Whether you have a front loader with a clogged filter or a top loader fighting gravity, the solution is usually simple. We will walk you through the safest, cleanest ways to manually drain your washer and get it running again.
Key Takeaways
- Safety first: Always unplug the machine and turn off the water supply before starting.
- Front loaders: Locate the drain filter panel (usually bottom front) and use the emergency drain tube if available.
- Top loaders: Detach the drain hose from the back and use gravity to drain water into a bucket.
- Check for clogs: Always inspect the drain pump filter or hose for socks, coins, and lint buildup.
How to Draining a Washing Machine
Draining a washer manually is a handy skill, whether the pump failed or you need to move the unit. The process differs slightly depending on if the door is on the front or the top.
Safety Note: Electricity and water are a dangerous mix. Always unplug your machine before removing panels or hoses. We also suggest checking your specific user manual, as brands like Samsung, Whirlpool, and GE have unique quirks.
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Draining a Front Loading Washer
Front-load washers rely on a drain pump usually located behind a small door near the floor. Because this is the lowest point of the machine, gravity works against you here. Opening the filter directly will flood your floor.
Ideally, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck the water out. If you don’t have one, use the method below with shallow trays.
What You’ll Need:
- Old towels (and plenty of them)
- Tarp (optional)
- Shallow baking sheet or paint tray
- Bucket
- Laundry detergent
- Warm soapy water
- Soft-bristled brush
1. Prep the Area
Unplug the power cord. If the machine is full of hot water from a recent cycle, wait 30 minutes for it to cool down to avoid burns.
Spread a tarp or several thick towels in front of the machine. The goal is to catch the inevitable splash zone.
2. Locate the Drain Panel
Look for a small access door at the bottom of the machine (usually the right or left corner). On GE appliances and Samsung washers, this is standard.
Open the panel. If it doesn’t pop open with a finger press, you might need a flathead screwdriver or a coin to twist the latch.
3. Drain the Water
Once the panel is open, look for a small rubber hose next to the main filter cap. This is the emergency drain tube.
- Pull the small black tube out of its clip.
- Place the end of the tube into your shallow tray or bowl.
- Remove the plug from the end of the tube. Water will start flowing immediately.
- When your tray is full, plug the tube, dump the water into a larger bucket, and repeat.
If your machine does not have this small tube, you must drain directly from the filter. Place a tray under the filter cap. Unscrew the cap slowly (counter-clockwise) until a trickle starts. Do not remove the cap entirely yet. Fill the tray, tighten the cap, dump the water, and repeat.
4. Clean the Pump Filter
Once the water stops flowing, you can fully unscrew and remove the pump filter. This is where you will find the culprits: coins, hair clips, or a buildup of lint.
Check inside the housing for any debris and clear it out. Rinse the filter in a sink with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Screw it back in tightly to prevent future leaks.
Top Tip
Draining a Top-Loading Washer
Top loaders are generally easier to drain because you can use gravity to your advantage via the main drain hose on the back.
Safety Note: Tape the power cord to the top of the machine so it doesn’t fall into any water puddles on the floor.
What You’ll Need:
- Large bucket (5-gallon size is best)
- Towels
- Plumber’s snake
- Pliers (optional)
1. Access the Back
Carefully slide the washing machine away from the wall. You need enough room to work behind it. Locate the drain hose; it is usually a corrugated gray tube, distinct from the red and blue water supply lines.
2. Disconnect the Drain Hose
Locate where the gray drain hose enters your home’s drain pipe (standpipe) or laundry tub. Pull the hose out of the pipe.
Important: Keep the end of the hose raised higher than the water level in the washer, or water will immediately shoot out.
3. Use Gravity to Drain
Lower the end of the drain hose into your bucket. As long as the hose end is lower than the water in the drum, gravity will siphon the water out.
If the flow stops but water remains, raise the hose to clear the air lock, then lower it again. Fill the bucket, raise the hose to stop the flow, dump the bucket, and repeat until the drum is empty.
4. Check for Blockages
If water barely trickles out, the hose or the pump is clogged.
- Check the hose: Squeeze along the length of the hose to feel for blockages. You can use a plumber’s snake to clear it.
- Check the pump: On some top loaders, you must lay the machine on its front (with padding) to access the pump underneath. Remove the clamps with pliers and check the pump interior for socks or debris.
Why is My Washing Machine Not Draining?
If you are dealing with standing water, something is preventing the cycle from completing. Here are the usual suspects:
- clogged Drain Filter: This is the #1 cause. Small items like coins, socks, or keys get stuck in the filter, jamming the impeller.
- Kinked Hose: If the machine was pushed back too hard against the wall, the drain hose might be pinched, stopping water flow.
- Broken Lid Switch: Top loaders have a safety switch. If the machine thinks the lid is open, it will not spin or drain.
- Pump Failure: If the pump hums but doesn’t move water (and there is no clog), the motor might be burned out.
- Drain Height: If your drain hose is installed too high (more than 96 inches) or too low, the pump cannot push water out effectively.
Troubleshooting Hacks
Before calling a pro, try these quick fixes:
- Reset the Master: Unplug the machine for 1 minute to reset the computer controls.
- Straighten the Hose: Pull the machine out and ensure the gray hose has a clear path with no bends.
- Test the Lid Switch: Press the lid switch manually with a pen. If the machine engages, the plastic tab on your lid might be broken.
How to Drain a Washing Machine For Moving
Moving? You cannot transport a washer with water inside. It adds massive weight and can leak in the moving truck, ruining your furniture. You also need to prevent mold growth during storage.
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You’ll Need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
- Bucket
- Slip-joint pliers
1. Clean and Purge
Run a “Clean Cycle” or a hot wash with a cup of vinegar to kill bacteria. This prevents that musty “storage smell.” Leave the door open to air dry completely.
2. Shut Off Utilities
Turn off the hot and cold water valves on the wall. Disconnect the water supply hoses from the back of the machine. Have a towel ready, as these hoses will hold a little water.
3. Drain Every Drop
Follow the draining steps listed above for your machine type.
- Top Loaders: Tilt the machine backward and then forward to help dislodge water trapped in the pump housing.
- Front Loaders: Open the drain filter again. Tilt the machine forward slightly (about 6 inches) to ensure the very last cup of water flows out.
4. Secure the Drum (Crucial!)
For front loaders, you must reinstall the “shipping bolts” into the back of the machine. These lock the drum in place. If you move the washer without them, the suspension can break, destroying the machine.
Tips to Minimize the Mess
Draining a washer is inherently wet work. Keep these tips in mind to save your floors:
- Use a Shop Vac: If you own a wet/dry vacuum, it is the cleanest method. You can suction water directly from the drain hose or filter opening.
- Baking Sheets are Key: For front loaders low to the ground, a rimmed baking sheet fits better than a bucket.
- Control the Flow: Never pull the drain filter completely out while the drum is full. Open it slowly to control the speed of the water.
Warning
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Washing Machine Drain Hose is Clogged?
You will often hear the pump trying to work (a humming or buzzing sound), but no water leaves the machine. Alternatively, water might drain very slowly, leaving clothes soaking wet after the spin cycle. If water backs up out of the standpipe on your wall, the blockage is likely in your home’s plumbing, not the washer.
Why Is There Water Under the Drum of My Washing Machine?
Water pooling underneath the machine usually indicates a leak, not just a drainage issue. Check the connection points of the hot and cold water hoses. If those are dry, the internal drain pump may have a crack, or the tub seal has failed.
Is It OK to Leave Water In The Washing Machine?
You can leave water in for a few hours for a soak cycle, but never leave it for days. Stagnant water breeds mold, mildew, and bacteria rapidly. This leads to foul odors that are difficult to remove from the gasket and drum.
Can You Unclog a Washer Drain With Boiling Water?
We do not recommend pouring boiling water directly into a washing machine. The intense heat can damage rubber seals and plastic pipe components. Instead, use warm water mixed with vinegar or a mechanical snake to clear clogs.
Do You Need to Winterize a Washing Machine?
Yes. If you are moving or storing the machine in an unheated garage or cabin during winter, you must remove all water. Any water left in the pump or valve assembly will freeze, expand, and crack the plastic components, ruining the machine.
How Do You Drain a Washing Machine Mid-Cycle?
If possible, press “Pause/Cancel” and select the “Spin & Drain” cycle on your dial. If the machine is broken and won’t respond, you must unplug it and use the manual draining methods (emergency tube or drain hose gravity method) outlined in this guide.
Can I Use a Shop Vac to Drain My Washing Machine?
Absolutely. A wet/dry vacuum is one of the best tools for this job. You can hold the vacuum hose over the end of the washer’s drain hose to suck the water out quickly. It is much faster and cleaner than using buckets.
Get Your Laundry Routine Back on Track
Draining a washing machine manually is a bit messy, but it beats waiting days for a repair technician. By clearing the water and checking the filter, you often solve the problem right then and there.
Remember to check your pockets for coins and receipts before throwing clothes in the wash. A little prevention saves you a lot of wet floors in the future!
