How to Empty a Washing Machine Filled with Water

Washing machines play a crucial role in every household. However, encountering issues such as finding your laundry submerged in water, coming across an error code, or realizing that your machine has ceased functioning can be frustrating. This guide will explore methods to diagnose draining problems, provide steps to drain your washer effectively, and offer solutions to prevent future occurrences.

What to Do if Your Washing Machine is Full of Water

You should never try to remove your laundry from the tub of your washer. Doing so can cause water to drip everywhere. Additionally, it’s inadvisable to transfer soaking wet laundry directly to the dryer because it hasn’t undergone the spin cycle to eliminate excess water. Manual removal of water from your laundry is not only messy but also labor-intensive. Instead, it’s wise to address any issues with your washing machine while leaving the laundry inside. Numerous reasons may prevent your washer from draining, and many of these issues can be resolved without needing to remove the washer’s contents.

Possible Reasons for Your Washer Not Draining

Before trying to resolve the issue, it is crucial to understand the reasons why your washing machine might be malfunctioning. Some of the reasons include the following:

• A clogged drain hose: The drain hose can get clogged with lint or debris and if the water flow can’t get past the blockage, then the washer will not drain until the clog is removed.
• A broken drain pump: Usually, the drain pump is located behind the access panel. Its job is to pump the wastewaterWastewater is used water that contains contaminants, chemica... More through the drain hose. If the pump is broken, then the water cannot make it up and out of the drain hose.
• A broken lid switch: When the lid switch works it means it tells the machine that the door lock is engaged, and it can go through the next cycle. If the lid switch breaks, the machine may think the door is broken.
• A broken belt: Your washing machine works on a few rubber belts. Their job is to transfer motion from one part of the inner workings of the machine to another. Sometimes the belt can get damaged or slip out of place so the machine will stop working properly.
• A hose that is jammed or kinked: If the hose is jammed or kinked, it can prevent the water from flowing. If you’ve recently moved the machine, you should always check if the hose got kinked or jammed.
• A drain that is clogged: If you have a clog in your drainpipe, then there will be an issue with carrying the wastewaterWastewater is used water that contains contaminants, chemica... More out of your house.
• Water level control is broken: There are machines that have a plastic tube with a water level valve that your washing machine uses to figure out if there is water inside the tub. If it becomes broken or has another issue, it may not drain.

Please note that there are some issues that are more difficult to check for than others. Follow the below process to check and resolve the issue with your washing machine.

The Process for Draining a Washer Filled with Water

If you find that your washing machine is not draining, you can try the following to resolve the issue:

• Try using the spin cycle:

If your machine will allow it, try using the spin cycle and see if it drains your machine. You can also restart the whole wash to see if that works. At times, it may just be a clog or a kink that has caused a failure in drainage and a restart can get it to work again.

• Shut off the power and water supply:

Shut off the power and the water flow to avoid an electric shock or floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More. You can easily shut off the power in the breaker box and turn the water valve knobs that supply water to your machine.

• Remove and check your drain hose:

To locate the drain hose, look behind the washing machine. It’s typically attached to your washer on one end, with the other leading to an external drainpipe. Ensure the hose isn’t kinked or pinched. Gently remove the hose from the pipe to check for clogs, clearing any debris you find. After reassembling, turn the water and electricity back on. If the issue persists or no clog was found, remember to turn off the water and electricity before proceeding further.

• Check if the washer will drain with gravity:

Place a large bucket on the floor and put the end of the drain hose into it. Should the hose be free of clogs, gravity will naturally facilitate the water’s drainage. If the water does not drain and you’ve confirmed the hose is clear, the problem likely resides within the machine’s internal mechanism—this could involve the drain pump, a belt, the lid switch, or possibly a blockage in the drainpipe itself. Conversely, if the machine still fails to drain under these conditions, it suggests a more complex issue within the hose, potentially hidden from view.

• Check the inside mechanism of your washing machine:

Begin by inspecting the drain pump, lid switch, belts, and water level control. To access the drain pump, you’ll need to remove your machine’s panel. After removal, ensure there’s no dirt or other blockages hindering the parts’ movement. Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the pump is all that’s required. If the pump is clear, verify that all belts are properly aligned and functional. To test the lid switch, press it down while keeping the lid open; it should click into place. A failure to do so indicates a need for replacement. Continue to examine the other components of your machine diligently. Additionally, consulting the user manual can provide machine-specific troubleshooting advice. If at any point you feel unsure about these checks, it’s best to contact a professional technician for assistance.

• Make sure to check the drainpipe:

If the hose successfully drained into your bucket without revealing any internal mechanical issues, the next step is to inspect the drainpipe responsible for transporting wastewaterWastewater is used water that contains contaminants, chemica... More away from your home for clogs. To accomplish this, using a plumber’s snake might be necessary.

• Drain the machine manually:

Should you suspect a clog in the drain hose—which remains inaccessible—it’s imperative to detach the hose from the machine for a comprehensive inspection. Prior to this, manually draining the machine is a must to prevent water spillage when disconnecting the hose. Although not the most enjoyable task, having buckets and towels can significantly reduce the mess.

The manual may have additional troubleshooting tips specific to your machine. Top load washers and front load washers have very different configurations, for example. If you don’t feel comfortable working with the internal components of your washing machine, you might need to call a washer repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More technician at this point.

Supplies Needed to Drain a Washing Machine

The first step to draining a washing machine is to gather your supplies. This is what will be needed:

• A bucket
• Pliers (needle-nose)
• A plumber’s snake
• Screwdriver
• Towels
• A shallow container such as a baking dish
• The owner’s manual for the appliance

Draining a Top-Loading Washing Machine

Always first check that the lid is closed. A top-loader washing machine only drains and spins if the lid is fully closed. If it is not draining, it may mean that your lid switch is broken. Try to press the lid down and see if it starts draining. If this process does not work this is what you should do:

1. Shut off the power and put towels down:

First unplug the machine or if it is hard wired, make sure to shut off the proper circuit breaker so that you can avoid electric shock. Put towels down around the machine so they can pick up any spills.

2. Find the drain hose in the back of the machine:

Give yourself space by pulling the washer away from the wall. Look for the colored hoses on the back. There are three hoses: red for hot water, blue for cold water, and the gray hose for draining. It is helpful to turn off the water supply to hot and cold water just to be on the safe side. Next, disconnect the drain hose from the pipe and hold it above the washing machine so you don’t spill water.

3. Get the water drainer:

Put the drain hose in a bucket to let it fully drain. Once the bucket is completely full, put the drain hose back and empty the water out of the bucket. Keep repeating this process until your drum is fully emptied.   

Manual Draining of a Front-Loading Washing Machine

The process for draining a front-loading machine is slightly different from draining a top loading machine so make sure to follow this process and if you are unsure on how to drain your specific machine, follow the directions in your owner’s manual. Here are the steps that work for draining most front-loading machines:

1. Shut off the power and put towels down:

Always unplug the machine first or shut off the proper circuit breaker if it is wired into the electrical system. This avoids the risk of electric shock. Put towels down around the washing machine in case you spill any water.

2. Find the drain hose:

In front loading washers, there is either a single drainpipe filter or a drainpipe filter and a drain hose. Usually, it is located behind the panel on the bottom front of the machine. Check your owner’s manual to see how to open the panel. Some washers require you to use a screwdriver to do this.

3. Wait for the water to cool:
4. If you used hot water to wash a load in your washer, it is crucial to allow it to cool down before draining it. This precautionary step is particularly important when using front-loading machines. Since there is no way to test the temperature, it is always advisable to give the water ample time to cool. Additionally, wearing gloves, even after cooling the water, can further minimize the risk of burns.
5. Get the water drained:

If your machine only has a drain pump filter, place a shallow container under the filter to collect the water. Slowly turn the knob and allow the water to flow into the container. Once the container is full, turn off the knob and empty the water. Repeat this process until all the water is drained. If your machine has both a drain pump filter and tube, unclip the drain tube and unscrew the end cap to release the water. Once the water is fully drained, replace the cap and securely clip the hose back in place.

6. Make sure to scrub the filter:

If the filter has any debris, make sure to rinse it with warm water and scrub it with a soft brush.

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