If your washing machine fails to drain properly, there are a few things you should check to make sure the problem is not more complex than the one you’ve already found. Broken water level controls are often the cause because they are clogged or compromised. Other possible causes are easier to identify than others, but a systematic process will allow you to locate and fix the cause of your problem. Read on for tips.
Identifying the problem
There are several possible reasons for your washing machine not draining. You can find the problem by checking the connection from your washing machine to the kitchen sink. A clogged hose may block the water drain. Simply use a hose to clear the clog. If the problem is intermittent, you may have a faulty drain pump. In this case, a faulty drain pump will cause the washing machine to drain water.
If your washing machine won’t drain, the lid might be the culprit. Most top-loading washers have a lid switch that detects when the door is closed. If the switch is broken, it may be preventing water from draining. If it’s broken, you can press it manually to determine whether the problem is with the lid or its stem. If you can’t locate it, you may need to remove it and get a replacement.
Clearing the drain hose
If you’re having problems with your washing machine’s drain hose, you can use a drain snake to unclog it. To clear the drain hose, insert the drain snake into the clogged pipe and twist it back and forth to remove debris. If this doesn’t work, try using baking soda, vinegar, or hot water to clear the clog. After removing the clog, check for other issues and repeat these steps as needed.
In addition, to drain snakes, you can also use clean-out fittings to clear the clog. You can rent these drain snakes from home improvement stores and tool rental stores. If you don’t have one, you can purchase them at the hardware store for a few dollars. However, this method won’t clear clogs in all types of drain pipes. So, before you try drain snakes, be sure to use hot water first to avoid damaging pipes.
Checking for kinks
To test for kinks in the drain hose, unplug the machine to gain access to its back. Untangle the hose by pulling it away from the standpipe. Poke a straight coat hanger in it and try to feel out any kinks. If you find any, you may need to call a plumber to repair it. If the problem persists, repeat the process with a smaller load to determine whether the hose is blocked.
If you have an older model washing machine, you might want to check the hose for kinks. If the hose is kinked, it could prevent the water from draining properly. If it is kinked, you can straighten it out by blowing air through it. If the hose is clean, you should be able to wash the clothes as usual. If you’re not sure, call a repair technician or a washing machine manufacturer for a consultation.
Inefficiently sized drainpipes
Inefficiently sized drainpipes in your washing machine can lead to frequent overflows. This is because of insufficient space between the drain hose and the tub. As a result, you may need to use a drain cleaner to unclog the pipe. However, you should remember that drain cleaner will not break down lint. If you are unsure of how to do this, you can extend the hose by using a coat hanger. Another good way to extend the drain hose is to tie old nylon over it. Using the lint catcher will also stop the flow of lint.
The smallest diameter of a washing machine’s drain pipe is two inches. The height of the P-trap and the standpipe is between six and 18 inches above the floor. To ensure proper drainage, you should also install a vent pipe between the P-trap and the washing machine drain pipe. The standpipe must be vented by the Universal Plumbing Code. Local codes may have other requirements for washing machine venting.
Overflowing machine
If your washing machine won’t stop filling with water, you must diagnose the problem as soon as possible. The problem could be a faulty water inlet valve, which controls the flow of water into the drum. If this part is not working correctly, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem. Water damage caused by a malfunctioning washing machine drain pipe can be permanent.
Some of the possible causes of an overflowing washing machine include a malfunctioning water inlet valve or a faulty level switch. If you notice the onset of a leak, it’s best to stop the cycle immediately. However, if the overflowing water takes longer than a minute, it may be a sign of a clogged sewage line. In this case, a plumber should check the sewage lines.