Is your washing machine refusing to drain on its own? This kind of problem can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have a lot of laundry. While the first instinct may be to panic, try to keep your cool. While a plumber can fix this situation fast, it's also possible for homeowners to manually drain their washing machines. If you live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and have a sewer line backup, or need a plumbing repair service, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. However, you still might want to drain your machine first to get rid of the standing water inside your unit. If so, then it's important to follow some critical guidelines. Performing this task can be simple enough, but mistakes could leave you with a huge mess and even potential water damage. If you need to drain your washing machine by hand, here are a few tips and tricks to help you successfully accomplish the task.
Gather Your Supplies
The first step is to make sure you have the right tools and supplies on hand to get the job done right. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Screwdriver
- Towels
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Five Gallon Bucket or Shallow Baking Dish
- Owner's Manual
Tips for Manually Draining Your Washing Machine
- Step One - Shut Off the Power and Water Supply: Don't forget this step. It may seem unnecessary, but neglecting this first safety step could put you in danger of electrical shock. Turn the power off at the breaker box, and turn off the water supply at the main valve before moving forward with this project.
- Step Two - Lay Your Towels Down: Once you're sure the electricity is not running to your machine, you can lay towels on the floor around the base. This will help keep things neat, so you can avoid water damage if spills happen during this process.
- Step Three - Find the Drain Hose: Next, you'll need to find the drain hose. In top-loading machines, they are usually located at the back of the machine. Look for a gray hose, as the red and blue ones are for water coming into the machine. If you have a front-load machine, there will probably be a single drainpipe filter and drain hose. These are often found inside a hidden panel at the bottom front of your machine. If you can't find it quickly, look through your user's manual to find the information.
- Step Four - Drain the Water: Now, you'll need to remove the water. If you have a front-loading model, place your shallow baking dish on the floor in front of the drain hose. Turn the knob until the water begins to pour out, then turn it off when the container is full. Keep doing this until the machine has been emptied. For a top-loading machine, place your drain hose into the five-gallon bucket and capture the water. When the bucket is full, you'll need to reconnect the drain hose to the pipe while you dump the water into a nearby sink or bathtub. Repeat until the unit is emptied.
When to Call a Plumber
While draining a washing machine can be a straightforward task for property owners, many issues can arise during the process. If you discover a clog in the drain pump or drain hose, or you run into any other serious problem, it's best to call a professional. A qualified plumber will have the experience, training, and specialized equipment to address the situation properly.
Do You Need a Plumbing Repair Service?
Did you try to drain your washing machine manually, but it's still clogged? Are you running into another issue with your washing machine or drain line? Get the help you need immediately by calling the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Atlanta. Our experienced plumbers are always available to ensure that your fixtures, appliances, and pipes work at their best. Contact our team for more information, or you can also schedule a convenient appointment with a reliable local plumber in Atlanta, Georgia, or a nearby metro area community.