How To Clean Washer Drain? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What’s the best way to keep a washer drain hose free of clogs? If your washing machine isn’t filling up as quickly as it used to, it could be due to a number of factors, including wear and tear from regular use, which can lead to more expensive repairs in the long run. Now that we know that, let’s take a closer look.

Why? Your machine’s water flow will be reduced and may potentially break down at any time due to limescale buildup on hoses, especially if they’re against a wall with a lot of dirt nearby. Replace your hoses every three to five years to be on the safe side. Even though the requirement states that it must be cleaned regularly when a note is being used, this is still true. Disconnect them once a year and properly clean the machine so that you don’t have any issues while doing your clothes. The time has come to clean your drain hose.

What’s Clogging Your Washing Machine Drain?

You need to understand the root causes of washing machine drain blockages in order to proceed with the DIY repair project you’ve decided to undertake. It’s like addressing one half of a problem: how to unclog a clogged washing machine drain, while neglecting the other half.

This is because you can only prevent a recurrence of the blockage if you know what caused it. If you know what’s blocking your machine, you can remove or disconnect the fixtures that are causing the problem. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with unclogging a washing machine drain on a regular basis.

The most common causes of laundry machine clogs are:

• There is a lot of scum and dirt. If the drain of a washing machine is not cleaned for a long period of time, it is not unusual for it to become clogged with dirt and debris.
• an accumulation of soap scum
• If the pipe isn’t cleaned regularly, oil and grease from clothing will build up and cause a clog.
• Pet dander, lint, and fibers from clothing.
• A little bit of extra material. It is very common that small objects, such as buttons, coins, keys, children’s socks, hair clips and bands, screws, nails and small toys, get stuck in the washing machine’s drainage system and prevent the water to drain properly, making people worried about how to clean a clogged washing machine drain .

Have you ever wondered how things from the outside end up in the washing machine?

Most washing machine clogs are caused by foreign objects being caught somewhere in the drain, which is more often than you might expect.

It’s mostly because people don’t check their garments before placing them in the washing machine that this problem arises. Smaller things like coins or keys from the pockets and loose shirt buttons end up in the drain pump as a result of this problem.

The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that washing machine troubles caused by any foreign object are not covered by the warranty because they fall under the category of user carelessness rather than a manufactured fault.

Many people wind up paying plumbers for activities that they may easily perform themselves because they are unable to claim warranty repair.

This article’s sole objective is to provide information on how to do it yourself and save money by clearing a clogged washing machine drain.

Locating The Clog

It’s useless to know how to unclog a clogged washing machine drain if you can’t figure out where the obstruction is. Since that is the case, we’ve included information on how to locate the obstruction in our guide on clearing a clogged washing machine drains.

The most common causes of clogged washing machine drains are:

1. Drain Tube

Clogs in the drain tube of a washing machine are the most common cause of water not being drained out of the machine. The first thing to do when confronted with the subject of how to clear a clogged washer drain is remove the drain tube (which is attached to the washer) and inspect it for obstructions.

You can do this by blowing air into the drain tube. Remove the cleaning head from your vacuum cleaner and blow air directly from the hose to accomplish this.

2. Pump

Experts recommend inspecting the pump if the drain tube is clear. When the wash cycle is complete, water cannot be removed from the washing machine because the pump is not working properly. The pump may need to be replaced or fixed if this is the case.

3. Drain

You can tell if your washing machine is clogged if you observe water leaking out of the machine while it’s running and it’s not draining properly. During a blockage in the drain, water backs up into the pipe and pours out of the machine.

Fill the machine with water and then use the drain/spin setting to discover a clog in the drain. Check the time it takes for water to come out of your washing machine’s drain standpipe and washer dial. As soon as it takes a few seconds, it indicates that the clog is close, but as soon as the process drags on, it suggests it’s much further down the drain.

How To Clean A Clogged Washing Machine Drain?

A clogged washing machine drain might be difficult to clean on your own, even if you know what’s causing it and where it’s located.

1.  Hot Water

You can use hot water to unclog clogs caused by soap residue accumulation in your washing machine’s drain pipe by running hot water down its drain.

However, if you frequently run hot water cycles for laundry, this may not work. When it comes to washing machines that use hot water, the most common source of clogs are obstinate clogs or obstructions brought on by foreign debris (s).

People who run their washers on cold or who have a clogged washing machine drain in the winter are likely to benefit from this simple advice. When it’s extremely cold outside, ice can form inside the washing machine’s drainage system, but the hot water will dissolve the ice and clear the clog.

2.  Use the Miraculous Ingredients

In the event that you’ve ever attempted a DIY cleaning project, you probably already know what we’re talking about.

To help you out, we’ll give you the low-down: it’s an all-purpose cleanser made up of just two basic household ingredients.

Yes! You were correct.

When it comes to cleaning, we’re referring about the simple yet magical DIY cleaner that is made of white vinegar and baking soda and often outperforms conventional cleaners.

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to unclog a clogged washing machine drain, but how do you use them?

The detergent compartment should have one of the components, and the drum area should contain the other. Now run a hot water shot cycle in the washing machine.

Clogs in drainage systems can be cleared, but a thorough cleaning of the machine’s inside can also remove dirt and bacteria. When it comes to cleaning a clogged washing machine drain, you’ll never have to look any farther thanks to this simple trick.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda in a Different Way

Do you want to know how to use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a clogged washing machine drain but do not want to use your washing machine to do so?

You should not be concerned; we have a different method of utilizing these wonderful substances.

Remove the drain pipe from the rest of the plumbing. Bring a pot of water to a boil, equaling about two cups. Pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain as soon as the water begins to boil. Then pour in the boiling water. Ten to fifteen minutes is ideal. Eventually, the clog will detach and begin to decompose.

Pour one more cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one more cup of white vinegar.

For another 10 to 15 minutes, place a rubber stopper over the drain. When vinegar and sodium bicarbonate come into contact, the clog will be totally broken down. Finally, pour boiling water down the drain to clean it out. At the end, be generous with the water (use at least half a gallon). That way, you won’t have to be concerned about how to unclog your washing machine drain ever again. Remove all the waste materials from the drainage system.

3.  Washing Soda and Salt

In the event that all other ways for cleaning a blocked washing machine drain fail, consider this potent treatment that works excellent for the most persistent of all blockages Remove the washing machine’s drain pipe and pour about a cup of washing soda down the drain. Leave it for between 4 and 5 hours (overnight is even better). Pour a cup of baking soda and about a quarter cup of table salt down the drain, and then flush the system with hot water. For another 4 to 5 hours, let it sit (overnight is better here as well).

A saucepan should have 2 cups of water and 2 cups of white vinegar inside of it. Slowly pour the mixture down the drain after it has been heated. You’ll be able to taste the bubbles. When the fizzing subsides, use hot water to flush the drain.

Voila! You won’t believe what you see when you see the findings. If you’ve ever had to deal with a stubborn clog, you’ll understand why some people think this cure takes so long to work. Using this method to clear a washing machine drain is so easy that you will be recommending it to everyone you know who is looking for an alternative to a plumber.

You won’t regret putting in the time and effort to try this home remedy!

4.  Commercial Drain Cleaner

Even though industrial cleaners are excellent for eliminating clogs, many individuals today want to avoid using harsh chemicals for residential cleaning. As a result, they are frequently looking for natural ways to clear a clogged washing machine drain.

For those who don’t mind using industrial cleansers, simply flush it down the toilet with plenty of hot water. Separate the drain line from your machine so that you may pour the cleaner directly into your drain.

In the event that a commercial cleaner is what you’re looking to employ to clear a clogged washing machine drain, make sure that it doesn’t contain any chemicals that could harm your machine, the pipes, or the drainage system.

5.  Drain Snake

Get ready to put in some elbow grease if the problem of how to clear a clogged washing machine drain doesn’t go away after using the cleansers.

The time has come to get your hands on a drain snake and get to work!

Using a snake, insert it into the washing machine’s drainage hose and remove it. Once you hit the blockage, you’ll know you’ve gone as far as you can go with it. Rotate the snake’s handle so that the robust wire grabs hold of the debris once you’ve reached the obstruction. To ensure that the snake removes all of the obstructions, move it around a bit in and out of the drain.

Flushing water through the drain pipe is a good way to make sure it is working properly. If there are several obstructions, you may need to use the snake a second or third time. Doing so will prevent you from having to deal with a backed-up washing machine drain issue for several days.

Steps To Clean A Washer Drain Hose

What’s the best way to keep a washer drain hose free of clogs? Some people may not know how to clean the drain hose of a washing machine because they have never owned one before or because they haven’t read the handbook for their particular appliance. Here are the steps you can follow as a starting point:

Step #1. Readying the washing machine for cleaning

If you want to keep your appliance clean, put it away from the wall when you’re done cleaning it. A hand truck can also be used to carry the equipment away from the more conventional route. Hopefully you won’t have any problems getting around it now. When cleaning, don’t forget to unplug appliances like the washing machine so that water isn’t exposed, which could lead to an accident or even damage to the washer. The water valves must be shut off during the process so that no water comes out or leaks. The next step is to wrap an old towel around the back of the washer and toss it in the washer. Once it’s in position, we may proceed to the next steps, which will remove some of the machine’s components. Keep your washing machine’s drain hoses clean.

Step #2. Unscrewing and making sure that the appliance is clean

Remove or unscrew the water hoses and nozzles from the machine to complete the second procedure. If yours is stuck in a hard-to-reach place, you may need to use some pliers to get it out without causing any damage. Before you start cleaning the machine, make sure there isn’t any water remaining in the lines. After that, place the hose’s ends over an empty pail you’ve prepared to catch any dirt or water that may have escaped the washing machine. Now that we’ve established that, it’s time to move on. If you have a top-load washer, check out how to use oxiclean in it.

Step #3. Cleaning the washers’ draining hose

In order to get the components of the hose clean in no time, isolate the hose in warm, soapy, and not-too-tough water for at least five to ten minutes. The washing machine’s lint screen slot needs to be opened next. Using an old toothbrush, you can quickly remove all the lint off the screen. Double-check that you’ve verified the correct location for the machine’s filter, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for it instead of solving the issue. Modern machines can be found in many areas on their backs, sides, or even on their roofs. Repeatedly submerge the drain hose in water to ensure that the pipes are properly cleansed. You should keep doing this until you are confident that it is ready to be used again. If you want to learn how to install a washer drain hose, check out this article.

Step #4. Final cleaning

To guarantee a smooth flow, remove all of the old water from the sink and replace it with fresh. Ensure that it is well cleaned by leaving it in the water for at least a minute or five. Once you’re done, use a clean cloth to wipe down the hoses and replace all of the connectors.

The Best Way to Fix Clogged Washing Machine Drains

Attempting to fix a clogged washing machine drain can be dangerous, as many homeowners soon realize. Disconnecting the correct fixtures or utilizing the correct equipment to clear clogs and debris might be difficult. Worse yet are the possible consequences of DIY projects that may actually worsen the condition of your washing machine drains.

Despite these fears, however, unclogging your washing machine drains might be the easiest improvement you make to your home plumbing, given that you dive into clog removal with the best drain cleaning gear available and plumbing knowledge before. Taking a few precautions up front can pay off in the long run by reducing the frequency and severity of washing machine drain blockages.

The Common Causes of Washing Machine Clogs

Educating yourself on the most common causes of washing machine drain blockages is an important first step in preventing repeat spills. Debris can pile up in your home’s laundry drains and cause serious plumbing issues if left unchecked.

The most common cause of a clogged washing machine drain is:

• A deposit of soap scum.
• Fragments and lint from the dryer.
• Before washing, remove any traces of grease, oil, and other substances from clothing.

The drains in your washing machine may have become blocked over time as a result of regular use if you observe water accumulating after cycles and don’t perform routine drain inspections. The sooner you act, the easier the drain-cleaning operation will be and the less damage washing machine clogs and debris materials will do to your plumbing.

What You Can Do: Manual Removal and Snaking

Clogged washing machine drains may be fixed quickly and easily with the appropriate plumbing gear. In the absence of these instruments, however, you could inadvertently inflict more harm than good on your pipes.

When dealing with a clogged washing machine drain line, the following equipment may come in handy:

• Hex-shaped wrenches and a basin
• Snakes” are industrial drain augers.
• Cutters for wire and piping.
• a variety of standard hand tools, notably screwdrivers

When it comes to self-cleaning your washing machine’s drains, having these items on hand can make all the difference. Removing the drainage pipe from your washing machine is the first step in manually clearing the blockage. This is usually done with a screwdriver, but you should also have a bucket handy in case any water backs up during the removal process.

In order to remove the washing machine’s drainage hose, you must first remove the unit’s drainage line. Clogs in your washing machine drain can be traced back to the hose connecting your washing machine to your home’s plumbing system. In most cases, you should be able to snake this hose like any other drain if you disconnect it from your washing machine’s drainage pipe.

A drain snake is all that is needed to clean out the hose.

1. Using the rotating knob, grab hold of any obstructed materials or debris and pull the drain snake out of the hose.
2. Continue to force the drain snake through stuck muck with fluid, twisting motions until there is no more resistance.
3. Remove the drain snake from the hose one piece at a time, dragging any stubborn, loosened debris with it. In order to remove the snake more easily, you may need to turn the snake’s knob in the other way.

Alternative Ways to Clean Your Clogged Washing Machine Drain

If you don’t want to take apart your washing machine and use a drain snake to clear the clog, you can use a non-caustic cleaning solution, such as baking soda, vinegar, and hot water, to flush the drainage system.

The organic material can be broken down by the natural acids in these items, which aids in the removal of large amounts of muck that has accumulated. Your laundry drains can be totally restored to their previous levels of efficiency if you use these products correctly. Avoid using chemical cleaning products, as they can damage your drains and put your health at risk, as well as harm the environment.

For Severe Clogs, Don’t Hesitate to Call a Professional

As with any plumbing issue in your home, it’s critical that you understand your own DIY capabilities. In order to avoid further damage, do not try to unblock your washing machine pipes without the proper instruments or knowledge by employing ineffective clog clearing approaches. It’s best to seek help when you realize you’re in a situation where you’re out of your depth.

Express Sewer & Drain, for example, are experts in the field of plumbing. Over the course of the many years we’ve helped residents of the Sacramento area keep their pipes free of blockages, we’ve seen just about everything. Please contact us right away so that we can begin the process of restoring proper functionality to your home’s plumbing system.

It’s A Wrap!

What’s the best way to keep a washer drain hose free of clogs? With this information, you’ll have a simpler time cleaning your washer’s drain hose because the procedures above are simplified, ensuring that you comprehend it properly without having to deal with any hassle or complications. You no longer have to stress about doing the dishes or washing the filthy clothes. Why does my washing smell, and how to prevent and clean it, may also interest you.