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How to Drain a Washing Machine Manually
How to Drain a Washing Machine Manually
4.8 RATING

How to Drain a Washing Machine Manually

Washing machines are fairly new inventions and have reduced the time, and effort, it takes to freshen up dirty clothes. Before its invention, people used…

August 08, 2026
How to Drain a Washing Machine Manually

Washing machines are fairly new inventions and have reduced the time, and effort, it takes to freshen up dirty clothes. Before its invention, people used washboards or did laundry by hand. Still, washing machines are not perfect. There are many plumbing and electrical issues that can force your washing machine to take a day off. Fortunately, the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing know a thing or two about fixing washing machines. 
This article will go over a common problem: washing machines that won’t drain. We will go over some ways to manually drain the washing machine as well as causes of draining problems. If you have any specific questions or if you would like to hire a professional, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

What Causes Washing Machine Draining Problems?

Usually, a washing machine will not drain because it is clogged at some point. Lint, clothe fragments, soap residue, grease, and oils are common culprits. Fortunately, there are only two main points where they clog:

  • Drain Pump Clog: Your washing machine removes excess water from the tub via a drain pump. The drain pump is usually located behind a panel in the front or back of the machine. Check your owner’s manual to figure out how to access the drain pump.
  • Drain Hose Clog: The drain pump then pushes water out through the drain hose. If the water does not rush out of the hose, then you probably have a clog. A drain snake is a good tool to use to de-clog the drain hose.

Manually Draining Top-Loading Washing Machines

Top-loading washing machines will only drain if the lid is securely shut. Make sure it is completely closed and see if the water drains on its own. If not, then follow these steps to manually drain the top-loading washing machine:

  • Tu off the power and switch off the appropriate circuit breaker to remove the risk of electric shock. Then, lay down some towels to catch water in the event of a spill.
  • Tu off the water supply and pull the washing machine from the wall to make some workspace. Disconnect the drain hose, which is usually gray (the blue and red hoses are for cold and hot water input). Hold the hose over the level of the washing machine to avoid water spilling out.
  • Gradually lower the hose into a large bucket. Allow the water to fill into the bucket. Regularly empty the bucket while keeping the hose above the machine and repeat the draining until the drum is emptied.

Manually Draining Front-Loading Washing Machines

  • Again, unplug the washing machine and switch off the respective circuit breaker to avoid electrical shocks. Then, lay down towels to catch any spills throughout this task.
  • Locate the drainpipe filter and drain hose, usually behind the panel on the bottom of the front of your machine. Check your user manual for specific instructions.
  • Place a container up against the machine to catch the water. Tu the knob slowly to allow water to pour until the container is full. Tighten to knob to stop the flow and dump the container of water. Repeat the steps until the drum is emptied.
  • Scrub the filter while you’re here. Remove debris and rinse the filter with warm water.

Call the Professionals

If you would like to leave this to the experts or have the machine repaired, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are available around the clock for 24-hour emergency services.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

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