How to unblock a washing machine drain pipe?

Author: Brady Pacocha  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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.

Why is my washing machine drain pipe backing up?

Regular blockages in a washing machine drain can be caused by several factors: Lint and Debris: Lint, hair, and small fabric pieces can accumulate in the drain hose or filter, leading to clogs. Detergent Buildup: Using too much detergent or the wrong type can create soap scum that builds up in the drain system.

How do you unblock a badly blocked waste pipe?

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for an hour, then flush with hot water. Plumbing Snake or Auger: A plumbing snake can physically remove blockages that are deeper in the pipe.

How do you unlock a washing machine pipe?

If it's deeper in the pipe, a plunger can be used to create suction and dislodge the blockage. For particularly stubborn obstructions, a flexible cleaning brush or plumber's snake can be your best tool, allowing you to effectively reach and remove the blockage.

Why won't my washer drain and unlock?

The most likely cause is an inoperative drain pump, or a clogged debris filter. If your washer has water inside the Drum, the door will not open to prevent a flood. If you are using to sanitize the cycle and the water is extremely hot, the door will not open to prevent injury. Straighten the drain hoses.

Washing Machine not Draining Water - Fixed

Can I use a drain unblocker in a washing machine?

The drain of a washing machine can get blocked after several months of usage. You can use a drain unblocker to quickly clear out the drain and remove the bad smell from the machine.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

How do you unclog a pipe when nothing works?

One option is to use a drain snake or auger to physically remove the clog. Another effective technique is to create a chemical reaction using baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

How do I know if my washing machine pipe is clogged?

Water Is Draining Out Of Washer But Spilling Onto The Floor

The washing machine drain box is where the lines and hoses from your washing machine connect to your home's plumbing. If the water is backing up there, it's a crucial sign that the problem is in the plumbing.

Why is there water sitting in my washing machine drain pipe?

Here are a few common washing machine problems you could be dealing with: Your drain hose is kinked. Your lid mechanism is broken or not engaging fully. Your drain or hose is clogged.

How do I fix my washing machine from draining?

Washing Machine Not Draining? 5 Fixes (+ Reasons Why)
  1. Perform a Master Reset.
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly.
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked.
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs.
  5. Clean out Filter.

How to unclog washer drain pipe without snake?

Add the baking soda and pour it down the drain. Pour approximately 1 cup for every gallon of boiling water. Make sure to do this after pouring the water and not with the water. For an added boost, make a 1-1 mixture of vinegar and water and pour this down the drain last.

How to prevent washing machine drain pipe from clogging?

Use a Lint Filter

This is why we always recommend attaching a lint filter to the end of the washing machine drain hose. You can find many different lint filters that are specifically designed to capture lint and prevent it from going down the drain.

What do plumbers do for clogged drains?

Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.

What is the strongest chemical to unclog a drain?

The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.

How to unblock a severely blocked drain?

#1: Use baking soda and vinegar

Let it sit for an hour or more (or overnight if you suspect the blockage is really bad) and then flush with hot water. In theory, the blockage should be gone but repeat the process if you experience further problems.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda + Vinegar
  • Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain.
  • Plug drain and let sit for one hour.
  • Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

Can I pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

Does vinegar damage PVC pipes?

While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.

How to unblock a washing machine pipe?

A plunger can be an effective tool to unblock a washing machine drain.
  1. Fill the washing machine with enough water to cover the plunger.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly.
  3. Pull up quickly to create suction and dislodge the blockage.
  4. Repeat this process a few times until the water starts to drain.

How do I clear a clogged washing machine drain?

A plumbing snake is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain pipe to dislodge any blockages. To use a plumbing snake, insert the end of the snake into the drain pipe and rotate it until you feel resistance. Continue rotating the snake and pushing it forward until the clog is cleared.

How to deep clean a washing machine?

How to Deep Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine
  1. Remove the bleach/fabric softener dispensers. ...
  2. Add a cup of bleach to the washing machine. ...
  3. Run an entire rinse cycle. ...
  4. Clean the rubber seal. ...
  5. Wipe down the exterior. ...
  6. Unplug the dryer. ...
  7. Clean out the lint drawer. ...
  8. Vacuum.

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