Home Improvement Ideas Plumbing Installations & Repairs How to Drain a Washing Machine Learn how to manually empty the water from a top-load or front-load washing machine. By Timothy Dale Published on August 23, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Marty Baldwin Project Overview Working Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $0 to $50 Washing machines are helpful appliances that aid in keeping clothes and other laundry free of dirt, oils, and stains. These machines work by filling with a mixture of laundry soap and water before the machine physically agitates the laundry to automatically scrub dirt, oils, and grime out of the material. After the machine washes the clothes, it drains the water, then rapidly rotates the contents of the washer to help remove excess water, which makes it easier to dry the laundry. However, if the washing machine is clogged or otherwise unable to drain, the user is left with a laundry tub full of water. If you've encountered this issue, use this guide to learn how to drain washing machine water without making a mess. Before Getting Started There are a few steps to take before draining the water out of a washing machine. First, it's a good idea to find the manual for the washer and consult the manufacturer's information to determine where the drain line and drainage filter are located on the machine. You may also be able to find specific sections detailing how to troubleshoot drainage issues or how to disconnect and reconnect the drain hose or filter. After reviewing the manual, prepare a few towels for the job. While it is possible to drain the washing machine without making a mess, there is a chance that the bucket could overflow, so have some towels handy to clean up any spills. Similarly, a plastic drop cloth can help to protect the floor and prevent water damage. Another issue to consider is where to put the water. Once it's collected in a bucket, you'll need a place to dump it out. Avoid filling a bucket you can't lift, maneuver, or dump out. Instead, select a smaller bucket or collection container that is easy to lift, even if this means it will need to be dumped more frequently. The 10 Best Washing Machines of 2024, Researched and Tested By Us Safety Considerations There are a few factors to keep in mind when you are learning how to drain washing machine water, such as the temperature of the water. If you set the washing machine to use hot water, then before attempting to drain the water, make sure to give it enough time to cool down. If the washer was set to warm or cold water, then you can skip this precaution. The weight of the machine is another concern. If you need to pull the washer out from the wall or lift the washer during this job, then it's recommended to have a second person to help reduce the physical strain. Additionally, it's a good idea to unplug the washing machine to prevent accidental electrocution. If the washer is hardwired, then turn off the circuit breaker that is connected to the washer. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Screwdriver Bucket or shallow container Soft-bristle brush Materials Towels Instructions How to Drain a Front-Load Washing Machine Identify the Drainage Filter Lay down towels and grab a bucket or a shallow container to prepare the area, then locate the drainage filter. This part of a front-load washing machine is usually located at the bottom corner on the front of the washer. Look for a small square or rectangular panel and check the owner's manual to determine how to open it. Depending on the machine, it may just pop off or you may need to use a screwdriver to access the drainage filter. Open the Filter and Drain the Water The drainage filter may have a drain tube attached that can be used to direct the flow of water into a larger bucket, but if the washing machine does not have a drain tube for the drainage filter, you will need to use a container that is shallow enough to sit directly under the filter to catch the water. Gradually open the drainage filter and allow water to flow into the container. Don't open the filter all the way, as this will lead to the entire machine draining. Instead, turn the knob slowly until the water starts coming out. Fill up the containers, then close the drainage filter and empty the container in a nearby sink. Repeat this process until the washing machine is fully drained. Clean the Drainage Filter After emptying the washing machine, it's a good idea to clean the drainage filter. Use warm water and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the filter to remove any debris, then close the drainage filter compartment. How to Drain a Top-Load Washing Machine Pull the Washer Out from the Wall In order to drain a top-load washing machine, you will need access to the back of the washer where the drain line is located. If the machine is too heavy to move on your own, have a second person help out. You can also remove some of the water with a small pitcher to reduce the weight of the machine. Empty as much water as necessary, then pull the washing machine out from the wall. Locate and Disconnect the Drain Hose Check the back of the washing machine to find the drain hose. There should be three hoses attached to the back of the washer, including the red hose for hot water, the blue hose for cold water, and a gray or black hose for drainage. Make sure your bucket and towels are ready, then disconnect the drain hose from the pipe and hold it up above the washing machine to prevent the water from draining out on the floor. Drain the Washing Machine Feed the open end of the drain hose into your bucket and allow the water to fill up the bucket. When the bucket is full, raise the open end of the drain hose above the machine to stop the flow of water. Empty the bucket and repeat until the washing machine is fully drained. If the water doesn't drain from the hose when it is lowered into the bucket, then there is a good chance that there is a clog. This can typically be removed with a plumber's snake, but if the drain pump is clogged, you will need to locate the drain pump panel and use needle-nose pliers to clear out the clog.