Do you want to understand how to unclog washer drain pipe? In this article, we will guide you through each step to unclog the washer drain. You can easily do it on your own.
When there is an accumulation of water in the drum at the end of each wash cycle resulting in wet laundry, indicate the clogged drainpipe.
As you can see, the washer removes waste after each wash session. As the soapy water flows into the drain, it might be containing threads or buttons from your clothing that can clog the drain pipe. It is necessary to clean your washer drain pipe once in six months. If the washer drain pipe is clogged, the water will get collected in the drum as it cannot flow into the drain and, you will find wet clothes at the end of the cycle. The proper maintenance of the washer will prevent you from the future possible trouble of flooding or overflowing. My friends, there are more things that you should know, so without further ado, let’s start!
Steps To Unclog Washer Drain
Follow the below-mentioned steps on how to unclog washer drain pipe:
Step #1. Switch off the washer
Before proceeding, make sure you turn off the power switch and detach the washer from the electrical outlet. For your safety, securely tape the power cord onto the washer top: this prevents the cable from getting wet if there is a water spill. The wet electric plug can cause electrocution that will lead to an emergency room visit.
Step #2. Close hot and cold-water supply
The drainpipe is typically located: behind the washer. To access the drainpipe, you might have to move your washer at a distance from the walls. Once you have exposed the backside of the washer, you will be able to locate the drainpipe, as well as hot water and cold-water supply. These hot and cold-water pipes supply clean water to the washer. The water supply pipes are labeled accordingly. Typically, the hot water pipe is red and, the cold-water supply pipe is blue and, the drain pipe is grey. Stop the clean water supply to the washer by rotating the valves in the clockwise direction. So, it will not create hindrance in the further steps.
Step #3. Eliminate the collected water in the washer
The drain pipe from the washer is usually attached to the standpipe. Remove the drain pipe end from the standpipe and hold the pipe firmly. If a floor drain is built in your laundry room, you can leave the drainpipe on the floor. In this case, you can use a bucket. Take a bucket and drop the drainpipe in it. The bucket should be wide and lower in height so that the pipe is at the ground level and can collect a large volume of water. The water from the washer will flow out into the bucket against gravity. I guess it’s helpful to read about how to install washer drain hose and how to fix a washer that wont drain.
Step #4. Use cleaner
Once the dirty water from the drain is collected, pour the washing machine drain cleaner into the drain pipe. You can make washer drain cleaner at home using basic things that are in every kitchen. Boil around 4Liters of water one can lower the volume if you own a small washer. Allow the water to sit for 20 to 30 minutes after it has been boiled, and after that, mix one cup of baking soda. Hold the drainpipe vertically with its end facing upward and slowly start pouring the cleaner into the drain pipe. Make sure there are no crimps in the drainpipe while poring the solution.
After pouring the cleaner, let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes and then detach the drain pipe. The chemical cleaners for unclogging the drain pipe are available in the supermarkets. While purchasing one, make sure you select a non-corrosive drain cleaner as harsh cleaners can corrode the drain. Detach the drain and pour the cleaner into the drain directly. After a few minutes, pour boiling water into it. Usually, the drainpipe valve is present near the hot and cold water supply valves. Place a bucket or any cleaning cloth on the floor while detaching it as water might leak. You may also be interested to know about how to clean washer drain hoses
Step #5. Use of drain snake
After removing the drain pipe from the washer, place it in a bucket or on the floor. We’ll use a drain snake to remove the blockage from the washer drain and the drain pipe. Drain snakes are available at almost every hardware shop. Push the springy head of the snake into the washer drain. Keep pushing it till you encounter any resistance like clog. To clear the drain twist, or turn the handle of the snake clockwise. This motion will gather all the clog and accumulated debris from the drain. Keep going until you detect no more accumulated debris. Draw the snake drain out of the washer and dislodge the obstructed material. You might have to repeat this procedure if required. Repeat the same steps mentioned above to clean the drain pipe. When both are, cleared pour the hot water into the drainpipe. Finally, attach the drain pipe back into its valve.
It’s A Wrap!
You can unclog the washer drain on your own because you’ve already known how to unclog washer drain pipe. In case you are not able to do so, call the plumber to help you. Proper maintenace of the washer is necessary especially keeping the drain pipe clean. The drain pipe can be accumulated with detergent residues and the materials from clothes and can be difficult to remove. Do this frequently to save yourself from a lot of effort. Know the right way of plumbing washing machine drain.