A broken washing machine can be a dreadful experience, especially when it suddenly stops working mid-cycle, leaving you with gallons of typically gray water to deal with in your laundry room.
At first glance, removing standing water from your washer may appear intimidating. However, nothing could be further from the truth!
In this article, you’ll discover a simple solution on how do you force a washer to drain the water. The steps are easy to follow and can help minimize the cleanup associated with a broken washing machine.
Common Reasons Why Draining Issues Occur?
Before we begin resolving your washing machine issue, it’s essential to determine why it is failing to drain. Common causes of drain problems include:
- Drain Hose Clog: This is one of the most common reasons a washing machine won’t drain properly. In many cases, lint or other debris has become stuck in the drain hoses, preventing water from draining out of the washer.
- Drain Pump or Motor Issue: Another potential cause of drainage issues could be an issue with the pump or motor. If the drain pump is blocked or damaged, it can prevent water from draining properly.
- Drain Pump Clog: If the drain pump or filter is clogged, it can cause water to back up and overflow from the washer.
- Defective Lid Switch: The lid switch is responsible for preventing water from draining when the lid is open. If this switch is damaged or faulty, it can prevent your washer from draining properly.
- Wrong Detergent: Using the wrong detergent can cause a buildup of foam water inside your washing machine, clogging the drain hose and causing water to go back into the washer.
How to Manually Drain Top Loading Washing Machine
After learning the possible reasons why most washers do not drain properly, it’s time to take action. Here are some tips you can use to manually drain your top-loading washer:
- Turn off the power button: Before you begin, turn off your top loading machine. This will ensure that it does not start up during the draining process to prevent any accident of experiencing an electric shock.
- Check for clogs: Inspect the drain hose and filter for lint or debris buildup. If needed, clean out anything that may be obstructing cold or hot water from draining properly.
- Lay down old towels: Place old towels or a tarp underneath the washing machine. This will help catch any water that may spill out as you drain it.
- Remove the drain hose: Next, locate the drainage hose on your washer and loosen its connection from the back of the unit. Place a bucket below the end of the hose to collect any standing water.
- Turn the washer upside down: Gently turn your washer onto its side or, if possible, completely upside down. This will help create a better angle for water to run out of the machine.
- Separate drain hose from the drain pipe: Carefully separate the drain hose from the drain pipe. If necessary, use a flat screwdriver to loosen it.
- Drain water: Once you have turned the washing machine on its side, wait for the standing water to drain out naturally.
How to Manually Drain Front Loading Washing Machine
Manually draining a front-loading machine is slightly more complicated than emptying a top-loader. To help you out, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Turn off the power button: Before starting the process, turn off the appropriate circuit breaker and always take your time to check the electrical system. This will ensure that it does not start up during any part of the process.
- Cut off the water supply: Locate the water inlet hose from the back of the washer and turn off its connection. This will stop any more water from entering your washing machine.
- Locate the drain: For the front loading machine, a single drainpipe filter or a drain pump filter is often located at the bottom of your washing machine. This front panel can be removed by hand.
- Remove the filter: Twist it counterclockwise to remove it from your washer. Once you have removed it, place a bucket under the opening to catch any standing water.
- Drain the water: If you have a drain pump filter and a drain tube, unclip the drain tube and unscrew the drain pump filter. This will allow the water to drain from the washer and into the bucket.
- Empty the bucket: Once all the water has drained, empty it in a safe place. Make sure you dispose of any lint or debris that may have been blocked in the drain pump hose.
- Clean the pump filter: After draining the water, clean the pump filter with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush. This will help to prevent any blockages in the future.
- Replace the parts: Once you have cleaned the pump filter and emptied any lint or debris, replace it in the washer.
- Ensure that the drain tube and drain pump filter are securely closed: Use a pipe wrench to reattach the drain tube and screw the drain pump filter back. Make sure both are completely closed.
- Turn on the water supply: Now it’s time to turn on the water supply for your washer and test if everything is working properly.
Calling A Professional Technician
If you have faithfully followed the steps outlined above yet cannot unclog your washing machine, it may be time to seek professional help. An experienced technician can assess your washer and identify the root of the problem.
With a proper diagnosis, they will then be able to advise you on the best course of action to take to repair your machine effectively.
In any case, always follow safety precautions and take time to read the owner’s manual when attempting to drain a washing machine. Doing so will ensure that you do not put yourself or your washing machine at risk.
Conclusion
Clogged washing machines can be very dangerous, so it is essential to take the necessary steps to unclog them as soon as possible. Before attempting any repairs yourself, make sure you read the owner’s manual and understand all safety considerations.
If you are still unable to unclog your machine, then contact a professional technician for help. With their expertise and experience, they will be able to diagnose and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
At Quality Appliance Repair, we offer comprehensive services for a wide range of washing machines. Our network of skilled technicians spans across Australia, delivering onsite repairs and full servicing, guaranteeing optimal functionality and efficiency for your washer.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, repair, or installation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us using the contact details provided below:
- Washing Machine Repairs Melbourne VIC – (03) 9034 6162
- Washing Machine Repairs Perth – (08) 9551 7923
- Washing Machine Repairs Adelaide – (08) 6118 7045
- Washing Machine Repairs Sydney – (02) 6190 1313
- Washing Machine Repairs Brisbane – (07) 3088 9002
Contact us today for more information about our services.
