How to Fix Frozen Washing Machine Pipes

Laundry is always a hassle, but it feels significantly worse in the winter. Not only are you usually washing more clothes, but cold temperatures can lead to frozen washing machine pipes. Before you let cold weather interrupt your laundry progress, here’s how to deal with a frosty washing machine drain and prevent it from freezing again once you finally get it to thaw. 

Why Is My Washing Machine Drain Frozen?

A washing machine, or any appliance, can freeze for many reasons. The main issue, though, is that the outdoor temperatures have dropped, leaving any water in the pipes or appliances in your home at risk of freezing without the proper precautions.

• Cold temperatures: You might know what to do if pipes freeze in your home, but if your washer is in a cold area and the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the washing machine drain is likely to freeze, too.  

• No insulation: Similarly to a cold location for the washer, the room or the plumbing may lack insulation to protect the appliance from bitter cold temperatures. 

• Water left behind: For the drain to freeze, there must be water present. There may be water left behind in the washing machine, drain, or plumbing that can freeze.

• Non-winterized appliance: Draining water from the machine before traveling for the holidays or adding antifreeze are important steps for winterizing a washer. Skipping these steps can leave the appliance at risk of freezing, so add them to your home winterization plan. 

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Washing Machine Drain?

Washing machine repair costs $50 to $450 on average. Repairing drain components may cost about $130 to $250. If the drain is frozen and the pipes have not burst, you can thaw the drain with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen for less than $25. 

Signs of a Frozen Washing Machine Drain

When a washing machine drain is frozen, it can stop you from finishing the day’s laundry. Here are some signs to look out for. 

1. Visible Frost

One clear sign that the washing machine drain is frozen is ice. You may see visible ice on the drain, in the washing machine, around the pipes, or any component containing water.

2. Water Around the Drain

The drain is frozen, preventing additional water from draining away. This water may also freeze over time, but you may notice a puddle around the drain after running the washing machine. This could signal a frozen drain or another issue, like a debris clog.

3. Washing Machine Errors

Many modern washing machines may display an error code, even specifying a failure due to freezing. This is a clear indication of an icy problem, but older washing machines or simpler models may not offer this handy information.

How to Fix a Frozen Washing Machine Drain

If you suspect a frozen washing machine drain, there are some steps you can take to help speed up the thawing process and get back to that pile of dirty clothes in the hamper.

1. Clear the Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar is a powerful household hack, and you’ve probably used these items to unclog soap debris in a sink drain or scum in a showerhead. You can also use them to help fizz through the ice in your washing machine drain.

Add 1 part baking soda to 2 parts vinegar directly to the drain, letting it fizz for about five minutes.

2. Pour Salted Hot Water Into the Drain

The ice clog may run deep into the drain, but hot water can help quickly melt a lot of ice. Bring 1 part salt to 3 parts water to a boil, then slowly pour the mixture down the drain to melt the ice.

3. Clear the Drain of Remaining Sediment 

You don’t want the baking soda or salt to sit in the pipes, where it could build up and create another type of clog in the future. Boil another pot of water, then slowly pour it down the drain to help flush away the baking soda and salt sediment that may be left behind.

4. Use a Hair Dryer

The hair dryer in your bathroom can be a helpful tool for styling your morning hairdo and warming up a frosted drain. Plug the hair dryer into an outlet near the drain, and use an extension cord if there isn’t an outlet close by. Set the hair dryer on the lowest heat setting, then use it to move warm air over the drain and pipes. Make sure to move it continuously for even thawing, and keep the hair dryer several inches away from the pipes to avoid overheating them.

5. Warm the Tub and Drain Hose

A frozen drain could be just one of many washing machine problems. The drain hose and tub may also freeze if water remains in these washing machine components when the temperatures drop.

Add water, heated to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to the washing machine tub. (For front-load washers, add warm water until it nearly reaches the height of the door, and let the water sit for about one hour.)

Grab a bucket, and place it near the drain hose. Open the drain hose plug, allowing the warm water and thawed ice to drain. Reinsert the plug and replace the drain hose.

How to Prevent a Washing Machine Drain From Freezing

While a frozen washing machine drain can be an easy fix, an even better solution is to prevent freezing in the first place. Frozen washing machine parts can degrade the appliance, meaning you’ll need to find a replacement sooner. Instead, try some of these tips to minimize the risk of a frozen washing machine drain.

1. Store Your Washer in a Warm Area

Sometimes, your only option is to keep the laundry appliances in a cold garage or chilly basement. However, if you have the flexibility, opt for somewhere that stays warm year-round. This will help minimize the risk of freezing.

2. Drain and Spin

If you’re planning to head out for a warm beach vacation before the first winter storm of the season, make sure you winterize your vacant home. You can run a spin cycle and ensure the water fully drains from the washer. If there’s no water left in the washing machine, you can enjoy your time off without worrying about the drain freezing.

3. Add Antifreeze

For washing machines in colder rooms or RVs and camper vans, you can add antifreeze to keep the appliance from freezing. You can add RV antifreeze to the washer tub and run the spin cycle, letting the antifreeze drain out. Make sure to run a full wash cycle of only water and detergent—no clothing—when you return home. This cycle will clean out any remaining antifreeze before doing laundry.

4. Wash Frequently

If you plan on being home during the cold season, using your washing machine frequently can help keep the water flowing and reduce the chance that the washing machine drain will freeze. This is the perfect time to wash your sweaters, socks, blankets, and bedding.

5. Use Hot Water

You might prefer using cold or warm water or the eco-cycle setting on your washer to lower your energy bills, but from time to time—especially in the cooler months of the year—wash a load of clothing with hot water. This can help keep the washing machine drain and pipes warm when the freezing temperatures set in.

6. Insulate the Plumbing

Plumbing can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures, especially in structures with poor insulation, like a garage or around the home's exterior. You can add insulation to protect your pipes from freezing.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Fixing a frozen washing machine drain yourself may only cost a few dollars since you may only need baking soda, vinegar, salt, and hot water. This can be easy to fix if you catch the problem quickly.

Comparatively, hiring a plumber may cost $45 to $200 per hour. You may want to handle this task yourself, but consider the cost of repairing burst pipes if the freeze goes beyond just the washing machine drain. Water expands as it freezes, and it can cause the plumbing connected to the washer to crack or burst, leaving water damage all over your laundry room.

If you suspect frozen pipes, it’s best to hire a local washing machine specialist to take a look. The quicker they can inspect and thaw the pipes, the less likely you are to deal with expensive water damage and extensive plumbing repairs.