Drainage issues and troubleshooting Disconnecting and reconnecting drain hoses and/or filters
Do the same with any other electrical devices in the immediate area.
Draining a front-loading machine is more likely to be messy than a top-loading machine, so if that’s what you have, expect more spills. In addition to towels, you could also lay out a tarp, dropcloth, or similar material on the floor around your washer.
Be aware that used water from your washer is usually considered “gray water. ” Your local, state, or even federal government may have laws regarding the proper disposal of gray water. This means that you may not be allowed to simply toss it outside so it can soak into the ground. If you need to use a bucket or dish, consider the area that you need to cross between the washer and the drain that you choose. You may want to protect surfaces or clear the area of anything easily damaged by water in case any spills out along the way.
This is especially important with front-loading machines. With these, you can’t open the door and test the water, and your hands will definitely get wet once you start draining. The time it takes for the water to cool off to a safe temperature will vary by your settings and your machine. As a precaution, wear safety gloves when you start your project.
Don’t remove the panel just yet. For now, just note its location. This is usually on the left or right side along the front of the washer.
The washer weighs a lot on its own, and the water inside makes it even heavier. If possible, have a partner help you with this step to make it easier. Do not attempt lifting your machine if you don’t think you’re able to do so, even with a partner. Skipping this step just means more trips to and from your drain. This may be a pain figuratively speaking, but it’s better than injuring yourself for real.
Set a shallow bowl, dish, or similar container directly below the filter if no funnel or similar device is included behind the panel. [5] X Research source If there is a funnel or similar device to carry water away from the machine, extend it and set your dish below that.
Don’t unscrew the filter all the way. This will enable more water than your dish can hold to spill out of the machine all at once. It will also make it difficult for you to fit the filter back into place and seal it shut as water continues to empty out. Turn the filter counterclockwise to unscrew it.
Tipping your machine backward and propping the front up on bricks causes the water inside to gravitate toward the back.
If the machine’s too heavy for you to move, open the lid. Use a pitcher or similar container to ladle water out into your bucket. Empty as much water as you like this way, or just until the machine’s light enough for you to move. If you’re working by yourself and the machine’s still too heavy even after you’ve ladled out as much water as you can, ask a partner to help you.
You’ll need to do this even if you ladled all the water out of the machine’s inner drum. There is still water underneath that, which you can’t reach through the top of the machine. [9] X Research source
Although it may be tempting to use the largest bucket possible and fill it all the way up, remember the distance you have to carry it. Only empty as much at a time that you can safely carry without sloshing any over the sides. Alternately, you can simply aim the hose’s open end over a floor drain or into a bathtub if there’s one within its reach.
If the hose’s open end is larger than the bottle’s mouth, try using a funnel to reduce spills.
