Clear a Clogged Washing Machine Drain

The washing machine is one household appliance that is frequently used, and having a clogged washing machine drain is a big headache. During the washing process, the water used during the spinning and draining cycles enters the machine's sewage system with the use of the drain hose. The drain hose length may be from a few inches to a couple of feet long. When clogging occurs, make sure to check the hose first to determine just where the clogging is exactly before doing the actual hose draining. Check on other drains in the home like the kitchen and the toilet as well.

Step 1 - Loosen the Hose

Hold the pliers by the handle, then position it over the metallic cylinder connecting the hose to the rear part of the washer. Its location is somewhere by the lower right-hand part of the washer. The pliers should be turned while attached to the hose in a counter-clockwise way to have the grip loosened. Pull the hose straight out of the washer and away from it.

Step 2 - Locate the Clog

With a use of a flashlight or towards a lighted direction, peek through the hose to determine if any kind of clog is visible. When a clog is seen, get ahold of a metal coat hanger and lengthen or straighten it. Place one straightened end of the hanger in the inside of the hose. Normally, hoses are about two feet long, so a straightened hanger may be capable of reaching this length. If, however, a clog is not seen, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a plumber so the cause of the clog in the sewage system in the home may be located.

Step 3 - Drain out the Hose

Move the straightened coat hanger in the interior of the hose to cover the whole area. While doing this, a bucket should be on hand to catch the drain. The straightened coat hanger being pushed in the inside of the hose will help push down the elements causing the clogging and clean out the sides of the hose where it is stuck.

Step 4 - Clean the Hose

When the insides of the hose have been cleaned and drained of elements causing the clog, have some water source to rinse the insides of the hose completely. The washer drain may be replaced by doing the reverse of Step 1.

It is best that a homeowner knows the kind of washing machine in the home. The machine's manual could very well give insight into the parts and functions of the washing machine. Some washing machines have their drains located by the floor area or at the wall which is connected to the home's sewage system. In handling the sewage system, the assistance of a licensed plumber should be sought.