How to unscrew and remove the washing machine filter: 3 classic ways to pull out the cork

Many do not even realize that laundry equipment has a drain filter. Usually it is hidden behind the plinth panel and does not attract attention to itself. Nevertheless, the part needs to be cleaned periodically, so it is useful to know how to unscrew the filter in the washing machine.

How to open the filter cover in the washing machine?

Foreign objects in pockets, small debris, hair and threads do not disappear without a trace after loading things into the drum. All this passes through the drain filter, the pump and, at best, goes into the sewer. It also happens that debris clogs parts and blocks the pump. The problem is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the machine does not completely drain the water;
• operation stops and the display lights up error code;
• water leaves the tank slowly and intermittently, while the rumble of the pump is heard, crackling.

Ideally, the filter should be cleaned once a month. If the user follows the instructions, then no problems arise – the element is easy and simple to get. Just open the panel:

• In the washerСамсунг» LG, who are “Zanussi“,”Kandy“,”Atlas» The filter is hidden behind a small door under the loading hatch. Press the door with your hand or pry with a screwdriver to gain access to the part.

• In cars Bosch the element is hidden by a long decorative panel at the bottom. In earlier models, the lid is attached with hooks. Install them horizontally with a screwdriver and remove the panel. In the latest models, the latches are pressed with a slotted screwdriver, and the door is moved to the side.
• In SMA “Ariston“,”Indesite» there is also a solid panel. Immediately wring out the lower, then the upper latches and take out the filter.

Important! Some washing machines (especially vertical type) do not have a drain filter. Here the pump, nozzles and hoses are cleaned.

Now you can move on to cleaning the elements. But here, too, there are problems. The next section will help you solve them.

How to unscrew the drain filter: problems and solutions

Above, we looked at how to get to the right parts to remove the blockage. With a rare removal, the filter may boil, become covered with scale and block in the mounting hole. Here is what users often encounter:

• the element’s handle does not scroll;
• the handle turns only halfway;
• the part is normally unscrewed, but does not come out of the hole.

If the element is completely unaffected, it is likely that the thread is covered with scale or a foreign object is interfering. How to be? First of all, disconnect the equipment from the network and turn off the water supply. Prepare pliers, a low container and rags to drain the water.

Dismantling with tools

How to get the filter after opening the cover? Pay attention to whether the element is fixed with screws. If so, unscrew them and turn the plug handle counterclockwise. Doesn’t fit? Take the pliers and try to scroll the part with the tool.

Attention! The plastic is brittle, so don’t push too hard.

Make sure that there is a water container or a rag nearby. As soon as the element is unscrewed, the waste liquid will immediately pour out (especially if the washer stopped in the middle of the cycle).

Retrieve with manual force

To do this, tilt the CMA body back and lean it against the wall. Tap the filter or panel nearby with your hand. It is possible that coins and other small objects blocking the part will move, which will allow the cork to be scrolled to the end. This method works when the cork is amenable to impact, but not completely unscrewed.

Did not help? How to pull out the part in this case?

Through the drain pump

The last and most difficult option is to dismantle the pump and clean the element through the snail. Here it is important to understand which side to get to the pump. The access method depends on the brand of the washing machine, so it is best to look at the instructions.

How to access the pump on top loading models:

• In Candy, LG, Ariston machines, it is easier to get to the pump through the bottom, because the bottom panel is removable or completely absent. But this is true only for those models where there is no Aquastop sensor. It is enough to tilt the body by 45 degrees and dismantle the pump.
• In models Ardo, Zanussi and The electrolytex you need to remove the back cover. To do this, disconnect the hoses from the body and unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the panel.
• In washing machines Bosch and Siemens you will have to use the most time-consuming method – to dismantle the front panel.

How to remove the front cover? Follow the instructions:

• After disconnecting from the network and communications, pull out the powder tray by pressing the latch in the center.
• Remove the top cover by unscrewing the screws on the back.

• Open the door and, prying off the hatch cuff collar with a screwdriver, remove it from its place.
• Stuff the rubber inside the drum.
• Unscrew the mounting bolts and disconnect the UBL wiring.

• After unscrewing the bolts on the sides, remove the control panel (you can leave the wiring alone).
• Remove the front panel screws, lift up and set aside.

The pump is right behind the filter. If you are dealing with a vertical loading technique, pay attention to which wall the filter hatch is closer to. If to the right, remove the right side panel, and vice versa.

Now it remains to disassemble the drain assembly in order to gain access to the blocked element. Here’s how it’s done:

• Disconnect the wiring from the pump.
• Release the clamps on the pipe and hose, remove them from their seats.

• Remove the screws that secure the volute (pump housing) to the walls of the washing machine.
• After removing the structure from the housing, disconnect the pump from the snail. To do this, unscrew the bolts or turn the pump to the left.
• Clean the glass of debris and try to remove the filter again.

The video shows how to get to the pump and filter:

Usually, after cleaning, the part can be easily dismantled. But if this method did not help, then do not rush to buy new parts. Please read the following paragraph first.

Alternative options for filter removal

When the part is strongly boiled, soaking with citric acid can help. If the pump has not yet been disassembled, then start the program with the addition of lemon.

Do you already have a pump? Then prepare a container of water (+40–60 degrees) and proceed:

• Add citric acid to the water in a proportion of 1 tbsp. l. for 6 liters.
• Immerse the parts in the solution for 1,5–2 hours (the filter should not float).
• Rinse and try to remove the element.

The acid should dissolve the scale and make it easier to scroll. If not, then you can not do without filter replacement. To save the snail, try cutting the filter with wire cutters and removing it piece by piece. The final option is to replace the snail along with the drain plug.

In the future, to avoid such problems will help constant drain system cleaning. Removing blockages prevents damage and breakage of the internal elements of the washer, and also ensures the efficient operation of the equipment.