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Last Updated on November 1, 2022

You’re doing the laundry, and suddenly, you see the water start to back up. Uh oh – what’s going on? Chances are, your washer drain is clogged.

Don’t panic! It is a common problem, and you can fix it easily. This guide will explain the common issues of your washer and its fixtures.

Moreover, you can prevent the unclogging issue with some precautions. Let’s explore this guide to learn important facts about your washer.

How to Unclog a Washer Drain? – Easy Steps

If the water in your washer starts backing up, the first thing to check should be its drain pipe. The clogged washer drain will not let the water level down quickly.

Luckily, you can fix the issue with some common tips. It’s possible only when you know how to proceed with such a method.

Let’s see what can help you in this scenario.

Unclogging the Washer Drain

In most cases, you only need a plunger and a few minutes of your time. Follow these simple steps to unclog your washer drain in no time:

Plug the drain to prevent any water from escaping.
Pour hot water into the sink and add a great dish soap.
Place the plunger over the drain and plunge up and down several times.
If the clog doesn’t clear, repeat steps 2-3 using cold water instead of hot.
If that still doesn’t work, it’s time to call a plumber.
Once the clog has been cleared, run some hot water down the drain to clear any remaining debris.
Dry off the sink and plunger and store them away until the next time you need them.

You can try some alternatives to unclog the washer drain. These tips will help you do so.

Never start with flowing water, so cut off the water supply of your washer.
Check the hoses for any kinks or obstructions.
To unclog the washer drain, you try any one of these methods:

Pouring the hot water into the washer drain.
Pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain.
Use a plunger to create suction and clear the clog.

If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a plumber.
Once you have unclogged the drain, turn on the water supply and run the washer through a cycle to clear any remaining residue.
Clean out the filter on the bottom of the washer.
Repeat these steps to keep your washer drain functioning properly.

Reasons for Clogged Washer Drain

You’re probably wondering why your washer drain is clogged in the first place. There are a few reasons this could happen:

You might have overloaded the machine and caused the drain to become blocked.
The drain might not be draining properly, which can cause it to become clogged over time.
You might have been using too much detergent, which can cause residue to build up and block the drain.

Regardless, taking action and unclogging the washer drain as soon as possible is important. Otherwise, you might end up with a flooded floor—not a good scenario, trust me!

Tips to Prevent Washer Drain Clogging

You can take a few preventive measures to help keep your washer drain from getting clogged.

First, never pour grease down the drain. It will clog it up real quick.
Second, avoid sending things down the drain that might cause a clog, like paper towels, napkins, and cotton balls.
Third, be sure to use the correct kind of detergent for your washer. Some detergents are harsher than others and can cause build-up over time.
Finally, always run a full cycle (including the rinse cycle) when you’re finished washing clothes. It will help clear any residual detergent or dirt from the drain.

Natural Ways to Unclog Washer Drain

So, you’ve tried all the methods mentioned above, and your washer drain is still clogged. What do you do now?

Well, you could try a natural method. You can try different tricks to unclog your washer drain without harsh chemicals.

One thing you can try is to add a pot of hot water to the washer drain. It will help to break up the clog. You could also try using a plunger. Just place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it until the clog is dislodged.

Troubleshooting Severe Clogging

You’ve tried to unclog your washer drain, but it’s still clogged. What to do now? Well, before you call a professional, there are a few things you can try.

First, make sure that you’re using the right type of plunger. If the plunger doesn’t fit snugly into the drain, it will not work.

Ensure that the washer is plunging in the right direction. If the plunger isn’t making any progress, switch directions and try again.

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to get creative. Try pouring boiling water down the drain, or use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the clog. If all else fails, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Tips to Prevent Washer Clogging

So you’ve unclogged your washer drain—congrats! But now you’re probably wondering how to prevent it from getting clogged again. Here are a few tips:

1) Avoid putting too much soap in your washer. It can cause build-up and gunk to form in your drain.

2) Make sure you’re not overloading your washer. If it’s too full, the water can’t flow freely and will end up backing into your drain.

3) Clean your washer filters regularly. It will help prevent any debris from building up in your drain.

4) Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean your drain periodically. It will help remove any stubborn clogs that may have formed over time.

5) Keep a close eye on your washer when it’s draining. If you see water backing up, unplug the machine and call a professional immediately.

6) Consider using a drainage system to keep your washer drain clear of build-up. These systems work by trapping the gunk before it has a chance to clog up your drain.

7) Call a professional to clear your washer drain if all else fails. They have special tools and expertise; they will resolve the issue quickly.

Common Reasons for Clogged Washer Drains

Learning about the most common reasons for a clogged washer drain is important. What are some common causes of clogged washer drains? Here are the most common ones!

One of the most common causes is a build-up of laundry detergent. Yes, that little packet of soap can cause big problems if it’s not washed down the drain properly.
Rags or clothes that are left in the washer
The incorrect use of fabric softener
Grease or oil build-up.

If your washer is experiencing drainage problems, it’s a good idea to check these things out and see if you can find the root of the issue.

Conclusion

Encountering the clogged washer drain is not a big deal, but how you handle it matters. If you know the reason behind clogging, unclogging it will be quite easy for you.

We have discussed some major tricks on ” how to unclog a washer drain? “. You can use any of them according to the situation.

Moreover, preventing the washer from clogging is quite easy with a few tips. Hopefully, this guide will teach you how to handle a clogged washer drain.