Amana Washing Machine: drain pump running continuously
What is this symptom?
Is your Amana washing machine's drain pump running continuously, even when there's no water present? This issue may arise during different cycle stages, disrupting normal operation. Discover potential causes and solutions to restore your washer's functionality.
Important Tips for Amana Models
- Amana official support emphasizes correct drain plumbing to prevent unintended siphoning and continuous flow.
Possible Causes
Faulty control board (electronic control)
How to Identify: Pump runs at inappropriate times (during fill, idle, or cycle changes, resetting/unplugging temporarily doesn’t fix; user forums report control board as primary failure cause for constant pump running.
Part: Main control board / electronic control module
Incorrect drain hose installation / siphoning
How to Identify: Water/gravity siphon drains causing low-level triggers for pump; manufacturer notes improper drain height (below ~30"/76cm can cause continuous drain behavior. (Product Help | Amana
Part: Drain hose and standpipe arrangement
Faulty pressure (water level) sensor or pressure switch
How to Identify: Pump thinks tub is full and continuously tries to drain; common root cause in general washer troubleshooting guides.
Part: Water level pressure switch / sensor
Clogged drain system / debris in drain pump
How to Identify: Pump runs but water doesn’t clear or cycles continue in unusual ways; blockages are common in general washer drain issues.
Part: Drain pump filter and hoses
DIY Solutions
Ensure proper drain hose installation height
- Check that drain hose is installed per manufacturer height recommendations (standpipe top at least 30"/76 cm above floor). (Product Help | Amana
- Adjust hose if necessary to prevent siphoning.
Inspect and clear drain hose and pump filter
- Unplug washer and locate drain pump access panel.
- Remove drain pump filter or hose and check for debris.
- Clear any lint, coins, or objects from filter and hose.
- Reassemble and test machine.
Next step
Choose the next step for drain pump running continuously
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
- Typical part-only price
- $120 - $280
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 20-40 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drain Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Control board replacement
Pressure sensor/switch replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Regularly clean drain pump filter and hose: Blockages that may lead to abnormal drain pump behavior
Frequency: every 3–6 months -
Verify drain hose installation: Siphoning issues due to hose height
Frequency: once at installation and periodic checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Amana Washing Machine drain pump running continuously?
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine drain pump running continuously myself?
How much does it cost to fix drain pump running continuously?
When should I call a technician for drain pump running continuously?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty control board (3 mentions)
- Defective drain pump (3 mentions)
- Malfunctioning pressure switch (2 mentions)
- Lid switch issue (1 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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