How Can I Clean A Clogged Washing Machine Drain Pipe? - Western Rooter & Plumbing (2024)

FAQs

How Can I Clean A Clogged Washing Machine Drain Pipe? - Western Rooter & Plumbing? ›

Check for any visible debris or lint buildup in the drain pipe and remove it using a pair of pliers or a wire hanger. If the clog is still present, you may need to use a plumbing snake or auger to break it up. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain pipe to dislodge any blockages.

Insert the plumbing snake into the drainpipe and rotate it until it hits the clog. Push and pull the snake until the clog is cleared, then run hot water for several minutes to flush out any remaining debris. Another method is to use a wet/dry vacuum. Place the vacuum hose over the drainpipe and turn on the vacuum.

For Minor Clogs

The hot water will wash them away easily. Now if hot water won't solve the problem, you may also use the popular duo, baking soda and vinegar. Pour a box of baking soda into the washing machine drain pipe. After that, follow through with 2 to 3 cups of vinegar.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

First, make sure your machine is unplugged and turned off. Mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1/3 cup vinegar (1:1 ratio), locate your drain pipe and pour the cleaner product into the drain. Let it sit for half an hour before flushing the pipe with water.

There are several methods to unblock a waste pipe. If the blockage is visible, you can use a pair of pliers to carefully pull it out, taking care not to damage the pipe. If the blockage is not visible or reachable, you can try using a combination of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to dissolve or dislodge it.

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

On average, expect to pay between $125 and $250 to hire a professional plumber to clear clogs in the bathroom, shower, or bathroom. For more difficult clogs in toilets and by the laundry line, expect to pay between $225 to $300.

Usually, heavy duty aluminum foil around the hose and plastic to protect them, then use a propane torch to heat the flange and force it to expand. Then douse with ice cubes to force it to shrink. Next, try TIGHTENING it to break it loose, THEN try loosening it.

Washing machines overflow for a variety of reasons—the leading culprit, though, is a clog in the drain pipe. Lint and other debris come off of clothing during the wash cycle and are drained from the unit alongside the dirty water, potentially leading to clogs that can wreak havoc on your drain pipe.

Try pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with one cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave it for ten minutes, then chase it with more hot water. A combination of the hot water and the natural cleaner mixture can break blockages up.

How to unblock a standpipe? ›

I just remove the U shaped hose and pour strong drain cleaner down the standpipe. Leave for 30 minutes and pour water down the standpipe to rinse. Replace the drain house into the standpipe. Job done.

In most cases, washers overflow because of lint clogs. This can usually be prevented by snaking the machine hose and drain line once every few months or by installing a lint catcher on the hose and cleaning it out monthly to avoid buildup.

A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt. No matter the culprit, you need to drain the water from the washing machine before diagnosing the issue or doing any work to remedy the situation.