If you’ve noticed that the washing drum or basket isn’t draining properly after each wash, the drain hose is most likely the culprit. When your washing machine isn’t working optimally, it’s easy to start panicking. But the good news is you can most likely fix it yourself before calling out a professional.
Gather a few supplies, follow these easy steps and get your washing machine drain hose working as good as new in no time.
How to unclog & clean your washing machine drain hose
Clogged washing machine drain hoses don’t magically become blocked overnight – it’s a gradual process where debris and other sediment build up over time. Once you’ve unclogged the drain hose, take a look at the gunk that comes out. This will help you identify the reason/s why the drain hose became blocked in the first place, and will also help you prevent it from becoming clogged in future.
The usual suspects include:
- Hair pet fur
- Lint and fabric fibres
- Detergent and soap residue
- Dirt, sand and other debris
- Forgotten items in pockets (think coins, tissues, hair ties)
- Limescale buildup
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gloves
- A towel or two
- Bucket or container
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Hot water
- Eco-friendly drain cleaner
Steps
- Switch the washing machine off or unplug it.
- Next, close the water supply.
- Disconnect the pipe running from the tap to the washing machine. Check the washer and tap sieve – sometimes sand and small pebbles accumulate here (especially after major water pipe maintenance). Reconnect when cleaned.
- Open and clean the filter – usually located at the front bottom right or left corner. Pop a towel and container down before unscrewing it to catch excess water and debris. Use your gloved hands to physically remove excess debris like lint or hair buildup. Replace and close the filter cover.
- Now, you might have to move the washing machine forward to get better access, but once you can reach the trap, place a bucket or container underneath it. The trap is connected to the washing machine hose.
- Open the bottom seal of the trap and allow it to drain excess water and any debris. Rinse it clean and replace it.
- Now take a look at the washing machine drain hose. Disconnect the hose from the drain.
- Fill the bucket with some hot (not boiling!) water and bicarbonate of soda. Pour this mixture down the drain (use a funnel if you need to). Wait for 10 minutes and then reconnect the hose to the drain.
- Pour water down the drain to check whether water runs through easily.
- If the drain hose is still blocked, use an eco-friendly drain cleaner solution (follow package instructions) to pour into the drain.
If your washing machine is still not draining properly and smells very musty or off, the blockage could be somewhere specific or further down the drain. This means needing an expert hand and professional tools to unblock it safely. Call your washing machine maintenance crew or a professional plumber to help you.
Also See: How to descale your washing machine
Feature image credit: www.coolblue.nl
