How to Unclog a Washer Drain Line

The chore of laundry has come a long way since the days of washboards and clotheslines — modern appliances have made it a quick and convenient task. However, even the most reliable washer can encounter issues. If your machine doesn’t drain, and you notice water pooling on the floor, it’s clear something has gone wrong.

Your washer drain line may be clogged. Fortunately, most washer drain clogs are pretty simple to fix — no plumber (or panic) required.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of finding and clearing a clog using basic tools and a little patience. Whether you’re a newbie to DIY or already handy around the house, most of the time you’ll be back to your washer spinning away and draining water soon.

Signs Your Washer Drain Line Is Clogged

Before rolling up your sleeves, make sure a clog is the culprit. Watch for these telltale signs:

• Water pools around the washer after the cycle is complete.
• The washer drains more slowly than usual.
• There are gurgling or bubbling sounds when the washer is in operation.
• Water backs up into nearby sinks or tubs.
• A “drain error” code appears on your machine’s display.

If any of these sound like the issue, it’s time to start investigating.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your tools and supplies to make the process easier:

• Bucket or large container
• Plumber’s snake (manual or powered)
• Adjustable pliers or wrench
• Screwdrivers
• Old towels or rags
• Flashlight
• White vinegar and baking soda (optional)
• Rubber gloves
• Shop vacuum (optional, but a big help)

Step 1: Unplug and Disconnect

Start with the golden rule of appliance repair: unplug the appliance before you touch anything.

Pull your washer away from the wall so you can reach the back. You’ll see a flexible hose (usually gray or black) that drains into a standpipe or laundry sink.

Place a bucket underneath (some water will spill out) and loosen the hose clamp with pliers. Once the hose is free, drain the trapped water into the bucket. Keep towels handy for any spills or splashes.

Step 2: Inspect the Drain Hose

Clogs often start in the drain hose, so check it first. Shine a flashlight through it and look for lint, detergent buildup, or small clothing items (small socks are notorious troublemakers).

If you spot a clog, try one of these methods:

• Straighten and snake: Feed a plumber’s snake through the hose to break up the blockage.
• Flush it out: Run hot water through the hose from both ends.
• Go natural: Pour in a hot water and vinegar mix, let it sit 15 minutes, then rinse.

If the hose is clear, the clog is probably in the standpipe.

Step 3: Tackle the Standpipe or Drain Opening

Remove the drain hose and inspect the standpipe (the pipe to which your hose is connected). A flashlight will help you spot lint clumps or soap sludge.

There are several ways to tackle a clog in the standpipe.

• Manual cleanout: Use a straightened coat hanger or brush to remove visible gunk.
• Plumber’s snake: Feed it down the pipe, turning as you go. When you hit resistance, that’s the clog. Keep working until the snake moves freely.
• Shop vac method: A wet/dry vac can help loosen or suck out stubborn clogs.
• Natural flush: Pour in boiling water, then one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 30 minutes, then rinse with more hot water.

If water is still draining slowly, the main line might be the culprit.

Step 4: Snake the Main Drain Line

This step is messier, but still doable. Find the cleanout plug near your washer’s drain line (it looks like a capped pipe).

Place a bucket underneath, then carefully unscrew the cap, and be aware that water may gush out. Insert the plumber’s snake into the opening, twisting as you push forward. When you feel resistance, you’ve found the clog. Break it up and pull out any debris.

Once the snake moves freely, you have cleared the clog.

Step 5: Flush, Reconnect, and Test

Now for the moment of truth. Pour several gallons of hot water down the drain. If it flows freely, your line is clear.

Tighten the cleanout cap, reconnect your hoses, and plug the washer back in. Run a rinse-and-spin cycle without clothes and watch to see if the water drains. If there are no backups or gurgles, you have successfully cleared the clog.

Keep Future Clogs Away

A few simple habits will keep your washer draining like it should:

• Add a lint trap to your drain hose.
• Run a monthly hot water + vinegar cycle.
• Use only the recommended amount of detergent (too much soap = too much residue).
• Check the pockets of your clothing before washing to make sure there are no tissues or other clog-causing residue in them. (This will save you from washing your car key fob, too!)
• Clean the washer’s lint filter (if it has one).
• Don’t overload the drum: it’s better to do two smaller loads than overfill the washer.

Small steps now prevent big plumbing headaches later.

When to Call in the Pros

Some clogs require a professional to clear them. Call a plumber if:

• You’ve tried various solutions, and water still won’t drain.
• Multiple drains in your home are backing up.
• You suspect a sewer line problem.
• You’d rather not tackle plumbing projects.

A professional can use motorized augers and camera scopes to quickly spot and fix the issue.

FAQs: Unclogging a Washer Drain Line

Q: How often should I clean the drain line of my washer?

Perform basic maintenance every three to six months. This includes flushing the drain line with hot water and vinegar, and inspecting the standpipe for visible debris.

Q: Can I use chemical drain cleaners on my washer drain?

Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes, especially older plumbing, and may not effectively dissolve lint-based clogs. Natural solutions are often more effective and safer for your plumbing.

Q: Why does my drain smell bad even after cleaning?

Odors typically indicate bacterial growth in standing water or the accumulation of residue. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar down the drain monthly to eliminate odors naturally.

Q: How long should a washer drain line last?

With proper maintenance, PVC drain lines can last 25 to 40 years. Older metal pipes may need to be replaced sooner due to corrosion. The drain hose itself should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Q: Is it normal for water to remain in the standpipe?

A small amount of standing water is normal due to the P-trap design that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. However, the water level shouldn’t rise significantly during washer operation.

Q: Can a clogged drain damage my washing machine?

Yes. Persistent drainage problems force your washer’s pump to work harder, potentially leading to premature failure. Address clogs promptly to protect your appliance.

Q: What’s the difference between a drain hose clog and a drain line clog?

A drain hose clog occurs in the corrugated tube connecting your washer to the standpipe. A drain line clog is deeper in your home’s plumbing system. Start troubleshooting with the hose since it’s easier to access.

Q: Should I hire a plumber for a simple clog?

Most homeowners can handle basic drain line clogs with standard tools. However, if you’re uncomfortable working with plumbing or the clog proves stubborn, professional help gets the job done right.