How to know if a washer drain is clogged?

Author: Miss Giovanna Tremblay MD  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

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.

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.

How do you clear a clogged washing machine drain?

How to Unclog a Washer Drain
  1. First things first. ...
  2. Look behind your washer and find the drain pipe, typically a plastic pipe connected to the back of the machine.
  3. Check for visible blockages in the drain pipe. ...
  4. Clear things out by mixing equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pouring the mixture through the drain pipe.

How to get blockage out of a washing machine?

There are three recommended methods of unblocking a washing machine drain yourself. These are to use baking soda and vinegar, a chemical drain cleaner, or do it manually. You can also potentially fix the issue by straightening out the washing machine drain hose if it has become twisted.

How do I make sure my washer is drained?

If prompting the machine to drain did not work, remove the drain pump filter cover and empty the water with the drain pump hose.
  1. Locate the Drain Pump Cover. ...
  2. Place the Tray Nearby. ...
  3. Extend and Open the Hose. ...
  4. Drain the Water. ...
  5. Remove and Clean the Drain Pump Filter. ...
  6. Recap the Drain Hose. ...
  7. Close the Drain Pump Cover.

Throw it in the sink and the drain will never clog again! 💥(Amazing)🤯

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 to clean a washing machine drain hose without removing?

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.

How do you unclog a washing machine outlet?

Here's how to do it:
  1. Remove the hose from the back of your washing machine.
  2. Using a funnel, pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe.
  3. Empty a full baster of vinegar into the pipe.
  4. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to prevent the mixture from escaping.
  5. Wait for 30 minutes.

How do you check if the filter is blocked in a washing machine?

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

How often should you clean a washing machine drain pipe?

The best way to prevent issues with your washing machine's drain pipes is to conduct a maintenance wash on your appliance at least once a month. This includes washing the detergent drawer and washing machine filter, which can help prevent a blockage in the drain pipe.

How much does a plumber charge to unclog a washer drain?

Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning.

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.

How do I know which drain is clogged?

If only one sink is slow, the blockage is probably relatively close to the surface. You may be able to clear it yourself without too much difficulty. However, if multiple sinks start draining slowly all at once, the blockage is probably somewhere in the sewer line, which is more difficult to reach.

Should there be standing water in a washer drain pipe?

If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine

The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).

How do I know if my washer drain pipe is clogged?

How to Tell if Your Washer's Drain Hose is Clogged
  1. Gurgling and bubbling noises coming from the hose and drain pipe.
  2. Bad odors emanating from the drain.
  3. Cycle ends with the tub filled with water and clothes are still wet.
  4. Water is leaking onto the floor near the washing machine.

Do all washing machines 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 check a washing machine for blockage?

This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose. To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it. If you find any obstructions, remove them, and reattach the hose, ensuring it's securely in place.

Do all washing machines have a drain plug that needs to be cleaned?

"The drain trap is usually easy to access and can be cleaned out periodically to ensure it continues functioning properly.” Although most modern washing machines do have a drain trap or similar mechanism, Smith suggests checking your owner's manual if you aren't sure.

What to do if laundry machine won't drain?

Here are some simple fixes to try when your washer tub is still full of water after a cycle:
  1. Reset your washer. ...
  2. Check the load balance. ...
  3. Test the lid switch. ...
  4. Check the drain hose. ...
  5. Look for clogs in the drain hose or pump.
  6. Check the water level control. ...
  7. Ask for help with advanced repairs.

Is there an emergency drain on a washing machine?

You need the emergency drain when the washer door is closed or the machine displays an unbalanced load error (Ub). This process also covers cleaning the debris filter on the machine, which is a good thing to do every 2 months.

How often should I clean my washing machine drain?

Since wet and humid environments are the breeding ground for bacteria, it's important to drain your washing machine and let it get dry, too. Generally, the washing machine should be cleaned once every month.

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