If the washing machine does not drain automatically, you should try to drain it yourself before calling a repairman. Before doing so, you should figure out exactly what to do to avoid getting hurt and spilling water all over the place. If the washing machine has an opening in the front, you will need to drain the water from the filter located at the bottom of the front unit. If your washing machine has an opening at the top, you will need to remove the drain hose at the back and drain the water into the bucket.
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Method 1 of 3: Setting Up a Safe Environment
Step 1. Read the washing machine's user manual
The methods given in this article are fairly standard and will work for most washing machines. However, take out the user manual and read the appropriate section in anticipation of any specific instructions or tips to follow for your type/model of washing machine. Check the table of contents or index for the following topics:
- Drainage issues and troubleshooting
- Removing and reconnecting the drain hose and/or filter
Step 2. Avoid electric shock
Draining the washing machine shouldn't be an uncontrollable activity with water gushing all over the place, but you should still take safety into account. If the washing machine is plugged into a wall outlet, unplug it first. If the machine is directly connected to the circuit, turn off the appropriate switch. Avoid the risk of being electrocuted in case you make a mistake.
Also unplug all electrical appliances that are near the washing machine area
Step 3. Prepare some towels
Again, this activity shouldn't create a big mess, but be prepared for a bit of water that might get out of hand. Before starting, prepare some towels. If water spills on the floor or elsewhere, it's easier to clean it up by placing a towel in an easy-to-reach place.
- Draining a front loader is a greater risk of messing up than a top loader. So if you're handling a front load engine, be prepared to handle more spills.
- In addition to towels, you can also spread a tarp, cover, or similar on the floor around the washing machine.
Step 4. Find out where you need to drain the water
This may be a trivial matter, but life will be much simpler if you know what to do with the laundry water before starting the job. If the laundry room has a drainage system on the floor, use it. If the washing machine is in the bathroom and has a long drain hose, use a tub or shower cubicle. If not, have a bucket or basin ready to transport the water to a different sink or tub.
- Be aware that the water that comes out of the washing machine is considered “grey water”. Find out if your local government has regulations for disposing of gray water. Maybe you can't just throw it away so that it pollutes the groundwater.
- If you use a bucket or basin, calculate the distance you must travel to transport the water from the washing machine location to the disposal site. You may need to protect the floor surface or remove items in the area so that it doesn't get damaged if water spills.
Step 5. Wait until the water cools down
If you only used cold water for the final wash, then skip this step. However, if you're using hot water, wait for the water to cool before trying to drain it. Don't make the situation worse by injuring your hand.
- This is especially important if you have a front loading washing machine. For this kind of machine, you can't open the lid to test the water, and your hands will get wet once you start draining the water.
- The time it takes to wait for the water to cool will vary depending on the setting you are using and the model of the washing machine. As a precaution, wear gloves when you begin this work.
Method 2 of 3: Draining Front Loading Washing Machine
Step 1. Locate the drain filter location
Look at the bottom of the front washing machine. Look for the small panel that covers the drain filter. Today, most panels have hinges that can be opened without tools. If the panels are fastened with screws, find the right screwdriver. Note the following:
Do not remove the panel at this stage. You just need to find the location
Step 2. Lift the front of the washing machine
Make sure it's safe first. Note that the exhaust filter is along the bottom of the engine. So you should use a shallow container to catch the water that comes out. To make your work easier, pull the unit away from the wall so you can tilt it back slightly. Lift the front a few inches off the floor. Tuck a brick or block of wood under the front corner so you can use a taller container of water. However, keep the following points in mind:
- The washing machine is quite heavy when empty and the water in it makes it even heavier. If possible, ask someone to help you lift it.
- Don't try to lift the machine if you think you won't be able to do it, even with the help of someone else. If you skip this step, you'll need to take the water back and forth more often to the drain. It may not be very practical, but it's better than hurting yourself.
Step 3. Remove the panel and prepare the equipment
Use a screwdriver to remove the panel and access the filter. Place the towel on the floor directly under the panel. Then, follow the instructions below (depending on the washing machine model):
- Place a basin, or shallow container just below the filter if there is no funnel or similar device behind the panel.
- If there is a funnel or similar device to drain water from the machine, pull it out and place the container under it.
Step 4. Remove the panel, remove the water, and repeat
Once the towels and container are in place, start by slowly opening the drain filter cover. Once you have opened the filter just enough to allow the water to flow at a manageable rate, stop opening the cap. Allow the container to fill with water to its maximum capacity, then re-tighten the filter cap. Drain the water, then repeat until there is no more water left in the machine.
Do not remove the filter completely. More water will come out than the container can hold. Also, you'll have a hard time closing it back and tightening it because the water keeps flowing
Step 5. Lower the machine and finish draining
If you hit the front of the machine with a brick, don't forget that there is still water in the unit, even though the water is no longer flowing through the drain filter. Make sure the filter is tightly closed, then pull out the brick and place the washer back in its original position. Now, you can complete the drain as you did before using a shallow container if necessary.
When you lift the front of the unit and prop it up with bricks, this position causes the water inside the machine to collect at the back
Method 3 of 3: Emptying the Top Load Washer
Step 1. Pull the machine away from the wall
If you're worried about scratching the floor, lift the front of the machine and have someone put a blanket, blanket or similar under the machine. If possible, do the same with the back. When ready, gently pull the machine away from the wall. Stop once you have access to the back drain hose. Do not pull the unit so far that it jerks the hose off the wall.
- If the machine is too heavy to move, open the lid. Use a scoop or similar container to scoop water into a bucket. Empty as much water as possible with this method or until you can move the washing machine.
- If you're working alone and the washing machine is still too heavy even after you've scooped up as much water as possible, ask someone to help.
Step 2. Remove the drain hose from the wall
Disconnect the drain hose and drainage pipe inside the wall. Be careful that the position of the end of the hose is higher than the machine. Know that gravity will start to pump the water out before you are ready to lower it.
This step should still be done even if you have removed the water from the drum on the inside. There's still water at the bottom that you can't reach through the opening above
Step 3. Fill the bucket
Keep the water from spilling by placing the end of the hose in the bucket before lowering it on the floor. When you lower the hose, the water will start flowing on its own. So you have to keep an eye on the water level in the bucket. Once the bucket is filled with as much water as desired, all you have to do is lift the end of the hose higher than the machine to stop the water from flowing. Empty the bucket and repeat the above procedure until no more water flows out.
- It may be tempting to use the largest bucket and fill it to the brim, but consider the distance you have to travel to carry it. Don't fill the bucket more than you can lift it so the water doesn't spill.
- Or, you can place the end of the hose just above the drainage hole in the floor or into the tub if the hose is long enough.
Step 4. Complete the process of draining into the bottle
To complete the draining process, lower the hose until it is parallel to the floor. The lip of the bucket or tub may be too high for this. You can replace the container with a scoop or bottle (gallon size). Tilt the bottle and insert the end of the tube through the mouth of the bottle. Empty the bottle when it is full and repeat the same procedure.
