Washing Machine Drain Clogged: Simple Solutions You Can Try

A clogged washing machine drain can cause water to back up into your home, leading to costly repairs and potential water damage. A clogged washer drain can be caused by lint buildup, foreign objects, or sewer line problems, and addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further damage. DIY solutions can be effective in fixing a clogged washer drain, but it’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid further damage or an overflow of water. Is your washing machine drain clogged and you’re looking for a cost-effective solution? This article will go through the steps you can take to unclog your washing machine drain using DIY methods and when you should call a plumber to flush out the clog in the washer.

Understanding Washer Drain Systems

The washing machine drain hose is connected to the drain pipe. This hose carries water from the clothes washer to the sewer line.

The drain line is typically a black plastic pipe that can be prone to clogs and debris buildup.

The vent pipe plays a crucial role in allowing air to enter the drain system, preventing siphoning and ensuring proper drainage.

Understanding the washer drain system can help you identify and fix common issues, such as clogs or blockages in the drain pipe. Regularly checking the drain filter and mesh filter can help prevent clogs and ensure your washing machine is draining properly.

Identifying the Cause of the Clog

Before you go about the repair process for washer drain clogs, you will want to identify exactly where the issue is coming from. Here are some ways you can determine where the clog is coming from:

• Inspect the vent pipe of your washing machine to check for any blockages there. Clear out anything you find before you wash a load of laundry in the washing machine again and see if there are any drainage issues that indicate the vent pipe is not the problem.
• Check the water hoses coming from the machine and going into the wall. Make sure there are no obvious signs of tearing or damage to the hoses that could be causing leaks or blockages. Tighten any loose hoses, replace worn out o-rings or damaged hoses, and check to make sure the drain line is secure as well.
• If the washer drain hose is bent or has a kink in it and is blocking the water flow, straighten it out to restore proper draining.
• Look at the mesh filter at the beginning of the washing machine water line to see if there are any visible blockages and debris buildup. Replace the mesh filter if necessary.
• To rule out the possibility of a larger drain or sewer issue, test the drains of the other plumbing appliances in your home and make sure they are draining as they should and that there is not possibly a blockage somewhere in the sewer line.
• Locate the drain pipe at the back of the machine and look for any visible blockages, such as lint or other debris. You can remove any of these blockages from the washer drain pipe with tools such as pliers, a small brush, or even by hand.

Identifying the cause of the washer drain clog helps you to determine the best course of action, whether it’s using a drain cleaner or plumber’s snake or replacing the drain filter. A washer drain clog can appear in any of these locations from things like soap residue, dryer lint, as well as grease, dirt, and other debris from laundry.

DIY Solutions for Clogs

Before you begin any work on your washing machine, make sure you have the power to the machine turned off. You can do this by unplugging the laundry machine or turning it off at the circuit breaker. Consult the owner’s manual before working with the mechanics of the washing machine.

Plumber’s Snake

For washer drain clogs in the drain pipe that you can’t reach easily, you can use a plumber’s drain snake to reach further in and break apart the clog. Insert the end of the snake, which will be a thin, flexible cable, into the drain pipe of your washing machine. Turn the handle clockwise as you crank the snake through the washer drain until you meet resistance. At this point, turn the handle counterclockwise to dislodge the clog with the snake until you no longer feel the blockage. Pull the snake back out and remove the debris from the head of the cable. There are different models of drain snakes, like manual or drill-type. You can also use a power auger for washer drain clogs that are even further into the drain, which has a motor that will help the cable along to get to the deeper clogs efficiently.

Hot Water and Baking Soda or Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar with hot water are some of the best solutions for DIY drain clearing and cleaning. It can also be a safer method if you are unsure about correctly handling a plumbing snake. Unplug your washing machine and move it slowly from the drain. Remove the drain hose from the drain pipe. Boil a gallon of hot water and have it along with the baking soda ready to go. use a funnel to pour the hot water down the drain pipe, adding about one cup of baking soda afterward. You can also combine equal parts hot water and vinegar and add this down the drain after the baking soda.

Drain Cleaner

Apart from this DIY drain cleaner, you can also purchase a liquid cleaner from the store and pour it down your drain pipe. Be sure to wear latex gloves and protective eyewear when doing this and only pour in the recommended amount. Drain cleaners can be extremely abrasive and can cause a lot of damage to your drains if used excessively.

Drain the Washing Machine

If there is standing water in your washing machine, you can drain it manually with a hose. Disconnect the drain hose from the machine, holding it up above the washer tub. Place a bucket underneath the washer drain, place the drain hose downwards into the bucket, and let the water drain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the drain pipe or surrounding area. Look for chemical-free drain cleaners if you are planning on using a liquid cleaner.
2. Don’t ignore signs of clogs or blockages, as they can lead to more serious issues and costly repairs—address the issue promptly and consider hiring a professional plumber if necessary.
3. Try not to overload the washing machine with laundry, as it can cause debris buildup and clogs in the washer drain pipe. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size and type whenever you wash a load of laundry.
4. Clean out the lint trap regularly to avoid buildup and clogs. The lint trap being overloaded with debris is a common reason for washing machine clogs. If you find that the lint trap is broken, replace it right away.
5. Don’t forget to regularly clean the washer drain filter and mesh filter, as they can become clogged and prevent proper drainage. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris or lint. If you don’t already have a mesh filter for your washing machine, it is a good idea to get one in order to catch any debris from building up in the washer drain.
6. Avoid using a plumber’s snake or drain snake without proper precautions, as they can damage the drain pipe or surrounding area. If you are not confident using this tool, try another method of unclogging your washing machine drain, or call a professional plumber.

Calling a Plumbing Professional for Washer Drain Clogs

Whenever you have exhausted all of these options to try to unclog your washing machine drain and are still having issues, it is time to call a professional plumber. It may be that there is a larger issue with your plumbing system that needs to be addressed or that there is something wrong in the mechanics of the washing machine that DIY solutions won’t be able to fix. Professional plumbers and drain companies will have efficient solutions that can fix your washing machine problems and help you to avoid future issues. It is always good to have an annual inspection for your plumbing system from a licensed plumber regardless to ensure everything is in top working order and you can avoid drain problems in your washing machine as well as all of your appliances.

However, if you are experiencing a blockage in your washer and can’t locate visible clogs, try these DIY methods to see if you can clear up the drain yourself. Using a plumbing snake or plumbing auger, pouring baking soda and equal parts hot water and vinegar toward the clog, as well as all of the other troubleshooting solutions mentioned above, are great ways to try to clean out the clog and prevent things like water overflow and water damage.