How do you check a top load washer drain?

Author: Matilda Goyette  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Remove the drain hose attached to the back of the washer and check if it's clear. If you find any obstruction, you can rent an air compressor to blow air into the hose and clear the clog. But if the hose is worn or badly kinked, you may need to replace the hose.

How to check if a washing machine drain is clogged?

Once the water has fully drained out of the tub, check the drain hose for any debris, clothing, or soap blockages, all of which can make the washing machine drain clogged. To check for clogs, loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the bottom of the tub, then inspect the inside.

Where is the drain on a top load washer?

Check the back of the washing machine to find the drain hose. There should be three hoses attached to the back of the washer, including the red hose for hot water, the blue hose for cold water, and a gray or black hose for drainage.

How do you force a top load washer to drain?

If you have a drain pump filter, put your shallow container against the washing machine under the filter to catch the water. Turn the knob slowly until the water starts flowing. Each time you fill the container, turn the knob off and empty it into a sink and repeat the process until all the water has been drained.

How do you unblock a washer that won't drain?

Try using hot water and vinegar. If you're not comfortable using a snake or auger or would like to try an alternative method, you can try pouring a mixture of hot water and vinegar down the drain to dissolve the blockage. Combine equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain.

Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain - How to Drain the Washer, Diagnose and Fix

How do I make my washer drain and spin?

While the Washer is operating, turn the Cycle Selector knob to "Spin Only" or "Drain and Spin." The Washer will stop and reset the cycle to the new selection. Press the "Start/Pause" button to begin the new cycle selection.

Do top load washers have a drain filter?

Most top load washers made after 2001 do not have washer filters in their drainage system. Instead, newer models utilize a more powerful drain pump and larger drain holes. If you have a model made before 2001, you can usually find the washer filters at the bottom of the washer drum underneath the agitator.

How to unclog a washer standpipe?

Check for any visible debris or lint buildup in the drain pipe and remove it using a pair of pliers or a wire hanger. If the clog is still present, you may need to use a plumbing snake or auger to break it up. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain pipe to dislodge any blockages.

Why is there water in my washing machine drum when not in use?

If your Washer drips water or fills with water when it is not turned on, the water valve on the back of your Washer may have failed. This can cause water to leak from the water valve into your Washer tub when the Washer is turned off.

How to fix a washing machine that is not draining?

  1. Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ...
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly. Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. . ...
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked. ...
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs. ...
  5. Clean Out the Filter.

How to check washer drain pump?

First, set your multimeter to the 2k setting, which stands for 2 kiloohms. Then place the two multimeter prongs into the socket in which the electrical connection was connected. If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading between 160 ohms to 260 ohms (with about 5% leeway).

Why is there no water in my top loading washing machine?

Check if the water inlet screens are clogged.

If the screens are clogged and you can't get them clean, the water valve should be replaced. After checking the screens, reinstall the hoses and turn the water back on. Make sure there aren't any leaks.

Why is my top load washing machine not draining?

Here are some common reasons your washing machine may not be draining: The tub is too full. The laundry load is unbalanced. The lid switch is broken.

How to clean drain pump on top load washer?

Clean Your Washer Drain Pump for More Efficient Washing
  1. Open your washer's filter access door. You're looking for a small, rectangular door on the bottom right-hand corner of your machine. ...
  2. Unhook the emergency drain hose. ...
  3. Empty the hose. ...
  4. Remove the drain pump filter. ...
  5. Clean the drain pump filter. ...
  6. Replace the drain pump.

What is best to unclog washing machine drain?

Clear things out by mixing equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pouring the mixture through the drain pipe. Wait half an hour, then reconnect the drain pipe, plug in your machine and run a wash cycle.

How to check if a washer drain is clogged?

How to Tell if Your Washer's Coin Trap/Drain Filter is Clogged
  1. Your washer isn't fully draining, and there's standing water left after the cycle is finished.
  2. Rattling noises coming from the location of the coin trap/drain filter.
  3. Washer drains slowly and overall cycle takes longer.

Can I use Drano to unclog my washing machine drain?

Drano® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System was designed to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and even a laundry drain.

Where can I find a washer filter?

Typically, the filter will be located in one of these places:
  1. In the center agitator.
  2. In the drum's top lip.
  3. Behind a trap door on the front exterior of the machine.
  4. Near the water pump or at the end of the drainage hose.

Where is the drain trap on a top loading washing machine?

Top-loading washing machines usually have a drain filter hidden behind a flap visible on the front side of the machine casing (example 1), or hidden in the threshold of the drum (example 2 - in this case the threshold of the drum has a special recess that allows it to be lifted up).

How to deep clean a top load washing machine?

  1. Empty the Washing Machine. Before you begin cleaning your washer, you should first ensure that it is completely empty. ...
  2. Select Washer Settings. ...
  3. Create Cleaning Solution. ...
  4. Run a Full Wash Cycle. ...
  5. Clean Dispensers on Your Top Load Washer. ...
  6. Clean the Lint Filter. ...
  7. Run a Final Wash Cycle. ...
  8. Clean Top Load Washer Exterior.

How do I force my washing machine to drain?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

How do you know if your washing machine filter is blocked?

If you do not already clean your washing machine filter then the following indications mean it is overdue:
  • Deposits or residue on your clothes.
  • The unusual smell from your clothes or machine.
  • Build up of leftover laundry detergent.
  • Mould or mildew around the lid or door.
  • The water doesn't drain fully from the machine.

How to unblock a washing machine drain?

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

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