Electrolux Washing Machine: humming noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Electrolux washing machine is producing a humming noise, it could be normal during operation or indicate an issue. This sound may be louder or persistent, or occur outside the usual water pumping stages, possibly suggesting a drain pump obstruction, motor stress, or an unbalanced load. Understanding the cause can help you decide whether to address it yourself or seek professional help.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux official guidance states that a humming or pumping sound during the wash cycle is normal during water pumping stages.

Possible Causes

Normal pump/motor operation

How to Identify: Humming occurs during water fill, drain or pump stages and the cycle continues normally without errors.

Part: Drain pump / water pump

Drain pump obstruction or failure

How to Identify: Persistent humming during draining with water remaining in drum, slower drain, noise louder than typical pump sound.

Part: Drain pump impeller or filter

Motor or drivetrain stress (e.g., seized motor, broken belt)

How to Identify: Humming without drum spinning, possible burning smell, machine tries to start but no movement.

Part: Motor, motor coupling, or drive belt

Unbalanced load or leveling issue

How to Identify: Humming associated with vibration or noise during spin, load feels uneven.

Part: Load distribution / machine leveling

DIY Solutions

Run empty cycle to confirm normal operational noise

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Power on machine and select a rinse/drain cycle with no laundry.
  2. Listen to determine if hum occurs only during pump/drain stages.
  3. If noise seems consistent with official normal pumping sounds and cycle completes, no action needed.

Check and clean drain pump filter and remove blockages

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Towel or shallow pan, Screwdriver (if required)
  1. Unplug washing machine.
  2. Locate drain pump filter (usually bottom front access) and open cover.
  3. Place towel/pan to catch residual water.
  4. Remove filter and debris, inspect impeller for obstructions.
  5. Reinstall clean filter and run a test cycle to check for improvement.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged to avoid electrical hazards.

Redistribute laundry and level machine

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Spirit level
  1. Stop the cycle and open the door.
  2. Redistribute laundry evenly in the drum.
  3. Check that machine feet are stable and level with spirit level, adjust as needed.
  4. Retest with a wash cycle.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200 (parts) + labor

Motor or drive system repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+ (parts & labor)

When to Call a Professional

Machine hums continuously outside of normal pump stages and cycle does not progress
Humming with no drum movement or suspected motor failure
Water remains and won’t drain after cleaning the drain filter

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Pump blockages and humming due to debris
    Frequency: monthly
  • Level washing machine: Noise due to imbalance during spin cycles
    Frequency: monthly or after relocation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Washing Machine humming noise?
The humming noise may be normal, but can also indicate pump obstruction, motor stress, or an unbalanced load.
How do I fix Electrolux Washing Machine humming noise myself?
Run an empty cycle, check the drain pump filter for blockages, and redistribute laundry evenly.
How much does it cost to fix humming noise?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400+ depending on whether it's the drain pump or motor.
When should I call a technician for humming noise?
Call a technician if the noise persists after DIY checks or if you suspect serious issues.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Normal operation of the recirculation system
  • Faulty motor or motor capacitor
  • Obstructed drain pump or foreign objects in the pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Listen to the machine during operation to determine if the humming is consistent with normal operation. If it fluctuates or is louder than usual, proceed to check the motor and drain pump.

  2. Unplug the washing machine, remove the back panel, and inspect the motor and capacitor for any signs of damage or wear. Replace if necessary.

  3. Check the drain pump for any obstructions. Remove any foreign objects and clean the pump filter. Reassemble and test the machine.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. New Electrolux washing machine, constant low humming/buzzing...

Community Discussions

constant low humming/buzzing sound

The humming noise is likely normal due to the machine's recirculation system.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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