Replacing the Pump on a Whirlpool Duet GHW9200LW

The pump is easy to access.

Over the weekend our ten-year-old washing machine stopped working. (Of course, the extended warranty had expired without a renewal offer two years ago.) Error message F02 flashed on the control panel, and various websites advised that the problem was either a clogged drain or the pump. It was a simple matter to open the drain---although I didn't appreciate how many quarts of water would spill on the floor--and take out the hair, paper clips, and pennies that had accumulated over the years.

Green plastic must have been on sale that day.

This solution only lasted a couple of wash cycles, after which the pump emitted a loud rattle and gave up the ghost.

Having bought "replacement" parts in error before, your humble amateur handyman looked up the exact part number for the pump and ordered it through Amazon for about $100, including tax and shipping. It arrived four days later.

Whirlpool didn't make it easy for the home handyman by using common Phillips or slot screws, but, fortunately, I had bought a Torq screwdriver for a computer project. The old pump took only a few seconds to remove.

The new pump was colored a light green; well, with the metal toe panel on no one has to look at it. The most time-consuming part of the task was ensuring that the hose clamps were secure. A couple of light test loads didn't reveal any drips. The cover will be left off for a few days to watch for leaks. [Update - August 3rd: no water appearing, the panel was put back on.]

Comments:

1) There was little risk that failure of this do-it-yourself repair would make the situation worse (unlike other projects). A professional could still be called and likely wouldn't have to spend any more time because of my failed attempt.

2) No special equipment or knowledge was required, which for example, would have been the case with the control panel or the motor.

3) The parts investment of $100 was modest; if it were $300 I would have called someone in.

4) The investment of personal time--2-3 hours over several days--was also modest, little more than the time required to supervise a professional repair. Also, no one had to be home for an appointment.

5) It took about as along to fix the pump as to write about it. Frankly, fixing it was more enjoyable.

© 2013 Stephen Yuen