How Do You Force A Washer To Drain?

Have you ever encountered a tangle of wet clothes, gray water and suds after the washing machine failed to drain?

If so, it may be necessary to force a washer to drain. This can usually be done relatively quickly. However, proper safety protocols must be followed.

Whether you have a top-or front-loading machine, there are numerous strategies for draining your washer. If you prefer to manually drain your washer or opt for emergency draining, this guide has all the steps to maneuver the process confidently!

You’ll gain invaluable insights from this guide article, such as:

• How to completely drain your washer
• Tools to use when draining your washer
• Other considerations and tips to ensure you are draining properly

Things To Consider When Draining Your Washing Machine

Safety Protocols

It is essential to consider safety protocols and other issues before attempting to drain your washer. Remember that all water can be contaminated, so wear gloves if possible and protect yourself from splashing or coming into contact with potentially hazardous materials.

Furthermore, if your washing machine is still covered under warranty, drain it correctly, or the warranty may become void.

Tools For Draining Washing Machines

The tools you need to drain your washing machine will depend on the type of washer you have and whether or not you’re attempting emergency draining.

1. Bucket: A bucket or container is necessary to collect the water released when draining.
2. Old Towels: Placing a few old towels or rags around the machine will help catch any spills
3. Hoses: To guarantee you are draining correctly, a hose for manual draining is essential.
4. Screwdriver or Spanner Wrench: This may be necessary for emergency draining to remove the back or front panel of the washer.
5. Needle Nose Pliers: Pliers help remove hoses, especially if you have hard-to-reach connections

How To Drain a Top Loading Washing Machine and a Front Loading Machine?

Top-loading machines are generally simpler to drain than their front-loading counterparts. Many washers with top-loading designs come with a hose on the back of the washer, which can be easily detached and used to direct water into a bucket or container.

Front-loading, on the other hand, requires you to remove the access panel from the side or at the back. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Check for Drain Hose Clog: The first step in draining your washer is to check for a drain pump clog. This is sometimes caused by lost items, such as coins or buttons stuck in the drain hoses. If this is the case, remove the blockage before continuing.
2. Remove Access Panel: The access panel will likely be on the side or the back of the washer. To remove it, you’ll need to unscrew any screws holding it in place with a screwdriver or spanner wrench.
3. Separate Drain Hose and Direct Water Into a Bucket: Once the access panel has been removed, disconnect any hoses from the washer and direct them into a bucket or container. This will produce water that is inside the washer out into the bucket.
4. Reattach Drain Hose and Replace the Access Panel: Reattach any hoses to their original positions when the water has been drained and replace the access panel. Make sure all screws are tight before running a new load of laundry.
5. Correct the Position: It is essential to check that the drain hose has been securely connected between the washer and drain pipe. The minimum height for this connection must be at least 30 inches above floor level but no higher than 90 inches.

How To Drain A Top-Loader Washing Machine Alone

A top-loading washer is usually easier to drain since it usually has a hose that can be easily disconnected. Follow this guide to ensure that your top loader washer gets the job done right:

1. Open the Lid Switch: To open the lid switch, locate the manual valve on the back of your washer. Turn it to the left until you hear a click. If the lid doesn’t open, it’s likely because the water needs to cool down before the automated sensor allows you access.
2. Turn Off the Washer’s Power Button and Water Supply: Before draining your washer, ensure you turn off the power button and water supply. This will ensure that no more water enters the machine.
3. Ready the Bucket: Place a bucket or container near the washing machine to collect the water.
4. Create a Siphon from the Standing Water: You can use a hose or garden hose to create a siphon from the standing water in the washer tub.
5. Disconnect the Hoses: If you have hoses connected to your washer, disconnect them and direct them into the bucket.
6. Drain the Water Inside: Once all the hoses are disconnected and directed into the bucket, you can drain the water inside.
7. Reattach the Hoses and Power On the Washer: When finished draining, reattach any hoses and power on the washer. You may need to use needle nose pliers to reconnect hard-to-reach hose connections.
8. Turn on Water Supply and Lid Switch: Turn on the water supply and lid switch. You should now be able to use your washer with no further problems.

How To Drain A Front Loading Washing Machine Alone

Front-loading machines are far different from top-loading machines. Instead of a hose, they generally require the access panel to be removed to drain them. Follow these steps to ensure your front-loader washer gets the job done right:

1. Locate the Drain Pump Filter Cover: Turn the power button off and locate the drain pump filter cover. To initiate the process, identify and remove the square or rectangular-shaped cover on either side of your washer’s front.
2. Position the Tray: Position a tray or container directly underneath the filter cover to capture any water that comes out.
3. Open the Drain Pump Hose: Once the tray is in place, open the drain pump hose by gently pulling it out.
4. Separate Drain Hose: Once the remaining water has been drained, separate the drain hose from the washer and direct it into a bucket or container.
5. Start Draining the Remaining Water: Begin draining the remaining water by removing any other hoses connected to the washer.
6. Remove and Clean the Drainpipe Filter: Some front loader washers come with a single drainpipe filter that will need to be removed and cleaned.
7. Close the Drain Pump Cover: Once all the water has been drained, close the drain pump cover and replace any previously detached hoses.

Know When To Call A Professional

If your front-loading machine has a drain pump located underneath instead of the front, it’s best to call in an experienced service technician to remove the water safely and efficiently.

Moreover, if you are unable to attach the drain hose correctly or if the hose is damaged, it’s advised that you contact a professional.

They can assess potential problems and advise on the best solution. If all else fails, your washer may need to be replaced to eliminate excess water.