As the day went on, the issue only got worse. Water began to leak out of the machine, flooding the laundry room floor. Sarah knew she had to take action, but she had no idea where to start. She called her husband, John, who was busy with work, and asked him to tackle the problem.
If you wash pet bedding, run an extra "rinse and spin" afterward to flush out hair before it settles. When to Call a Pro
Learning how to clean out your washing machine drain is an essential DIY skill that can save you a $200 plumbing visit. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your machine flowing freely again. Phase 1: Clean the Drain Pump Filter clean out washing machine drain
Disconnect the hose from the machine side (you may need pliers for the wire clamp). Shine a flashlight through it. If you see a blockage, you can often clear it by running a high-pressure garden hose through it or using a long, flexible brush.
"What was that?" Sarah asked, concern etched on her face. As the day went on, the issue only got worse
| Feature | DIY | Professional Plumber | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Free (or ~$20 for tools) | $150 - $350+ | | Time | 30 - 60 Minutes | Scheduled appointment | | Tools Needed | Bucket, towels, snake/bladder | Industrial augers, cameras | | Risk | Spilling water, scratching floor | Zero risk to you | | Best For | Slow drains, visible standpipes | Recurring clogs, main line issues |
Place a shallow tray or towels on the floor. When you open the filter, gravity will release any water sitting in the drum. She called her husband, John, who was busy
Cleaning the drain once is great; keeping it clean is better.
To prevent clogs from happening in the future, follow these tips: