How to Drain a Washing Machine (Front- and Top-Load)

So your washer conked out, huh? If your clothes are still wet after the cycle finishes, and there’s standing water in the drum, you might have an issue with the drain or pump. Luckily, most washing machine repairs are simple—this is usually just the result of a clogged drain or hose. But before rolling up your sleeves, you’ll need to empty the appliance without making a huge, watery mess. Here’s how to drain a washing machine, whether you have a front-load or a top-load washer.

How to Drain Water From a Washing Machine

If you notice water in the drum of your washing machine, you’ll need to drain the appliance manually before you can determine the culprit. Here’s how to drain water from the washing machine to get a closer look.

1. Identify Why Your Washing Machine Isn’t Draining

There are several potential culprits behind a washing machine that won’t drain, including a stuck lid, a clogged drain or hose, or a broken or jammed pump. First, check the door by opening and shutting it again fully. This may prompt the washer to start the drain cycle, making for an easy fix.

If you find that the door isn’t the problem, it’s time to inspect the washing machine drain for a clog. Soap scum from laundry detergent, lint buildup from your favorite sweaters, and even a lost sock can all clog the drain. The washing machine hoses can also become clogged with debris, but if you can’t find the clog yourself, hire an appliance repair pro to take a look.

Finally, consider the drain pipe, which has a lifespan of about three to five years. If it’s old, worn out, jammed, or otherwise broken, it prevents the washing machine from moving excess water to the drain. You’ll need a pro to repair or replace a faulty drain pipe.

If all the parts of the washing machine are in good condition, you likely have a clog on your hands. You’ll need to drain the washing machine drum and clean out the clog to fix the washing machine. The remaining steps will walk you through the process.

2. Turn Off the Power Supply

To drain a washing machine, start by turning off the appliance at the circuit breaker. This will help keep you safe from risk of shock while working on the machine.

3. Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, turn off the water supply to prevent more water from flowing through the pipes while you work. Locate the water supply valves for the appliance, which are typically located right behind the washer. Turn both the red and blue water valves counterclockwise to shut them off.

4. Locate the Drain Pipe and Filter

Before you drain the machine, locate where you’ll be draining the water from, which is either the drain pipe or filter.

In a front load washing machine, you’ll find the drain pipe and filter behind a panel on the lower front of the machine. Some panels will just detach from the front of the machine, while others may require you to use a screwdriver.

For a top load washing machine, you’ll find the drain pipe, which is usually gray, behind the washing machine, often toward the bottom of the washer. Make sure you don’t confuse the drain pipe with two other hoses behind the machine: the blue cold water hose and the red hot water hose.

5. Place Down a Towel and Bucket

When you go to drain the washing machine, you’ll need a container to catch the water, plus a towel to keep any from spilling on your floors. Lay down a towel and place a bucket in front of a front load washer. For a top load washer, place the towel and bucket near the drain pipe.

6. Drain the Pipe and Filter

Once you’ve identified the drain pipe and filter and readied your towel and bucket, it’s time to start draining the washing machine.

For a front load washing machine, you may have a drain filter or a filter and a drain pump. If you only have a drain filter, slowly turn the knob counterclockwise to release water into the container. Once emptied, turn the knob clockwise to shut it off. For machines with a drain filter and a drain pump, unclip the tube and remove the end cap to release the water. Replace the end cap and reclip the hose once emptied.

With a top load washing machine, disconnect the drain hose over the bucket, allowing it to drain. When the bucket fills up, reconnect the drain hose. Empty the bucket into a sink basin, and repeat the process until all the water has drained.

7. Check for Clogs

Now that you’ve emptied the water from the machine, it’s time to see if you can find the clog in order to clear it. If you have a top load washing machine, the clog is likely in the drain pipe. If you have a front load washing machine, the clog is probably in the drain filter.

However, if you’ve drained the washing machine and don’t see signs of a clog, there could be a more serious problem with your washing machine, such as a broken part. Hire a local washing machine repair company to inspect and fix the washer.

8. Clean Out Any Clogs

If the drain pipe is clogged, use a snake to remove the debris. Repeat until you clear out the clog. If the drain filter is clogged, gently scrub it with a soft-bristled cleaning brush and warm water.

After the clog is clear and the filter is clean, replace the filter and reconnect any disconnected drain hoses. Turn the water supply valves back on, then restore power at the circuit breaker. Run a cycle; if the washing machine still doesn’t drain properly, it’s time to call in a pro.

Troubleshooting a Clogged Washing Machine

Once you drain the washer and clean the drain hose or filter, keep up with regular washing machine maintenance to avoid more clogs in the future. Continual debris and buildup can strain your machine if you don’t clean the washing machine regularly.

Boiling Water

For small clogs, boiling water can help loosen or degrade material in the filter. Simply pour boiling water over the drain to wash away grease and other oily substances that are notorious drain-cloggers.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you try the boiling water trick to no avail, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clear a small clog in the washing machine’s drain. Here’s how to leverage this tried-and-true cleaning combo for your washing machine clogs:

• Dump one box of baking soda into the drain.

• Pour three cups of distilled white vinegar into the drain.

• Cover the drain pipe as the fizzy reaction occurs.

• Remove the plug.

• Pour boiling water into the drain to remove the clog fully.

Lint Catchers

You can prevent many clogs by catching the lint before it reaches the drain. Place a lint catcher over the drain hose or use products meant to drop right in the drum with your laundry loads. If you use a permanent lint catcher, remember to clean it every so often.

Most Commonly Requested Washer and Dryer Problems

According to Angi customers, about 21% of washer and dryer problems involve a system that doesn’t work at all. Other commonly cited problems include being too noisy and not draining properly, at 10% each.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Drain a Washer

You can drain a washing machine yourself affordably, but you may need to pay for replacement parts if the pump or hose is damaged. While draining a washer yourself can be cost-effective, there are situations where professional assistance is advisable.

If your washer isn't located on the first floor of your home, the risk of water damage to floors or ceilings might outweigh the savings of a DIY approach. Additionally, if you're unfamiliar with appliance repair or lack the necessary tools, hiring a washing machine repair pro ensures a safe and efficient solution without the potential for further damage or complications. 

What Does It Cost to Repair a Washing Machine?

A new washing machine pump costs $30 to $40, and a new hose costs about $150 to $230. Professional washing machine repair services cost $50 to $450 on average. Some other expenses you may also need to plan for can include:

• Replacing a hose: If the clog has caused damage to the hose, you might need to spend between $150 to $230 for a new one. High-quality, reinforced hoses tend to be on the higher end of this price range.

• Replacement parts: In some cases, the clog might have caused damage to other internal components of the washer, such as the motor or control board. The cost of these replacement parts can vary widely, from $50 to several hundred dollars.

• Emergency services: If your clogged washer is causing a significant water leak or other emergency, you may need to pay extra for emergency repair services, which can add to the overall cost.