Standing water on the laundry room floor or water slowly draining from the washing machine drain are telltale signs of a blockage. This clogging results in drain overflow.
When not properly maintained, washing machine drains can become clogged due to the build-up of various materials. Here’s what you can do to unclog a washing machine drain without problems.
The causes of the blockage
Before exploring different methods of unblocking your washing machine drain, it is imperative that you identify the problem at hand so that you can practice the most feasible way. The most ordinary taxpayers to a clogged drain include lint, dirt, debris, threads, hair, grease or oil, soap scum, bacterial colonization, and foreign objects.
Usually, the washing machine drain line blockage develops over time, slowing down the draining process or stopping it completely. These materials collect together, forming debris that slowly settles in the washing machine hose and drain line.
Either the waste water will flow down the drain or it will back water into the washer.
How to tell if your washing machine waste line is blocked
1. Washing machine door locked
Water cannot completely drain from the machine drum when the washing machine drain is blocked. This partial drainage of waste water can sometimes block the appliance door until the water drains.
If you ever see water in your machine’s drum after a wash cycle, the cause is more likely a clogged drain line.
2. Error message
Most washing machines have built-in systems that alert the user if there is a problem. In the event of a clogged drain, the appliance may turn on but will display an error code indicating the problem.
You can refer to the owner’s manual sent by the manufacturer for what corresponds to each error code, or you can call professionals if you are not sure how to proceed.
3. Unusual sounds
The drain pump makes a clear pumping sound whenever a washing machine drains water. However, if the water flow during the pumping process slows down or the pumping sound changes significantly, there is a good chance that a drain pipe is blocked.
4. Poor performance
When a drain is blocked, there is little or no laundry drainage, leaving the waste water to get stuck in the washing machine drum. Undrained water is absorbed into the already washed laundry, softening the contents.
While slow water flow suggests a clogged drain, water that overflows or flows from the washing machine indicates a blockage in the drain line and hose.
Identification of the Problem
There are usually two ways you can determine a clogged drain before trying different drain unclogging methods.
1. Filling the sink
- Fill the laundry sink to the brim with water and let it drain.
- If you notice that the drain speed slows down over time or stops after a while, there is a good chance that the drain is partially or completely blocked.
2. Running a drain cycle
- Fill the washing machine with water, turn it on and start the drain cycle.
- Notice how the water flows through the drain.
- An instant water leak at the floor drain or where the drain hose connects to the wall indicates a clog nearby.
- If the water takes time to pour, blockage is possible on the drain line.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials needed to diagnose the problem, let’s dig into different methods you can use to unblock an exhaust pipe.
How to unblock a washing machine drain?
1. Use of hot water
- Take at least one gallon of water and bring it to boiling temperature.
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Secure a funnel over the pipe opening to avoid leakage.
- Slowly pour boiling water down the pipe to unclog the drain.
Remember to wear protective gloves and cover your legs and torso before handling boiling water. For improved results, you can add vinegar and baking soda in equal amounts after pouring the boiling water.
The baking soda and vinegar will wipe away any sludge that remains caked inside the pipes.
2. Using a drain cleaner
Several drain cleaners are available if you don’t want to use boiling water.
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses to prevent any adverse reaction or injury.
- Always choose a non-abrasive cleaner for unclogging your washing machine drain.
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Remove the drain hose from the pipe. The drain hose is located next to the water supply connection.
- Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner and let it sit.
- Flush the pipe with hot water for effective results.
3. Snaking The Drain
If you see water flowing instantly from the drain, it means that the clog is not far from the drain line. Using a drain snake is the best unclogging method here.
- You must remove the drain hose to perform this technique.
- Place old towels or a bucket to catch the waste water that will come out when you remove the hose.
- Unplug the washing machine and remove the hose from the drain pipe.
- Insert the snake drain opener into the drain until it feels tight.
- Turn the snake handle clockwise to catch the mud at the end of the spring.
- Push the snake down and then pull it up to remove the material blocking the pipe.
- Repeat the process several times until you feel no resistance, ensuring an unclogged drain.
- Secure the hose in place and perform a function test to see if the drain is working.
4. Using a power auger
If you still feel resistance or find no blockage when inserting the snake, the jam may be lower and requires an electric auger. While a drain snake is 25 feet long, the auger can extend up to 75 feet.
The power slug explode by plugging using a strong wire.
- Unplug the appliance and remove the hose, exposing the drain line.
- Connect the electric auger and start feeding the wire inside the pipe.
- Use the pedal controls to control the speed while using your hands to guide the line into the pipe.
- After a few steps, take your foot off the pedal and turn the thread clockwise.
- Turn the thread back on and continue feeding the cable.
- You will feel the thread work its way through where there is a blockage.
- Turn off the wire feed and turn it counterclockwise before turning it on again.
- Keep feeding the wire and keep turning the wire clockwise after a few yards and counter clockwise when you hit a snag.
- Now slowly pull the cable out of the drain pipe, removing the clogged material.
- Pour hot water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
- Run a drain test cycle on the washer to ensure drain functionality.
5. Checking the pump
Sometimes an everyday object like a coin can stop the drainage. A coin or similar object can block the water pump, preventing it from working correct.
Here’s what you need to check.
- Find the access cover on the back of your washing machine.
- Place a bucket underneath to catch any water spills when you remove the lid.
- Unscrew the cap and you will see pump impeller.
- Be sure to wear protective gloves before proceeding.
- By hand, check that the rotor can turn easily.
- Look for openings near the rotor and carefully unlock them using your fingers.
- If the machine has a filter attached to the access cover, remove the build-up of material from inside the filter.
- Wipe the interior with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or residue.
- Fasten the access cover securely and tighten the threads properly, while avoiding cross-threading.
6. Maintaining your washing machine
The most common reason for build-up of material inside the pipes is poor maintenance of the washing machine and drain pipes.
Over time, dirt, debris, lint, grease, and several other materials collect in your washing machine’s drainage system, slowing down or inhibiting the process of draining wastewater.
In addition to using the methods shared here, a thorough cleaning of the washing machine every 3 months is favorable. Use the following steps to thoroughly clean your washing machine.
- Start the washing machine and set the washing program to a hot water wash.
- Add laundry detergent to the washing machine and run the wash cycle.
- This helps kill mold and bacteria and remove grease build-up from the washer drum and standpipe.
- You can also use a descaler for extra cleaning.
Preventative maintenance can save you money and the hassle of repairing your washing machine. Using a liquid drain cleaner is another viable option, preventing the clog in the first place.
Getting professional help
If you’ve tried the methods we’ve shared and still have no luck, the following issues may be the reason:
- The main drain line is blocked.
- The blockage is far from draining and will require professional tools.
- The drain is damaged or worn in certain areas.
- There is a plumbing problem with the premises, resulting in poor drainage.
Sometimes there are multiple issues that force you to call in professional plumbing services. These professionals have the right tools and equipment to identify and fix the problem in no time.
Please make fixing your clogged drain a priority, as leaving it unattended can lead to problems with your plumbing system and even cause significant structural damage to your property.
