Replacing water pump on maytag epic z

Replacing water pump on maytag epic z

This week the water discharge pump Went out on my maytag epic z washing machine. You could tell the the pump was going bad, not by a certain error code, but by the following problems:

1. Water was not all pumping out during the wash cycle and clothes were extremely wet

2. The discharge pump sounded rough when it was trying to pump out water. If you have heard when the pump kicks in, then you will know when your pump is bad.

Here is a picture of the progress with the new pump being installed.

The pump comes with the discharge clean out valve attached. This makes it super simple to install and it's even a repair you can do yourself (DIY).

Steps to swap out you maytag epic z water pump

1. Unplug washing machine

2. Remove bottom access panel from the bottom of the washer.

3. On the far right you will see a small black wire the you need to unplug from the water pump. (it also clips onto the water pump housing, so you need to remove it from the small plastic clip).

4. Next you need to empty any standing water.

5. Now remove the hose clips or hose clamps from the back side of the pump. There is a gray smaller hose and a larger black hose. There may be a hose clip or clamp to remove.

6. On the bottom of the washer there are 2 small screws to remove. I used a 8mm socket with a rachet that made it happen fast.

7. No you can lift and slide the entire old water pump housing out of place being carefully to see how the new one will fit right back into place.

8. Slide the new pump and housing into place and attach the 2 screws. 

9. Reattach the hoses and plug the black wires back in.

10. Close thing up and plug in the washer. You may want to leave the bottom access panel open until you have run a cycle to confirm there are no leaks.

For approx $75 - $85 you have replaced a faulty part and saved yourself a potentially several hundred dollar service call. Good job!

Remember Washer & Dryer Maintenance - get rid of odors

This week the Maytag washing machine started draining real slow again. It wasn't anything major again, but it reminded me that we need to do some basic maintenance from time to time.

When I pulled off the drain plug not only did I strike it rich and almost make another $1 from the change that was collecting in the drain filter, but I also found some horrible odors. Take off the front bottom panel of your washing machine by removing the 3 small screws at floor level. The panel drops down about 1/2 inch and the is free to be removed and set aside.

The cap of the Maytag Epic Z drain filer has 2 parts to it. They snap together in the middle, so you gently pull the 2 pieces apart. You will had the lid with the threads and the filter basket. Take both out and wash them. In the cap you will notice a slot that may have a bunch of junk collected in it and that is likely the source of the odor problem. residue collects there and starts to stink, which can be very offensive and also is a place where bacteria grow. Clean it out throughout and  put it back together. Make sure the cap is on snug but do not over tighten. Turn until you hit the stop tap. Reattach the front bottom panel with 3 screws and test the drain cycle to make sure the cap is secured properly and there are no leaks.

NOTE: While you have the bottom panel off, check for any loose fittings and make sure all connections are tight.

Today's Laundry TIP: Check pockets for coins before doing the wash, or you may leave a tip :)