Is Your Washing Machine Not Draining? Here’s What to Do

Once you hit “start” on a functioning washing machine, the drum fills with water, your clothes are washed, and then the water is drained from the drum. If you notice that your clothes are swimming in water even after the washing machine indicates that it has completed its job, then you have a malfunctioning washing machine. Your last resort is to manually drain it, and here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Turn off the Power

The last thing you want is to get electrocuted while working on your washing machine. That is why, for safety reasons, it’s important to turn off and unplug the machine. If the washer is hard-wired into your electrical system, you can turn it off by switching off the appropriate circuit breaker. After turning off the power, lay towels down on the floor to prepare for a manual drain. 

Step 2: Locate the Drain Hose

The next step is to disconnect the drain hose. If you have a front-loading washing machine, you can usually find your single drainpipe filter or a drainpipe filter and a separate drain hose behind the panel on the bottom front of your machine. If you have a top-loading machine, your drain hose will likely be gray and located in the back of the machine. To ensure that water doesn’t spill out after you disconnect the drain hose, place it above the machine. 

Step 3: Drain the Water

Now, it’s time to grab a bucket and start draining. For top-loading washers simply lower the bucket into the drum and scoop out the excess water. If you have a front-loading machine with only a drain pump filter, you’ll need to place the bucket directly underneath the filter and slowly turn the knob to start filling the bucket. Front-loading washing machines that have both a drain pump filter and a tube, unclip the drain tube and unscrew the end cap to start draining water. 

Step 4: Have a Plumber Take a Look 

The last thing is to determine the cause of your washing machine not draining. That’s when you call an MD emergency plumber to figure it out. Have them examine your washing machine to see if there are any clogs, damages, or malfunctions that are prohibiting your machine from draining properly. 

Let Michael Runk Plumbing & Heating Fix the Problem

If you’re having trouble with your washing machine, let us help. The professionals at Michael Runk Plumbing & Heating will come to take a look and determine the best course of action. Give us a call or click here to request an appointment.