How to Replace W10536347 Drain Pump Assembly on Whirlpool Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer finishes the wash cycle, but there's still water sitting in the drum. You run the spin cycle again — nothing. The drain pump motor hums for a second, then silence. If this sounds familiar on models like the WTW6600SW2 or WTW6400SW3, you're looking at a failed drain pump assembly. The W10536347 replaces several older pump versions (W10049390, W10217134, W10155921) and fixes the most common drainage failures in top-load Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore washers.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a straightforward repair that most people can handle in under an hour. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/4-inch nut driver or socket wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Towels and a shallow pan (for water spillage)
• Work gloves

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — requires tipping the washer

Safety First

Unplug the washer completely before starting. These pumps carry 120V, and you'll be working near wiring connections. Even if the drum still has water in it, disconnecting power is non-negotiable. Have towels ready — when you remove the old pump, residual water will drain out. If your washer is full, use the manual drain hose method first to empty most of the water, or you'll have a mess on your hands.

Step 1: Access the Pump from Below

The drain pump sits at the bottom of the washer cabinet. You'll need to tip the washer back against a wall at about a 45-degree angle — have someone help you or use padding to protect the wall. Once tipped, you'll see the pump mounted to the bottom of the tub assembly. It's the component with hoses attached and typically has a black motor housing. Remove the access panel screws if your model has one, though most top-loaders let you access it directly from underneath.

Step 2: Disconnect Hoses and Wiring

Use your pliers to release the spring clamps on both the inlet and outlet hoses. The inlet comes from the tub, the outlet goes to your drain line. Slide the clamps back about two inches, then twist and pull the hoses off. Water will spill — that's normal. Disconnect the wire harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight off. Some pumps have a two-wire connector, others have three wires. Note the orientation before removal.

Step 3: Remove the Old Pump Assembly

The pump attaches to the washer base with three or four mounting bolts, usually 1/4-inch hex head. Use your nut driver to remove them completely. On models like the WTW6800WW1 or WTW7300XW0, there's also a support bracket that needs one additional screw removed. Once the bolts are out, the pump assembly drops free. Inspect the mounting area — if there's significant calcium buildup or debris, clean it now before installing the new pump.

Step 4: Install the W10536347 Pump

Position the new W10536347 pump in the same orientation as the old one. The outlet port should face toward the drain hose connection point. Thread in the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten them in a star pattern to avoid warping the pump housing. Don't overtighten — you're threading into plastic mounting points. Snug is enough.

Step 5: Reconnect Everything and Test

Slide the hoses back onto the inlet and outlet ports. Make sure they're pushed on completely — you should feel them seat against the barb stops. Reposition the spring clamps over the hose connections and squeeze them tight with your pliers. Plug in the wire harness until it clicks. Lower the washer back to the floor carefully. Plug in the power and run a drain/spin cycle with no clothes. Listen for the pump motor — it should run smoothly without grinding or humming. Check underneath for leaks during the first few minutes.

Testing After Installation

Run a small load on the shortest cycle to verify everything works under normal conditions. Watch for proper drainage — the tub should empty completely within 2-3 minutes during the spin cycle. If the pump runs but doesn't drain, you likely have a clogged drain hose or filter (not a pump problem). If it doesn't run at all, double-check your wire harness connection. These pumps are reliable, but the connector can be tricky to seat properly on first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this pump work on Kenmore washers with the same symptoms?

Yes, if your Kenmore model is actually a rebadged Whirlpool (which most are). Check your model number against the compatibility list — the W10536347 crosses over to dozens of Kenmore 110-series washers. If the old pump has one of the replaced part numbers (W10049390, W10217134, W10155921), this is your replacement.

Why does my washer hum but not pump water out?

That humming sound means the motor is getting power but the impeller is jammed or the motor itself has failed. Sometimes a sock or small item gets past the filter and locks up the impeller. More often, the motor windings burn out after years of use. Either way, you need a new pump assembly — the motor and impeller aren't sold separately for this part number.

How long do these drain pumps typically last?

Expect 7-10 years with normal use. Heavy use (multiple loads daily) or hard water can shorten that to 5-6 years. If you're replacing this pump on a washer that's less than five years old, check for blockages in your drain system — something might be causing the pump to work harder than it should.