How To Unclog Washer Drain !new! May 2026

Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter. Even a "drained" machine holds 1-2 gallons of water.

Few things are as frustrating as starting a load of laundry only to return to a puddle of dirty, soapy water on your laundry room floor. Before you panic and call an expensive plumber, know this: you can usually fix a clogged washer drain yourself in under an hour. how to unclog washer drain

Once you feel the snake push through (it will go in much easier), pour a kettle of boiling hot water down the pipe to flush out the remaining debris. Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter

Use a flashlight to look inside the hole where the filter was. You may see a plastic fan (the impeller). If it is jammed with debris, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove it. If it spins freely, you're good. Before you panic and call an expensive plumber,

Shine your flashlight down the pipe. Can you see standing water? If yes, you have a clog.

Once the water stops, pull the filter out. You will likely find a horror show of coins, bobby pins, sock lint, and dog hair. Clean it thoroughly in a utility sink.

Insert the plumbing snake into the standpipe. Crank the handle while pushing down. You are trying to break up the blockage (usually a mix of lint, soap scum, and fabric fibers).