Draining your washer is an essential task that every homeowner should know how to do. It’s important to drain your washer regularly to prevent mold, mildew, and other bacteria from growing inside the drum. If you’re not sure how to drain your washer, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s go over the materials you’ll need:
- A bucket or large container
- A towel or rag
- A pair of pliers or a wrench
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Before you start draining your washer, make sure to turn off the power. You don’t want to accidentally electrocute yourself while trying to drain the water. If your washer is plugged into an outlet, unplug it. If it’s hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Next, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your washer. Look for the shut-off valves behind your washer. Turn both valves clockwise until they’re completely closed. This will prevent any water from flowing into the machine while you’re draining it.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Hose
Once the power and water supply are turned off, it’s time to locate the drain hose. The drain hose is usually located at the back of the washer, near the bottom. It’s a thick, flexible hose that’s connected to the drain pump. You’ll need to detach it from the pump to drain the water.
Step 4: Prepare the Bucket or Container
Before you start draining the water, you’ll need to prepare the bucket or container. Place it near the washer, and make sure it’s large enough to hold all the water that’s inside the machine. You don’t want to have to stop halfway through to empty the bucket!
Step 5: Detach the Drain Hose
Using a pair of pliers or a wrench, loosen the clamp that’s holding the drain hose to the pump. Once the clamp is loose, pull the hose off the pump. Be prepared for water to start flowing out of the hose as soon as you detach it.
Step 6: Drain the Water
Direct the end of the drain hose into the bucket or container. The water should start flowing out of the hose and into the container. If the water doesn’t start flowing, you may need to use a plunger to clear any blockages in the hose.
Step 7: Check for Debris
While the water is draining, take a moment to check the inside of the drum for any debris. Use a towel or rag to wipe down the inside of the drum, removing any dirt or grime that’s built up inside.
Step 8: Reattach the Drain Hose
Once all the water has drained out, you can reattach the drain hose to the pump. Tighten the clamp with your pliers or wrench to ensure a secure connection.
Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply
With the drain hose reattached, it’s time to turn the water supply back on. Turn both valves counterclockwise until they’re fully open. This will allow water to flow into the washer again.
Step 10: Turn On the Power
Finally, turn the power back on to your washer. If you unplugged the machine, plug it back in. If you turned off the circuit breaker, turn it back on. Your washer is now ready to use again!
FAQs
How often should I drain my washer?
You should drain your washer at least once a month to prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the machine. If you notice any strange smells or buildup inside the drum, you may need to drain it more frequently.
Can I use a different type of container instead of a bucket?
Yes, you can use any large container to catch the water that’s draining from your washer. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the water that’s inside the machine.
What should I do if the water doesn’t drain?
If the water doesn’t drain, you may need to use a plunger to clear any blockages in the drain hose. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional to fix the problem.