How to Drain a Washing Machine in 6 Simple Steps
Unplug it, shut off the water, then drain through the pump filter (front-loaders) or by lowering the drain hose (top-loaders). Here's how, without a flood.
Knowing how to drain a washing machine saves you when a cycle stops with the drum full of water. The short version: unplug the washer, turn off the water supply, then let the water out through the drain pump filter on a front-loader, or by lowering the drain hose into a bucket on a top-loader. With towels and a shallow pan ready, it takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Before you start, try the easy fix: select the “Drain & Spin” or “Spin only” setting and run it once. If the machine drains, the problem was a glitch. If it hums but no water leaves, or the lid won’t unlock, drain it by hand with the steps below.
1. Unplug the washer and turn off the water
Water and electricity don’t mix, so pull the plug before touching anything. Then close the hot and cold supply valves behind the machine, turning them clockwise until snug.
This also stops the washer from refilling if a control resets. If you can’t reach the outlet safely because the floor is already wet, switch off the washer’s circuit breaker first.
2. Protect the floor
Lay old towels in front of and around the machine and have a shallow baking pan, a dustpan or a low plastic tray ready. A full washer can hold 10 to 20 gallons, so you’ll empty the container many times; a bucket is too tall to fit under most drain openings.
3. Front-loader: open the drain pump filter
Most front-loading washers have a small access panel at the bottom front, usually on the left or right corner. Open it with a flat screwdriver or by pressing the tab.
Behind it you’ll find the round pump filter and, on many models, a thin emergency drain tube with a cap. Pull the tube out, hold it over your pan, and remove the cap. Water will flow slowly; cap it each time the pan fills.
If there’s no tube, place the pan under the filter and unscrew it counterclockwise a little at a time. Expect a sudden rush of water, so go slowly.
4. Top-loader: lower the drain hose or bail the water
On a top-loading washer, pull the machine out from the wall and unhook the drain hose from the standpipe or sink. Lower the end into a bucket placed on the floor, below the level of the water in the drum, and let gravity do the work.
If water doesn’t flow, the hose or pump is likely clogged. In that case, bail the water out of the drum with a cup or small container, and use a wet/dry vacuum for the last few inches.
5. Clean the filter and check for clogs
Once the drum is empty, remove the pump filter completely and clear out lint, coins, hair ties and socks, which cause most drainage problems. Rinse it under the tap and check the opening for anything stuck deeper inside.
Also inspect the drain hose for kinks or a clog: disconnect it and run water through it in a sink. A hose pushed too far into the standpipe, more than about 6 to 8 inches, can also cause draining trouble.
6. Reassemble and test
Screw the filter back in firmly, close the access panel, reconnect the hose and open the water valves. Plug the washer back in and run a short “Rinse & Spin” cycle with no clothes, watching the front panel and the floor for drips.
If it drains normally, you’re done. If it still doesn’t drain, or you hear grinding or a loud hum, the drain pump or the lid lock likely needs replacing.
Quick reference: front-loader vs. top-loader
| Step | Front-loader | Top-loader |
|---|---|---|
| Where the water comes out | Pump filter / emergency tube at the bottom front | Drain hose at the back |
| What to catch water in | Shallow pan or tray | Bucket on the floor |
| Common clog spot | Pump filter | Drain hose and pump |
| Time needed | 30–40 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
When to call a professional
Call an appliance repair technician if the washer won’t drain after you’ve cleaned the filter and cleared the hose, if the pump runs but no water moves, or if the door stays locked after draining. A service visit typically costs $100 to $200 plus parts; a replacement drain pump usually runs $50 to $120 as a part. If your washer is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a home warranty plan, check your coverage before you pay for the repair.
FAQ
How can I force my washing machine to drain?
Run the “Drain & Spin” or “Spin only” cycle. If that fails, unplug the machine and drain it manually through the pump filter or drain hose as described above.
Can I drain my washer into a bucket?
Yes. On a top-loader, lower the drain hose into a bucket on the floor, below the water level in the drum. On a front-loader, the opening is usually too low for a bucket, so use a shallow pan.
How do I drain a washing machine without getting water everywhere?
Use the emergency drain tube if your model has one, open the filter slowly, and keep towels and a shallow pan in place. Cap the tube or tighten the filter each time the pan fills.
Are you supposed to drain a washing machine regularly?
No routine draining is needed, but cleaning the pump filter every few months prevents most clogs and drainage errors.
Bottom line
To drain a washing machine safely, cut the power and water first, then empty it through the pump filter (front-loaders) or by lowering the drain hose (top-loaders). Clean the filter while you’re there, since a clog is the most common reason a washer stops draining. If the water still won’t leave, the pump or lid lock needs a technician.