[storres74]

How do I unclog laundry tub pump

There's a garbage disposal like contraption connected to the drain of the tub that my washing machine drains into it usually works automatically but it does have a switch for manual operation. My problem is the machine seems to be clogged bcus water won't go down the drain and I can hear the pump trying to work when I flick the switch on. How do I clean or unclug the pump.

[speedball1]

I can hear the pump trying to work when I flick the switch on.

Does it "dry pump" or simply hum? Back to you, Tom

[storres74]

It's just humming

[speedball1]

One of two things here,
1- 1- The impeller's blocked and can't turn. Open up the pit and check. **or**
2- The motor windings have shorted out.
Check and get back with the results, Good luck, Tom

[massplumber2008]

water won't go down the drain

All of the above as Tom mentioned, but you could also have a simple clog in the drain pipe that the pump connects to. Is there a cleanout connected to the drain line? If so, I would remove that and check to see if the drain line is clogged... snake the drain if needed.

Mark

[storres74]

I should have mentioned that I'm a single mother that doesn't know anything about plumbing lol

[speedball1]

What do you want to do? Try fixing it yourself or call in outside help? Let us know if we can help in any way. Tom

[storres74]

I would like to fix it myself if possible. Thank you,
Stacy

[speedball1]

OK! Once we nail down the cause we'll walk you through the repair. But first we have to learn more. Does your laundry sink drain into a holding tank where it's pumped into the sewer system? Can you get to the pump? Let me know. Tom

[storres74]

Hi Tom, thank you for responding. The washing machine drains into the laundry tub and there is a Shellback pump installed under the tub, it looks like a garbage disposal. There is a thing hooked on the side of the tub that hangs into the tub (water) that makes the pump turn on and drain the water. My landlord came over once and hit it with a hammer I think?? Idk I wasn't watching him I just heard him hitting something. I assumed it was something to do with the hard water I don't know. But my landlord is away and I need help asap. So any help would be great. Thank you, Stacy

[speedball1]

Can you shut the power off and open up the tank and expose the pump? Back to you, Tom

[storres74]

I can shut off the power but I don't know about opening it.

[speedball1]

Can you take pictures? We need to open up the container and check the pump? Can you tell the difference between the pump turning and running and just humming? Back to you , Tom