In top loading washing machines, filters are typically located inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum. To find the filter, check the agitator for a removable cover that may reveal a lint trap, or feel around the top lip for a round or rectangular screen that can be taken out for cleaning.
If your top-loading washer has a lint trap, it is likely inside the central agitator. To access it, remove the cover on the top of the agitator. This exposes the hollow center of the agitator and the lint trap.
Your washer's lint filter may be within the center agitator of a top-loading washer. Remove the cover and check for a lint trap that can be cleaned. A removable lint screen may also be located along the washer drum's top rim. Mesh lint traps are also commonly found in washer drain hoses.
The lint filter in a top-load washer with a center agitator is inside the agitator. Newer washers with the agitator in the bottom of the drum may or may not have a lint filter. Some models rely on the water pump filter to do the work, while others have a mesh filter near the top rim of the drum.
A P trap is a necessary part of the plumbing for a washer. It's a U-shaped piece of piping between the appliance and the sewer line. After water drains out of the washer, the P trap's shape holds enough water to create a barrier between the house and the sewer line.
Besides the fact that sewer gasses smell downright awful, these gasses also contain a variety of noxious odors that could potentially be poisonous or even explosive. The drain trap is a barrier from allowing those gasses to seep into your home or business, thanks to standing water inside.
In top loading washing machines, filters are typically located inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum. To find the filter, check the agitator for a removable cover that may reveal a lint trap, or feel around the top lip for a round or rectangular screen that can be taken out for cleaning.
In most top-loaders, the lint filter is either positioned along the top rim of the washer drum or at the end of the drainage hose. You may also find it inside the center agitator, which you can unscrew and remove. Check your owner's manual if you need help.
Run an empty cycle with detergent or vinegar to remove buildup. Lint can collect and be deposited on the inside of your washing machine and in the internal filters. Run a normal cycle using detergent with any clothes inside.
Most front-load washers have the filter behind a small panel on the bottom front of the machine. Look for a designated access panel, often hidden behind a kickplate or covered by a cap. Top-load washers often have the filter inside the machine, accessible through the agitator or under a panel in the back.
Models made since 2014 have lint filters in the wash basket that are consumer removable for cleaning. For information on cleaning these filters, please check out our Spacemaker Washer - Cleaning Lint / Pump Filter article.
The washers made years ago were expensive but many had lint traps and the machine could last up to 30 years. Nowadays they don't have lint traps, are still expensive, but only last 5 years or less. I suspect the lint traps were removed to increase the profitability to the manufacturer.
All modern Maytag washers have filters that should be regularly cleaned every 3-6 months to prevent harmful lint buildup or clogs. In top-loading machines the filters are in the center of the agitator tube. They can be removed by taking off the agitator cap and pulling the filter upward.
In models without an access door, the coin trap is found deeper in the drainage system by the drain pump. There may be a lower access panel or one on the top of your water, but usually, you will need to remove shell of your washer in order to reach it.
To clean a top-loading washing machine without an agitator, run a cleaning cycle with hot water and a cleaning agent like vinegar or baking soda.
How often should you clean a washing machine filter? We recommend cleaning your washing machine filter every month to ensure your machine continues to operate at maximum efficiency. If you have pets or frequently wash heavily soiled items, you may need to clean the filter more often.
Check the filter: Many washing machines have a lint filter that traps lint and debris. Locate the filter and clean it regularly to prevent clogs and lint buildup.
You can check by inserting a snake into the shower's drain. If you hit water soon after entering the drain, you most likely have a P-trap. It may also be visible with a flashlight, depending on the shower's design. If you do not have one, you'll want to leave the installation to a qualified plumber.
A P-trap is also known as a sink trap. It's the strongly curved portion of piping under the sink. It's called a P-trap because the bend makes it look similar to the letter P turned on its side. It also looks like a U or a J when it's not on its side.