Whirlpool Washing Machine Drain Hose (Baffle) Question, Advice Please!

[Blooboyd]

Advice Wanted:
My drain hose from pump has what looks like a 'baffle' with a tiny hole in it. My original issue was the washing machine rubber boot was full of water so I assumed the filter needed to be cleaned out. In order to do that, I had to remove the pump as I couldn't get the cap off of the filter. (Longer story, I'll save you the grief.) It was removing the drain hose from the pump that I looked inside and noticed this 'baffle'. I gently touched it with a small screwdriver and it does move. Is this an important part of this hose? Should I keep this in place or remove it and why? Does it operate as a baffle? I didn't fool around too much with it as I didn't want to break it. It seems to be rubber. Thank you for your advice!

 

[Fitter30]

Would think its important are the manufacturer would put it in there.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

looks like a check valve with a bleed down hole ? dont know anything about washers I could guess why but not going too it would be a wild guess

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

Agreed, its important because it was designed with this device which I too believe would be a check valve to prevent waste from back feeding.