How To Unclog Your Washing Machine: A Step-by-step Guide

If your washing machine has stopped draining or is making strange noises, it’s likely that it’s clogged. Clogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including lint, hair, soap scum, and even small objects like coins or socks. While a clogged washing machine can be a nuisance, it’s usually a relatively easy problem to fix yourself.

How to Tell if Your Washing Machine is Clogged

There are several signs that indicate your washing machine may be clogged:

• Slow draining: If the water in your washing machine takes a long time to drain, it’s likely that there’s a clog somewhere in the system.
• No draining: If the water in your washing machine doesn’t drain at all, it’s definitely clogged.
• Strange noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from your washing machine, such as gurgling or banging, it could be a sign of a clog.
• Leaking: If you see water leaking from your washing machine, it’s possible that the clog is causing the water to back up and leak out.

Safety Precautions Before Unclogging

Before you start unclogging your washing machine, it’s important to take a few safety precautions:

• Unplug the washing machine: Always unplug the washing machine before you start working on it. This will prevent you from getting shocked.
• Turn off the water supply: Turn off the water supply to the washing machine. This will prevent water from leaking out while you’re unclogging it.
• Wear gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects or chemicals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging Your Washing Machine

Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you can begin unclogging your washing machine. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Check the Drain Hose

The drain hose is the most common place for clogs to occur. To check the drain hose, follow these steps:

• Locate the drain hose: The drain hose is usually located at the back of the washing machine. It’s a large, flexible hose that connects the washing machine to the drainpipe.
• Disconnect the drain hose: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe.
• Check for clogs: Inspect the drain hose for any clogs. You may be able to see the clog or feel it with your fingers.
• Clean the drain hose: If you find a clog, clean it out with a pair of pliers or a wire hanger.

2. Clean the Drain Pump Filter

The drain pump filter is another common place for clogs to occur. To clean the drain pump filter, follow these steps:

• Locate the drain pump filter: The drain pump filter is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine. It’s a small, plastic cover that’s held in place by a few screws.
• Remove the drain pump filter: Remove the screws that hold the drain pump filter in place and pull the filter out.
• Clean the drain pump filter: Inspect the drain pump filter for any clogs. You may be able to see the clog or feel it with your fingers.
• Reinstall the drain pump filter: Once you’ve cleaned the drain pump filter, reinstall it and tighten the screws.

3. Check the Agitator

The agitator is the part of the washing machine that moves the clothes around. If the agitator is clogged, it can prevent the water from draining properly. To check the agitator, follow these steps:

• Lift the agitator: Grip the agitator and pull it up.
• Inspect the agitator: Inspect the agitator for any clogs. You may be able to see the clog or feel it with your fingers.
• Clean the agitator: If you find a clog, clean it out with a pair of pliers or a wire hanger.
• Reinstall the agitator: Once you’ve cleaned the agitator, reinstall it and press it down until it clicks into place.

4. Clean the Drainpipe

If the drain hose, drain pump filter, and agitator are all clear, the clog may be in the drainpipe. To clean the drainpipe, follow these steps:

• Locate the drainpipe: The drainpipe is usually located behind the washing machine. It’s a large, white pipe that connects the washing machine to the drain.
• Disconnect the drainpipe: Disconnect the drainpipe from the washing machine.
• Check for clogs: Inspect the drainpipe for any clogs. You may be able to see the clog or feel it with your fingers.
• Clean the drainpipe: If you find a clog, clean it out with a pair of pliers or a wire hanger.
• Reinstall the drainpipe: Once you’ve cleaned the drainpipe, reinstall it and tighten the connection.

5. Use a Drain Cleaner

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your washing machine is still clogged, you can try using a drain cleaner. Drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the package carefully.

6. Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and you’re still unable to unclog your washing machine, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and unclog your washing machine for you.

Wrap-Up: Troubleshooting Your Unclogged Washing Machine

Once you’ve unclogged your washing machine, it’s important to test it to make sure it’s working properly. Run a cycle with a few old towels to see if the water drains properly. If the water still doesn’t drain, there may be a more serious problem with your washing machine. In this case, you’ll need to call a plumber for assistance.

Questions We Hear a Lot

How can I prevent my washing machine from getting clogged?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your washing machine from getting clogged:

• Clean the lint trap regularly: The lint trap is located in the top of the washing machine. It’s important to clean the lint trap after every load of laundry to prevent lint from building up and clogging the washing machine.
• Use less detergent: Using too much detergent can cause soap scum to build up in the washing machine. This soap scum can eventually clog the washing machine.
• Don’t overload the washing machine: Overloading the washing machine can put a strain on the drain pump and cause it to clog.
• Run a hot water cycle regularly: Running a hot water cycle once a month can help to dissolve soap scum and prevent clogs.

What should I do if I accidentally put something other than clothes in my washing machine?

If you accidentally put something other than clothes in your washing machine, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. This will prevent the item from damaging the washing machine or causing a clog. To remove an item from your washing machine, follow these steps:

• Unplug the washing machine: Always unplug the washing machine before you start working on it. This will prevent you from getting shocked.
• Turn off the water supply: Turn off the water supply to the washing machine. This will prevent water from leaking out while you’re working on it.
• Open the washing machine door: Open the washing machine door and remove the item.
• Check for damage: Inspect the washing machine for any damage. If you find any damage, you’ll need to call a plumber for assistance.

Why is my washing machine making a strange noise?

There are a few reasons why your washing machine may be making a strange noise. The most common causes of strange noises in washing machines are:

• Clogs: Clogs can cause the washing machine to make a variety of strange noises, including gurgling, banging, and grinding.
• Worn bearings: Worn bearings can cause the washing machine to make a loud humming noise.
• Loose parts: Loose parts can cause the washing machine to make a rattling noise.
• Faulty motor: A faulty motor can cause the washing machine to make a variety of strange noises, including squealing, grinding, and humming.

If you’re hearing a strange noise coming from your washing machine, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem and fix it as soon as possible. This will prevent the problem from getting worse and causing more damage to your washing machine.