How To Clean Washing Machine Drain Pipe

CONTENTS

• How to tell if your washing machine is clogged?
• What are the risks of a clogged washing machine pipe?
• How to drain your washing machine
• How to maintain your washing machine
• What to do if the drain pipe is clogged
• Get in touch

If your washing machine drain is clogged, it could indicate a larger issue. Without technical expertise, you may struggle to fix the problem yourself. Additionally, a blocked drain could impact the rest of your property's pipes, potentially causing even more issues that require professional assistance.

At ICE Drainage, our expert operatives offer indoor drain cleaning services. Using industrial-grade tools and methods, we can effectively unclog a drain blockage and decontaminate the affected area. Our cleaners could be on-site at your earliest convenience in an emergency.

Read on to learn about your washing machine’s drain pipe and how to clean it.

How to tell if your washing machine is clogged?

Sometimes we fail to realise that the machines we use to clean everyday items need to be cleaned themselves from time to time. You have a responsibility to ensure that it is in working order with frequent maintenance checks and clear the machine of any accumulation often.

Washing machine drain pipes will clog due to soap scum build-up, dryer lint, oil, and grease stains on clothing. After a while, the drain pipe eventually blocks and the machine could start to break down. The signs of a clogged drain pipe include:

• An error code is displaying on the machine
• A foul odour coming from the machine
• Loud noises during a wash cycle
• Standing water around the machine

What are the risks of a clogged washing machine pipe?

When a washing machine clogs, it leads to further issues that can quickly spiral out of control without professional intervention. A clogged drain pipe is an accumulation of waste and bacteria, which could attract various issues like:

• Mould and mildew growth
• A sewage backup
• Water damage
• Pest infestations

How to drain your washing machine

If the clog is a minor issue not caused by the sewage line or damage to the drain pipes, you should be able to drain the machine yourself. This can be done safely at home and without expert equipment or solutions.

Before you begin, you must turn off the water supply in your home to prevent drain water from spilling everywhere and causing water damage. Do this by turning the shut-off valves clockwise with either a wrench or your fingers. Following this, you must:

1. Unplug the washing machine
2. Identify the drain hose which is often a flexible tube
3. Turn the water hoses off
4. Place a bucket or shallow container under the drain hose
5. Loosen the hose clamp with a wrench and carefully remove it
6. Gently remove the hose and place it into the container
7. Wait until all the water is drained
8. Place the hose back with the clamp and plug everything back in

If, after draining the machine the problems continue, then this could be related to a sewage blockage. If you cannot drain it due to a clog, then contact a drain cleaning company.

How to maintain your washing machine

The best way to prevent issues with your washing machine’s drain pipes is to conduct a maintenance wash on your appliance at least once a month. This includes washing the detergent drawer and washing machine filter, which can help prevent a blockage in the drain pipe.

Conducting a maintenance wash also prevents mould growth in the door seal and drum, prolonging its lifespan for up to thirteen years with consistent cleaning. According to experts, the best method to follow for a maintenance wash is to:

• Use washing machine cleaning solutions
• Choose the cotton or delicate wash cycle
• Set the temperature to the hottest setting
• Start the cycle and wait
• Clean underneath the door seal
• Leave the door open to dry it out
• Ventilate the room

What to do if the drain pipe is clogged

If the appliance continues to show signs of clogging after draining it, this may imply a larger issue that you cannot fix. The drain pipe may have a block deep inside the machine, or there could be an issue with your drainage system.

Do not attempt to fix this yourself, as you might be at risk of further damaging the machine or your pipe system. A technician specialising in washing machine drain cleaning services could help you, especially if the issue is linked to the sewage line.

You can contact your local water company or supplier to find out if the issue is within your boundary line, and if necessary, contact your home insurer to see if you are covered.

Get in touch

If you need a professional drain cleaning company, our technicians at ICE Drainage can help. They will effectively unclog your drainage system and find the source of the issue to ensure it does not reoccur or cause further damage.

For more details about our industrial cleaning services, get in touch with our customer service team at 020 3376 4801 or [email protected]. We are available to help you nationwide, 24/7 – including bank holidays.