“The drain trap is typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose, and is designed to prevent lint and debris from entering the plumbing system and causing blockages or damage,” says Smith.
Find the drain hose
Your machine will either have one drain pump filter by itself or a drain pump filter with a separate drain hose. In either case, these will be behind a panel on the front of your machine.
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.
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.
Top-load washing machines use a combination of filling, agitation, rinsing, draining, and spinning cycles to clean clothes effectively. Key components include the motor and transmission, drain pump, control system, and suspension system, which work together to ensure efficient performance.
The drain hose resides behind your washer and connects the washing machine to your exterior washing machine drainpipe.
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.
"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.
The drain hose is kinked. The hose or washer pump is clogged. The water level valve is faulty. The motor or drive belt is broken.
Disconnect the hose from the machine and use a wire hanger or plumbing snake to remove any debris or buildup. After cleaning the drain hose, reconnect it to the washing machine and run a cycle to make sure everything is draining properly.
If you have a top load washing machine, the clog is likely in the drain pipe. If you have a front load washing machine, the clog is probably in the drain filter.
Yes, most top-loading washing machines have filters that need regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
Most of the time, the sewer line will be sticking out of the ground and easy to spot; however, overgrown landscaping or objects close to the house could hide the cap. Or, you could have a buried sewer cleanout. Try searching on the side of the home that is closest to the main floor bathroom.
Gurgling and bubbling noises coming from the hose and drain pipe. Bad odors emanating from the drain. Cycle ends with the tub filled with water and clothes are still wet. Water is leaking onto the floor near the washing machine.
If the hose comes out at the bottom of the washer, then sometimes you can take the drain hose out of the stand pipe it usually sits in, grab a bucket, and lower the hook on the drain hose down to the floor— over the bucket! Gravity will do the rest, although you'll need to stop and empty the bucket many times.
If you're looking for a top load washer, probably GE has the strongest drain pump since it's a turbine pump and not just a plastic pump that attaches to the shaft of the motor or a small pump that mounts to the side of a reservoir like the 300BW you're considering.
Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.