While draining your washing machine may not be at the top of your everyday domestic chores list, there may come a day when you need to know how to drain your washing machine.
You may already be in the midst of an emergency and need to know how to drain a washing machine without flooding your home. Either way, you’re in the right place to find answers.
In this article, we explain why you may need to drain your washing machine and provide you with a step-by-step guide on exactly how to do so.
There are multiple reasons why you may need to drain your washing machine, such as:
While it's often easier said than done, you shouldn’t wait for your washing machine to throw out an error code before draining it. Make regularly cleaning your filter and draining your washing machine a part of your routine, and aim to drain and clean it every 3-6 months.
Regular cleaning will help to prevent build-up that can cause odours and drain pipe blockages. Find out more about what causes drain pipe odour and blockages in our article ‘Why does my sink smell?’.
There are a few things you must do before draining your dishwasher in order to remain safe.
These are essential steps, and you must remember to take them no matter which method you choose to drain your washing machine.
If you don’t know how to turn off your water supply you can find out how to do so in our article ‘How to turn off a water supply’.
There are a few different ways you can drain your washing machine depending on your circumstances, such as how bad the blockage is and the amount of water in the washing machine.
If your sink gurgles when your washing machine drains then you’re probably dealing with a blockage. Find out why this happens in our article ‘Why does my sink gurgle when the washing machine drains?’.
Below are the different ways you can drain a washing machine by yourself.
First is the hose drainage method, which can be used if you know that your washing machine isn't blocked.
To use this method you need to unhook the drain hose at the back of the machine and place it into a bucket. The water should then drain out of the hose naturally and you can then put it back into its original position once the drainage is complete.
Next is the filter drainage method. This can be used if there’s a stubborn blockage that requires manual removal.
To use this method you need to place towels and a container underneath the filter to catch any water that will fall out. You can then unscrew the filter to let the water drain first before completely removing and cleaning the filter. Once the filter is thoroughly cleaned it can then be placed back into its original position.
If your washing machine stops working in the middle of a wash cycle, you may need to drain it while it's still full of water.
To do this safely and avoid flooding your home, gather several buckets to catch the water. If you can, it's best to drain the washing machine directly into a sink or drain.
While it is possible to use multiple buckets, remember to take your time and stay patient to prevent any spills.
If your washing machine still isn’t draining properly or you’re having trouble clearing a blockage in your washing machine, it might be time to call a professional plumber.
For connecting your washing machine and ensuring there are no leaks from hoses, seals, or plumbing connections, a plumber is your best option.
If you notice any visible damage to your washing machine or its parts, you may also need to contact an appliance engineer.
As drainage specialists, we’re different from plumbers, so we wouldn’t come out for a blocked washing machine.
Lanes are here to help with more severe blockages, such as those in your home’s drainage system that are hard to reach.
If you can not find the cause of a blocked drain pipe within your property, our CCTV drain cameras are able to investigate hard to reach areas.
If you require an emergency call out, our drainage engineers are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Just give us a call on 0800 526 488.