How To: Unclog Washer Drain

Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter. Even a "drained" machine holds 1-2 gallons of water.

Use a flashlight to look inside the hole where the filter was. You may see a plastic fan (the impeller). If it is jammed with debris, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove it. If it spins freely, you're good. how to unclog washer drain

Once the water stops, pull the filter out. You will likely find a horror show of coins, bobby pins, sock lint, and dog hair. Clean it thoroughly in a utility sink. Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter

Insert the plumbing snake into the standpipe. Crank the handle while pushing down. You are trying to break up the blockage (usually a mix of lint, soap scum, and fabric fibers). You may see a plastic fan (the impeller)

Few things are as frustrating as starting a load of laundry only to return to a puddle of dirty, soapy water on your laundry room floor. Before you panic and call an expensive plumber, know this: you can usually fix a clogged washer drain yourself in under an hour.