How to Drain a Washing Machine (Front- and Top-Load)
Here’s how to drain the drum—without making a huge mess
So your washer conked out, huh? If your clothes are still wet after the cycle finishes, and there’s standing water in the drum, you might have an issue with the drain or pump. Luckily, most washing machine repairs are simple—this is usually just the result of a clogged drain or hose. But before rolling up your sleeves, you’ll need to empty the appliance without making a huge, watery mess. Here’s how to drain a washing machine, whether you have a front-load or a top-load washer.
Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining?
When the drum of your washer still has water after the wash cycle is over, that means there is a draining problem. Most issues that prevent a washer from draining are easy to solve, but older parts (like a pump) might also affect the machine’s performance.
The Lid is Stuck
If the door is open or the lid switch is stuck, your washer won’t finish its cycle. Shut the lid fully before each wash and check that the lid switch isn’t stuck in an open position.
The Drain or Hose is Clogged
A wandering, lost sock, lint accumulation, and soap scum buildup can clog a drain and leave standing water in the drum. The drain hose is also a clog risk. When backed up, water won’t drain fully or fast enough.
The Pump Is Broken or Jammed
The pump moves water from the machine drum to the drain hose. If the pump is broken or jammed…well, you get the point. Drain pumps last about three to five years. Inspect the pump for debris or wear and tear first, but if it’s an older part, you might consider replacing it.
How to Drain Water from a Washing Machine
If you notice water in the drum of your washing machine, you’ll need to drain the appliance manually before you can determine the culprit. Here’s how to drain water from the washing machine to get a closer look.
Draining a Front-Load Washing Machine
Front-load washing machines may have a clogged filter that needs to be cleaned to drain water from the drum. Here’s how to manually drain a front-load washer:
Turn off the power supply or circuit breaker to the machine to prevent injury.
Locate the drain filter and/or drain tube on the front of the washing machine. These parts are behind a panel on the bottom of the front of the machine.
Place a towel and small container at the front of the machine to catch the excess water.
If you only have a drain filter, slowly turn the knob counterclockwise to release water into the container. Once emptied, turn the knob clockwise to shut it off.
For machines with a drain filter and a drain pump, unclip the tube and remove the end cap to release the water. Replace the end cap and reclip the hose once emptied.
Clean the filter using warm water and a soft-bristled cleaning brush.
If your washer malfunctions on its next cycle, you’ll need to continue to troubleshoot. A plumber or a local washing machine repair company can inspect the machine and recommend additional repair measures if needed.
Draining a Top-Load Washing Machine
If you notice water sitting in your top-load washer, a clogged drain hose may be the issue. Here’s how to access the hose to unclog it:
Turn off the power supply or circuit breaker to the machine to prevent injury.
Locate the drain hose on the back of the washing machine. You’ll need to pull the appliance away from the wall to access this part. The hose is usually gray, while the hot and cold water hoses are red and blue, respectively.
As an added precaution, turn off the water by twisting the hot water knob (red) and cold water knob (blue) counterclockwise.
Grab a five-gallon bucket and place it near the drain hose. Disconnect the hose to drain the water from the filter.
When the bucket fills up, reconnect the drain hose. Empty the bucket into a sink basin, and repeat the process until all the water has drained.
Check for clogs if the water is draining slowly. Use a snake to loosen any clogs, keeping the hose over the bucket to catch debris.
If the drain hose looks clear, your water issue might be more serious than a simple clog. Consider calling a professional for their opinion on the next steps.
Troubleshooting a Clogged Washing Machine
Once you drain the washer and clean the drain hose or filter, keep up with regular washing machine maintenance to avoid more clogs in the future. Continual debris and buildup can strain your machine if you don’t clean the washing machine regularly.
Boiling Water
For small clogs, boiling water can help loosen or degrade material in the filter. Simply pour boiling water over the drain to wash away grease and other oily substances that are notorious drain-cloggers.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you try the boiling water trick to no avail, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clear a small clog in the washing machine’s drain. Here’s how to leverage this tried-and-true cleaning combo for your washing machine clogs:
Dump one box of baking soda into the drain.
Pour three cups of distilled white vinegar into the drain.
Cover the drain pipe as the fizzy reaction occurs.
Remove the plug.
Pour boiling water into the drain to remove the clog fully.
Lint Catchers
You can prevent many clogs by catching the lint before it reaches the drain. Place a lint catcher over the drain hose or use products meant to drop right in the drum with your laundry loads. If you use a permanent lint catcher, remember to clean it every so often.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Drain a Washer
You can drain a washing machine yourself affordably, but you may need to pay for replacement parts if the pump or hose is damaged. While draining a washer yourself can be cost-effective, there are situations where professional assistance is advisable.
If your washer isn't located on the first floor of your home, the risk of water damage to floors or ceilings might outweigh the savings of a DIY approach. Additionally, if you're unfamiliar with appliance repair or lack the necessary tools, hiring a washing machine repair pro ensures a safe and efficient solution without the potential for further damage or complications.
What Does It Cost to Repair a Washing Machine?
A new washing machine pump costs $30 to $40, and a new hose costs about $150 to $230. Professional washing machine repair services cost $50 to $450 on average. Some other expenses you may also need to plan for can include:
Replacing a hose: If the clog has caused damage to the hose, you might need to spend between $150 to $230 for a new one. High-quality, reinforced hoses tend to be on the higher end of this price range.
Replacement parts: In some cases, the clog might have caused damage to other internal components of the washer, such as the motor or control board. The cost of these replacement parts can vary widely, from $50 to several hundred dollars.
Emergency services: If your clogged washer is causing a significant water leak or other emergency, you may need to pay extra for emergency repair services, which can add to the overall cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need to stop or pause the machine using its control panel to start the draining process mid-cycle. Remove the items inside, turn off the power to the machine, and then follow the steps above to drain the machine manually.
It is not advisable to use drain cleaner in a washing machine. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the internal components of your washer, including rubber seals, hoses, and even the drum. These chemicals can also react with any residual detergent or fabric softener, potentially leading to noxious fumes. If your washing machine is experiencing drainage issues, it's best to address the problem directly by inspecting and cleaning the lint filter, checking for clogs in the drain hose, or seeking professional repair services. Using drain cleaner in a washing machine is a risky solution that can cause more harm than good.
For homeowners with washing machines equipped with permanent lint catchers, regular maintenance is crucial. Ideally, you should clean the lint catcher after every laundry cycle. However, in practical terms, checking and cleaning it at least once a week is a good routine to adopt. The frequency may vary depending on how frequently you use the washer and the types of fabrics you launder. Neglecting lint buildup can reduce your machine's efficiency, lead to longer drying times, and even pose a fire hazard. Keeping a consistent schedule for lint catcher maintenance ensures your washing machine runs smoothly and safely while prolonging its lifespan.