There can be problems with washing machines.Grease and oils that come off your clothes can cause your washing machine to not drain efficiently.You will need to clean out the drainage pipe in order to fix the problem.This is done with either a chemical or a tool.It is possible to fix the washing machine drain with a little time and effort.
Step 1: The drain can be found.
The drain of a washing machine is usually a pipe behind the machine.The hose may be pushed inside of the drain or attached tightly to it.The hot and cold water lines coming into the washer are different from where the drain is.The hot and cold water lines should be smaller than the drain pipe and marked with red and blue to show which one is hot or cold.
Step 2: The hot water should be put down the drain.
If your washing machine is draining slowly but not completely blocked, you can try pouring hot water down the drain to clear it out.It is possible to release soap and scum that is narrowing your drainage pipe.It may not work for your drainage problem if you run your washer on hot most of the time.If you only run cold cycles, then pouring hot water down the drain may be worth a try.During the winter, drainage pipes can freeze and get blocked up.If you think you have a blocked drain, try pouring hot water down the drain to get rid of ice that may have accumulated.
Step 3: Purchase a commercial drain cleaner.
One way to clear a washing machine drain is to use a commercial drain cleaner.These products can be helpful for minor pipe problems, but they have limitations when it comes to removing a completely blocked pipe.When buying a drain cleaner, make sure it is safe to use with your pipes and drainage system.Strong products that contain sulfuric acid are not good for the environment.
Step 4: The drain should be detached.
If you want to use a commercial drain cleaner, you need to remove the drain line from the machine.The tube can be pulled out of the machine's drainage pipe.You will need to remove the drainage tube from the back of the machine on some machines.Prepare for some water to come out of the machine and the hose to the drain if you are doing this.
Step 5: Follow the directions on the package.
The product is usually poured down the drain with hot water.You have to wait a certain amount of time for the product to do its work.Once the product has had time to clear it, you will need to flush the drain.After the specified amount of time, rinse out the drain cleaner.It can damage the pipes if left on too long.
Step 6: The machine has a drain hose.
If the clog is not disrupted by chemicals, you will need to use a snake to get rid of it.You have to detach the hose from the machine to get the snake down.The washing machine has a drainage hose.You should be able to detach the two with a screwdriver.Remember that some water will come out of the machine and the hose when you detach it, so have a bucket ready and some towels laid down.If the drain is blocked, there is standing water in the machine.
Step 7: There is a snake in the drain.
The snake can be inserted into the drain pipe once it's free.A snake is a tool consisting of a long, sturdy wire that goes down a pipe and a handle at the end that rotates it.The key is to push the snake down the pipe.If you feel resistance, you should turn the handle clockwise on the snake so it rotates in the pipe.There are different lengths of snakes to choose from.Medium-length snakes that are about 50 to 75 feet (15 to 23 m) long are easier to work with than larger snakes as they can get far down a pipe.
Step 8: Until all resistance is gone, Snake the drain.
It may take several turns of the handle on the snake to remove the obstruction.Pull the snake out after you have turned it many times.The snake should be used to clear out any additional debris.After you clear one area, you may want to push the snake further down the drain to make sure there are no other obstructions.You may want to move the snake out of the pipe as you turn the handle.The snake will be able to grab onto the debris in the pipe.Pull the snake out of the pipe if you think the drain is clear.If you want to know if the clog is gone, you can pour water down it.
Step 9: Attach the hose again.
You should attach the hose to the machine if you are sure that the clog is gone.Attach the drainage hose to the machine really well, as this is a spot that tends to leak on a washing machine.Make sure you fix the drainage issue by draining the washing machine with no clothes in it.The connection point between the machine and the drainage hose should be looked at.