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What does the drain pump filter do?
The drain pump filter is a small screw-in trap in front of the washer's drain pump. It catches coins, hair ties, lint, buttons and small socks before they reach the pump impeller. When it fills up, water drains slowly or not at all, and the washer may stop with a drain error such as OE, ND, 5C, F21 or E21, depending on the brand.
If you would rather have a technician handle it, our appliance repair Mountain View CA team services LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Bosch, Miele and Electrolux front-loaders.
This filter is the most common reason a front-loader will not drain. Our main guide on a washer not draining covers the other causes, such as a kinked hose or a failed pump.
What do you need before you start?
- Old towels, at least three.
- A shallow pan, baking dish or cookie sheet. A bucket will not fit under the filter.
- A flat screwdriver or coin to pop the access door.
- Rubber gloves. The water can smell bad if it has been sitting.
- A flashlight to look into the pump housing.
How do you clean the filter in 7 steps?
- Unplug the washer. The pump and wiring sit right behind the filter.
- Open the access door. Press the tab or pry it gently at the bottom front corner.
- Drain the water first. If there is a small black hose, pull it out, remove its cap, and let the water run into your pan. Recap it when the pan is near full, empty it, and repeat.
- Turn the filter slowly. Twist it counterclockwise a little at a time. Some water will still come out, so keep towels ready.
- Clean the filter. Pull out lint, hair and objects. Rinse it under the sink tap.
- Check the pump opening. Shine a light inside. Use your finger to see if the impeller turns. It should spin with light resistance.
- Reinstall and test. Screw the filter in hand-tight, close the door, plug in the washer, and run a drain and spin cycle. Check for drips.
If the filter will not turn, do not use pliers on it. A cracked filter housing can leak on every load. Our washer repair Mountain View technicians carry the tools to remove stuck filters without damage.
Filter stuck or washer still full of water? Call now for same-day washer help in Mountain View.
How can you keep the filter from clogging?
Check pockets before every load, wash bras and small items in a mesh bag, and clean the filter every two to three months. Use only HE detergent in the right amount. Too much soap makes thick suds that carry lint into the pump. In Mountain View apartments and condos with shared laundry closets, a quick filter check also helps catch slow leaks before they reach a neighbor's ceiling.
Leave the door and the detergent drawer open after the last load so the drum dries. That also cuts down on the musty smell many front-loaders get.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the filter is clean but the washer still will not drain, if you hear the pump hum with no water moving, if the impeller is broken or will not turn, or if water leaks from the filter after you close it. These point to a failed drain pump, a blocked hose or a cracked housing. Most washer repairs in Mountain View cost about $150 to $450 with parts and labor.
If your washer drains but leaves water on the floor, see our guide to a washer leaking water.
Other common repairs we see in Mountain View
If another appliance is acting up too, these guides can help: fridge water and ice dispenser not working, oven not preheating all the way, electric glass top stove burner not working, and washing machine repair for washers that leak, stall or will not spin.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the drain pump filter on a front-load washer?
On most front-loaders it sits behind a small door or kick panel at the bottom front corner, usually on the right. Some LG, Samsung and Bosch models also have a thin drain hose next to it for emptying water first.
How often should I clean the washer drain pump filter?
Every two to three months is a good habit, and right away if the washer shows a drain error or leaves clothes soaking wet. Homes with pets, kids or lots of towels may need it more often.
Why does my washer still not drain after I cleaned the filter?
The drain hose may be kinked or clogged, the standpipe may be blocked, or the drain pump motor may have failed. A pump that hums but moves no water usually needs replacing.
How much does washer repair cost in Mountain View?
Most washer repairs run about $150 to $450 with parts and labor. A drain pump replacement usually falls in that range. You get the price before any work starts.
